Faoro v. Jewish Voice for Peace Inc., et al.

Docket number: 1:25-cv-00289 (D.D.C.)

The Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute filed a lawsuit concerning the February 1, 2024 blockade of several intersections leading into Washington, D.C. during the morning rush hour.

The blockade was a coordinated effort by several groups demonstrating against the existence of the state of Israel. Some of the agitators who blocked traffic chained themselves together in the middle of highways, and others used PVC piping attached over their arms to form human chains. Many of the individuals held signs that said, “Free Palestine” or “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Must be Free,” and chanted slogans including “The Occupation Has Got to Go,” “We Don’t Want No Jewish State,” and “If We Don’t Get It, Shut It Down!”

HLLl’s client was among the victims. He was stuck in his car for close to an hour, with no idea when he would be able to continue his commute into work. He eventually navigated out of traffic and returned home. Also, other travelers were forced to miss work or other appointments. During the blockade, defendants crowed about their misconduct, posting to social social media that: “Five major intersections in DC have been blocked, disrupting the morning commute for thousands in the belly of the beast.”

After more than an hour of obstruction, police arrested 23 activists and removed the blockades, eventually allowing HLLl’s client to navigate out of traffic and return home. None of the arrested activists were charged, and the groups responsible posted self-congratulatory social media.

The client brings his complaint as a class action on behalf of thousands of others falsely imprisoned in their cars or otherwise displaced by the blockade. The case defends the rights of citizens unlawfully impeded by anti-Israel, pro-Gaza groups engaging in illegal acts of obstruction rather than peaceful protest. HLLI’s legal team seeks damages and a court injunction to prevent future disruptions like this.

The suit names several groups as defendants, including: Jewish Voice for Peace, Palestinian Youth Movement, Dissenters, WESPAC Foundation, Inc., the Party of Socialism and Liberation, and affiliated groups and individuals who participated in or supported the disruption. The complaint also names “John Doe” defendants, the arrested activists, who it intends to identify through discovery. HLLI may name additional defendants as the lawsuit progresses.

While Americans enjoy broad protections to speak, the February 1 blockade of Washington D.C. was not a protest, but a premeditated attack intended to. Those who plotted economically-damaging blockades should be held accountable for their damages to prevent further politically-motivated attacks in the future.

Similar Litigation

This is the second lawsuit HLLI has filed against pro-Hamas protesters. Our first, Manhart v. National Students for Justice in Palestine, was filed on September 10, 2024 in The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Affected individuals, including commuters, business owners, and emergency services, should consider contacting HLLI if they were injured by “anti-Zionist” traffic blockades on other dates. HLLI is dedicated to advocating for those whose daily lives were disrupted by anti-Israel activists’ unlawful actions.

Case Documents