Israel blocks entry to NYC mayor’s aide amid political dispute

Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority has barred Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour from entering the country, following a recommendation by the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry, officials said.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said the decision was based on the ministry’s assessment of Sarsour’s public activities, accusing her of promoting initiatives aimed at isolating Israel internationally and supporting anti-Israel campaigns, according to Israeli media.

Chikli said Sarsour was “one of the leaders of the protests in support of Hamas in the United States after October 7,” and argued that Israel should deny entry to individuals working to harm or weaken the state.

“Sovereign nations protect their borders. Israel will no longer open its gates to those who work to destroy it,” Chikli wrote on X.

He described Sarsour as a central figure in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and pointed to her affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America, which he said includes factions that celebrated Hamas’ October 7 attack. He also accused her of encouraging anti-Israel activism on US campuses and of playing a role in campaigns targeting Microsoft defence contracts linked to the Israel Defence Forces, including efforts focused on Unit 8200.

According to Chikli, Sarsour’s activism is intended to “isolate and weaken the Jewish state.”

“Whoever dedicates their life to isolating and harming Israel will not walk our streets. Period,” he wrote.

Sarsour, a New York-born activist of Palestinian descent, currently serves as an adviser to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. She previously served as a national co-chair of the 2017 Women’s March and led the Arab American Association of New York. Her activism has focused on Palestinian rights, immigration, civil rights and broader social justice issues.

Responding to the decision, Sarsour said she had been barred because of her advocacy for human rights. She described Israel as “a murderous apartheid regime” and said Americans must “stop arming and funding them immediately.”

Sarsour has also faced criticism over her positions on Israel from pro-Israel groups and political opponents. She has denied accusations of antisemitism, saying her criticism is directed at Israeli government policy rather than Jewish people.

By Tamilla Hasanova