A man, Reuven Kahane, was charged with assault after getting into an argument with pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Manhattan and hitting one with his car. The 55-year-old woman who was struck, Maryellen Novak, was treated for minor injuries and was also arrested and charged with criminal mischief and unlawful assembly. Another demonstrator involved, John Rozendaal, was also arrested and charged with criminal mischief. Mr. Kahane was released without bail after his arraignment, with his lawyers expressing confidence that he would be exonerated.
The police reported that the demonstrators were part of a group of about 25 people demonstrating outside of 755 Park Avenue when the incident occurred. According to a student group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Mr. Kahane drove up to the protesters in his car, asked for a flier, and grabbed one of the protester’s arms before circling the block and striking a person identified as a member of the group’s de-escalation team. The group claimed that this incident was the second time members had been assaulted in a week and the fourth hospitalization.
John Rozendaal, one of the demonstrators involved, stated that he was at the demonstration as a de-escalator and was trying to keep people safe. He acknowledged that there were people at the demonstration who were “really, really angry,” adding that it was a challenge to have compassion for everyone on the scene despite the anger being fueled by fear. He highlighted the larger issues at play, including what was happening in Gaza, U.S. complicity, and Columbia University’s involvement.
Mr. Rozendaal, a musician living in Manhattan, declined to provide details about the confrontation with Mr. Kahane but emphasized the significance of the Columbia University students’ refusal to be complicit in the situation. He was released from central booking early in the morning and informed that the Manhattan district attorney’s office had decided not to prosecute his case. The episode underscored the tension surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the activism and advocacy efforts taking place in various parts of the United States.
The lawyers representing Mr. Kahane expressed their belief that additional facts would come to light as the case progressed and were confident about their client being exonerated. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined to prosecute Ms. Novak and Mr. Rozendaal, further reflecting the complexities and nuances of the situation. The incident highlighted the challenges and risks associated with activism and demonstrations, as well as the importance of de-escalation efforts and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in such events.
Overall, the events in Manhattan involving Reuven Kahane and the pro-Palestinian demonstrators underscored the contentious nature of the ongoing conflict and the deep-rooted emotions and beliefs on both sides. While the legal process continues to unfold, the incident served as a stark reminder of the need for dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution to complex geopolitical issues. It also shed light on the activism and advocacy efforts of various groups, as well as the challenges faced by individuals participating in demonstrations and protests.
