Anti-Israel protester gets wrist-slap for trying to ID Zionists on packed NYC subway train

An anti-Israel protester got a slap on the wrist for allegedly barging onto a packed Manhattan subway train last summer and demanding “Zionists” identify themselves — a legal outcome that left Jewish advocacy groups outraged.Anas Saleh, 24, will have his disorderly conduct charge tossed if he completes four hours of community service at a Jewish organization and attends an anti-bias course for his alleged threatening behavior, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed Wednesday.

Saleh was also initially facing coercion and attempted coercion charges, but those have already been dismissed by a judge because of “facial insufficiency,” a Manhattan DA spokesperson said.Prosecutors agreed with providing Saleh the opportunity to rid himself of the final charge after speaking with the complaining witness and “considering the defendant’s lack of a criminal history,” the spokesperson said.The DA’s office also noted that Saleh completed “a program mandated by his employer,” according to the spokesperson.Liora Rez, the founder of the StopAntisemitism advocacy group, slammed the court’s decision.

“A mere four hours of community service and an anti-bias course for blatant antisemitic harassment? This is not justice — it’s a disgrace,” Rez told The Post in a statement.“Anas Saleh’s threats against fellow passengers on the NYC subway warranted real consequences, yet he walks away with a slap on the wrist.

This weak response sends a dangerous message: antisemitism is tolerated,” Rex wrote, adding, “We demand accountability, not appeasement.”Community Security Initiative, a group dedicated to protect and enhance the security of Jewish communities and institutions in the New York City metro area, is also calling out the state for what they say are weak hate crime laws.“We are deeply concerned that New York’s current hate crime laws do not classify Mr.Saleh’s actions as a hate crime.

His conduct was not merely an exercis...