Anti-Israel Protester Faces Coercion Charge for Subway Threats

Anas Saleh, the anti-Israel protester accused of making threatening remarks towards straphangers on a crowded Manhattan subway car, appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday. The 24-year-old defendant, surrounded by a group of supporters, attempted to shield his identity from the public and engaged in a scuffle with a photographer from The Post. Saleh faced an arraignment on a coercion charge, during which prosecutors provided new details about the disturbing incident that occurred on June 10 at the Union Square station.

According to Assistant District Attorney Madeline Holbrook, Saleh allegedly shouted, “Raise your hand if you’re a Zionist. This is your chance to get out,” causing at least one passenger to exit the train out of fear for their safety. The victim, who had intended to remain on the southbound train, expressed concerns that she would be physically harmed by Saleh and the group participating in the chant. Saleh’s defense attorney, Moira Meltzer-Cohen, attempted to have the case dismissed, claiming that the Manhattan District Attorney’s office was under pressure to target anti-Israel protesters due to a rise in antisemitic violence. However, Judge Michele Weber denied the request, emphasizing her authority over the proceedings.

Dressed in a black sweatshirt and a blue surgical mask, Saleh remained silent throughout the hearing. He was released on his own recognizance, as the misdemeanor charge of coercion in the third-degree does not qualify for bail. Judge Weber also issued an order of protection to keep Saleh away from the frightened woman who left the train. Following the arraignment, two of Saleh’s supporters confronted and shoved a photographer from The Post.

Saleh, believed to have worked as a research tech at Weill Cornell Medicine’s Rhee Lab, turned himself in after his photo was circulated by law enforcement and Jewish groups following the subway incident. It is unclear if he is still employed at the institution, as his online profile has been removed from the school’s website. The Staten Island resident allegedly boarded the southbound 5 train on June 10 with over 10 other protesters and made the threatening statement. This incident followed a previous episode where anti-Israel demonstrators swarmed a Manhattan exhibit honoring the victims of a Hamas attack on Israel. Protesters later gathered at Union Square, with one displaying a banner reading “Long live October 7” and another expressing a desire for Hitler’s return to “wipe out” Jews. Similar anti-Israel protests have occurred in New York City since the attack, which prompted a significant Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip.