Betar USA, a far-right pro-Israel organization, has agreed to dissolve its New York-based nonprofit corporation following a settlement with New York Attorney General Letitia James. The group, inspired by the historic Zionist youth movement founded in 1923, faced accusations of orchestrating a "campaign of violence, harassment, and intimidation" against Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and even Jewish individuals opposing their views during protests related to the Gaza conflict.
The settlement, announced yesterday, mandates that Betar cease all unlawful activities in the state, undergo three years of compliance monitoring, and face potential fines of up to $50,000 for any violations.
Investigations by James's office were triggered by reports of Betar members encouraging the use of weapons at demonstrations, trespassing, and committing physical assaults.
A key factor in the probe was a documentary by The Grayzone, which revealed internal Betar discussions allegedly including threats to bomb the car of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of Zionist groups.
Mamdani, New York's first Muslim mayor, has sponsored legislation aimed at restricting such organizations and recently revoked pro-Israel executive orders from former Mayor Eric Adams, including anti-BDS measures and the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism. These moves have sparked backlash from Israeli officials and pro-Israel advocates, who accuse Mamdani of antisemitism.
In a statement, Mayor Mamdani welcomed the disbandment, describing Betar as having "sowed a campaign of hatred" through Islamophobic extremism.
