Anti-Israel Demonstrator Who Targeted ‘Zionists’ on NYC Subway Now Conceals Face from Media

Anti-Israel Demonstrator Who Targeted ‘Zionists’ on NYC Subway Now Conceals Face from Media

Edited by:  Fern Sidman

In a significant development following a high-profile incident on the New York City subway, Anas Saleh, a 24-year-old Staten Island resident, was arrested on charges of attempted coercion. According to a report that appeared on Wednesday in The New York Post, Saleh turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday morning, ending a weeks-long manhunt initiated by the NYPD. The arrest stems from an incident that occurred at Manhattan’s Union Square station, where Saleh allegedly stormed a subway car and demanded that “Zionists” raise their hands, a confrontation that sparked widespread condemnation and concern.

The incident at the Union Square station was marked by its aggressive and hate-filled nature. The saga began on June 10, when Saleh allegedly boarded a southbound 5 train at Union Square and began chanting patently anti-Semitic statements. Witnesses reported that Saleh demanded passengers “raise your hands if you’re a Zionist, repeat after me, this is your chance to get out,” as was reported by The Post. The aggressive and targeted nature of his chants created a hostile and fearful environment for the passengers, many of whom were shocked by the unexpected confrontation.

Following the incident, the NYPD launched an investigation and released a wanted poster featuring Saleh’s image. The poster, which was widely disseminated, played a crucial role in identifying and tracking down Saleh, as per the information provided in The Post report. Social media also became a key platform for Jewish activist groups and concerned citizens to circulate Saleh’s image, aiding in the efforts to locate him.

On Wednesday, Saleh, accompanied by his attorney, surrendered to the NYPD’s Transit Bureau District 2 in Lower Manhattan. He was seen wearing a face mask and was flanked by several individuals who used scarves and black umbrellas to shield him from press photographers, The Post report said. This dramatic scene underscored the high-profile nature of the case and the intense media interest surrounding it.

Saleh was charged with attempted coercion, a serious offense that reflects the gravity of his actions on the subway. Indicated in The Post report, he was subsequently released with a desk appearance ticket, a standard procedure for such charges, requiring him to appear in court at a later date.

Saleh’s connection to Weill Cornell Medicine’s Rhee Lab added another layer of complexity to the situation. Saleh, who was believed to have worked as a research technician at the lab, was quickly identified on social media as the alleged perpetrator. The report in the Post noted that this identification prompted a response from the institution, though the school’s dean, Robert Harrington, did not mention Saleh by name in his public statements.

According to the information contained in The Post report, in a letter addressed to Cornell employees, Harrington condemned anti-Semitism and any form of hate speech, stating, “We condemn anti-Semitism in the strongest possible terms. Hate speech or actions of any kind, whether anti-Semitic or Islamophobic, are not tolerated by our community.” Harrington also confirmed that Weill Cornell Medicine was fully cooperating with the NYPD’s investigation and conducting its own internal review of the incident. He assured that appropriate action would be taken if any employee was confirmed to be involved.

As of Wednesday, it was unclear if Saleh was still employed at Weill Cornell Medicine, but his biography page on the lab’s website had been deleted, indicating a possible severance of his professional ties with the institution.

In the days leading up to his arrest, Saleh appeared to take significant steps to avoid detection. Reports indicate that he scrubbed his social media presence, deleting accounts and posts that might have linked him to the incident, as was indicated in The Post report.

The incident and Saleh’s arrest have elicited strong reactions from city officials and community leaders. Mayor Eric Adams condemned the ordeal, calling it “vile” and emphasizing the city’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while protecting free speech. “Mayor Adams has been clear: New York City will always protect the right to free speech, but we will never allow our city to descend into lawlessness,” a City Hall spokesperson stated, as was noted in The Post report. The spokesperson further asserted that “threatening New Yorkers based on their beliefs is not only vile, it’s illegal and will not be tolerated.”

Following Saleh’s arrest, he was ordered to appear in court on July 1 to face charges of attempted coercion. If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison. The Post report added that the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, represented by DA Alvin Bragg, has been actively investigating the incident in collaboration with the NYPD. “We encourage anyone with additional information to call 212-335-9040,” a representative for Bragg’s office said.

The incident involving Saleh occurred on the same night as a separate anti-Israel protest in downtown Manhattan. As was detailed in The Post report, a mob of protesters swarmed an exhibit memorializing victims of the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas, where music festival-goers were slaughtered and kidnapped. This context highlights the heightened tensions and sensitivities surrounding pro- and anti-Israel demonstrations in the city.

The controversy surrounding Saleh did not end with his arrest. Following the subway incident, protesters gathered at Union Square Park, escalating the tension with their inflammatory rhetoric. Brandishing a banner that read “Long live October 7,” they voiced extreme anti-Semitic sentiments. As was pointed out in The Post report, one protester went as far as to express a wish that “Hitler was still here” to “wipe out” the Jewish people. These deeply disturbing statements called attention to the severity of the visceral Jew hatred on display and the urgent need for a robust response.

In the wake of these events, Liora Rez, executive director of StopAntisemitism, issued a strong statement expressing gratitude to the NYPD for their swift action. “Harassment and coercion are crimes. We are thankful that the NYPD is acting to hold this perpetrator accountable for his actions,” Rez stated, according to The Post report. She emphasized the importance of the district attorney’s role in ensuring that Saleh faces full prosecution, reflecting the expectations of New Yorkers for justice and the vocal support of Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials.

Rez also highlighted the broader implications of anti-Semitism, noting that it not only affects Jewish communities but also degrades the lives of all Americans. “The public anti-Semitism we are seeing on the subways and streets of New York City does not only affect Jews. Anti-Semitism degrades the lives of all Americans here in New York and is antithetical to our values as a nation,” she added, as was indicated in The Post report. This perspective shines a spotlight on the shared responsibility to combat Jew hatred and uphold the values of inclusivity and respect.

Meanwhile, the arrest of Saleh has left his Staten Island neighborhood in shock. Residents who live near his family home expressed disbelief at the news. Describing Saleh’s parents as “nice” people, they struggled to reconcile the allegations with their experiences of the family. Speaking to The Post, one woman, who chose to remain anonymous, remarked, “All I know is they’re really nice and I find it hard to believe. Any of them will walk right over to help you out.”

Another neighbor echoed this sentiment, noting that the family had only been in the neighborhood for less than a year but had made a positive impression. “They’ve been here for less than a year. They’ve been nice,” he said, as was reported by The Post.“They always wave hello.” These comments highlight the dissonance between the alleged actions of Saleh and the perceptions of his family within their local community.

The incident involving Anas Saleh is part of a disturbing trend of rising anti-Semitism in New York City and across the nation. The aggressive rhetoric and actions of protesters, coupled with the personal impact on Saleh’s community, illustrate the far-reaching consequences of visceral Jew hatred.