Yehonatan Ovadia, a friend of the organizer, is facing an urgent legal crisis and needs support right away. In the main photo, Yehonatan is first on the left. Yehonatan came to this country legally several years ago, and throughout that time he has not harmed or bothered anyone. He has a family with children, and he is now facing detention and deportation proceedings after immigration authorities refused to extend his visa. According to the organizer, legal documents filed by the government show that Yehonatan is being targeted because of his anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian activity. The organizer says Yehonatan’s views come from his Jewish religious beliefs: that Jews are forbidden from establishing their own state before the coming of the Messiah, and that the Torah does not permit stealing land, killing, terrorizing, or driving people from their homes. At the heart of this case is not only Yehonatan’s future, but also the serious concern that constitutional rights and basic protections are being jeopardized.

Yehonatan tried to appeal the decision, but when he arrived at court in good faith for his scheduled hearing, ICE agents were waiting and arrested him. The organizer shares that during the arrest, agents mocked him by calling him “Neturei Karta,” referring to a well-known Jewish anti-Zionist organization that also engages in many pro-Palestinian activities. He is now being held under harsh conditions at MDC Brooklyn while fighting detention and deportation. The organizer says these conditions are not meant for someone like Yehonatan, who is not a criminal and poses no danger to anyone. This fundraiser will help Yehonatan secure strong attorneys and cover the retainer and ongoing legal fees needed for his defense while he is detained and fighting his case. Legal representation is critical in a case like this, and the costs can become overwhelming very quickly.

Please donate and share to support Yehonatan’s legal fight, protect his rights, and help him obtain the proper legal representation he urgently needs. Every contribution will help him continue this fight and show that he is not facing this ordeal alone.