The Hind Rajab Foundation for Human Rights welcomed reports that Israel’s extremist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had cancelled his planned visit to New York to participate in an international police conference.
According to multiple reports, Ben-Gvir’s decision came after the Hind Rajab Foundation filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice and, in cooperation with the Center for Constitutional Rights, sent a letter to New York State Attorney General Letitia James, urging her to open an investigation into Ben-Gvir’s violations of New York State law and the crimes he commits against New York residents, including alleged crimes committed against U.S. citizens and other victims from the state in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The organization and the Center for Constitutional Rights also called on Attorney General James to establish a special atrocity accountability task force within the Attorney General's office, to investigate all atrocity crimes committed by or against New Yorkers in the occupied Palestinian territories, regardless of the identity or nationality of those responsible.
The Hind Rajab Foundation said in an official statement that the cancellation of Ben-Gvir's visit was "a tangible and important victory" and represents a turning point in the course of international accountability, as it proves that Israeli military and political leaders are no longer able to travel freely around the world with the expectation of impunity.
She added that "the message is clear: those suspected of involvement in atrocities and war crimes can no longer assume that they can travel abroad without legal risks."
The organization emphasized that canceling the visit does not end the pursuit of justice, explaining that the New York Attorney General's "duty to investigate remains," regardless of whether the subject of the complaint chooses to enter the state's jurisdiction. It stressed that "investigations should not be delayed even after the suspect enters the state; rather, they should be conducted proactively to ensure that if Ben Gafir or anyone in a similar situation enters New York, the authorities are in a position to act immediately."
The organization emphasized that this case was never solely about Itamar Ben-Gvir, noting that there are New York residents involved in atrocities in the occupied Palestinian territories, and also New York residents who are victims of these crimes or have lost family members or property as a result. It added, "These connections create a legal basis and a moral imperative for state authorities to investigate."
The statement read: "No New Yorker should be forced to live next to individuals responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes. Accountability is not just about punishment; it's about protecting communities, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that no jurisdiction becomes a safe haven for perpetrators of the most serious international crimes."
The organization concluded its statement by emphasizing that the cancellation of the visit "represents an important milestone, but it is only one step in a much broader effort to enforce accountability," noting that "every legal case undermines the wall of impunity, every investigation strengthens the rule of law and expands the scope of accountability, and every canceled trip proves that accountability is no longer theoretical but has real consequences long before day one in court."
The organization affirmed that it "will continue to pursue this strategy of offensive legal action wherever international and domestic law provides avenues for achieving justice," considering this victory "worthy of recognition, but our work continues."
