Matt Greenman was allegedly attacked by Saadah Masoud on April 20 at a New York City anti-Israel rally. The US Department of Justice has charged the perpetrator with a hate crime.
Matt Greenman claims that he was attacked by an activist at the New York City anti-Israel rally in April, that he was counter-protesting, wearing an Israeli flag as a cape. Allegedly, the suspect, Saadah Masoud pushed Greenman to the ground and punched and kicked him in the face.
The US Department of Justice has charged the suspect with a hate crime, the victim’s lawyer confirmed to The Jerusalem Post.
“The Department of Justice does not undertake hate crime prosecutions lightly,” said Greenman’s lawyer, Gerard Filitti. “It steps in where a crime is so heinous that it offends the conscience of our society. By taking on the prosecution of Masoud, the federal government is sending the clear and unequivocal message that attacking Jews, for no other reason than being Jewish or holding an Israeli flag, has serious consequences.”
Greenman previously told the Jerusalem Post that he “went to the emergency room, was told I have a mild concussion, possible fracture above the eye but the swelling was too much to see through with the CAT scan to confirm.” “Something was uneven though, which is a sign of potential fracture. My face is all banged up. I’ve got scrapes on my elbow, knees, neck, and a bruise on my arm, along with the face and head trauma.”
According to the New York Post, Masoud allegedly participated in two other attacks on Jews last year. He supposedly hit a Jewish community leader in Brooklyn twice in the head and body last June, warning him “We know where you live, we will get you.” In addition, last July, Masoud allegedly struck a man in the face and stole his Israeli flag.
“I’m very grateful that this case is being treated with the seriousness that it deserves and I’m hopeful that justice will be served,” Greeman said of the news of the charges.
Photo credit: Matt Greenman