Court Case

USA v. Masoud, Saadah

June 2022 (Updated March 6, 2023)
Manhattan, NY
Hate Crime

Saadah Masoud, a pro-Palestinian activist is charged with a hate crime for an assault on a pro-Israeli Jewish man that took place following an April protest in Midtown, Manhattan. Masoud allegedly battered Matt Greenman because of his "actual and perceived religion" following a pro-Palestine demonstration in April 2022. Greenman, a pro-Israel counter-protester, had the Israeli flag draped around himself when he was attacked near Lexington Avenue and East 42nd Street. The victim was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for injuries, including a concussion. Masoud was sentenced in March 2023 to 18 months in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to commit hate crimes in connection with Masoud's repeated physical attacks of Jewish victims in New York City between 2021 and 2022. In addition to his prison term, Masoud was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Case Updates

2023-03-06 | Staten Island Man Sentenced To 18 Months In Prison For Conspiracy To Commit Antisemitic Hate Crimes

Saadah Masoud was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to commit hate crimes in connection with Masoud's repeated physical attacks of Jewish victims in New York City between 2021 and 2022. According to the Indictment, other public filings, and statements made in court:

From at least in or about May 2021 through at least in or about April 2022, Masoud and others conspired to commit hate crime acts in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Masoud assaulted at least three victims based upon the victims' actual and perceived religion and national origin. Specifically, the defendant admitted to committing the following acts of violence that were motivated by the victims' Jewish or Israeli identity or perceived identity:

  • On or about April 20, 2022, in Manhattan, Masoud assaulted a victim who was wearing an Israeli flag;
  • On or about June 2, 2021, in Brooklyn, Masoud and a co-conspirator assaulted a victim who was wearing clothing traditionally associated with the Jewish religion, including a yarmulke, while the victim was sitting outside the victim's own home; and
  • On or about May 20, 2021, in Manhattan, Masoud assaulted a victim who was wearing a Star of David necklace.

In addition to his prison term, Masoud was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Case Documents