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Olympian Who Smeared Jewish Teacher Loses Challenge to Defamation Suit
US Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad (right) in Times Square in Manhattan, New York, US, Jan. 30, 2018. Photo: Andrew Kelly via Reuters Connect
A New Jersey appellate court last month rejected a challenge to a defamation lawsuit brought by a Jewish public school teacher who said she was the victim of a smear campaign in which an Olympian accused her of Islamophobia following an innocuous interaction with a student.
According to the Lawfare Project, on Oct. 6 2021, Tamar Herman, who has served the New Jersey township of Maplewood for over two decades as a second grade teacher, drew back the hood of a female student’s sweatshirt during class, having assumed, because it was covering her eyes, that something unrelated to the day’s lesson had captivated the student’s attention. Herman knew that the student was a practicing Muslim whose wardrobe included the hijab and assumed the article was worn on that day. Discovering that it was not and that she unintentionally revealed the student’s hair, Herman, according to court documents, “immediately and gently brushed the hood back” and apologized.
The incident was soon forgotten, and the student did not protest. Herman continued her lesson.
Herman was blindsided the following day, when Ibtihaj Muhammad, an Olympic fencer and author whom she knew, published on social media an allegedly defamatory video in which she described the incident as an intentional disrobing of a Muslim girl motivated by racism and Islamophobia.
Incidentally, Muhammad tied her discussion of the incident to promoting her recently published book, The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family.
But Herman had believed that the issue was settled. Earlier that day, her principal had told her that the child’s parent had called and agreed Herman’s drawing back the student’s hood was a “misunderstanding.” But Muhammad’s hundreds of thousands of followers on social media had been moved by the Olympian’s claim that Herman subjected the child to “humiliation,” “trauma,” and “abuse” and flooded the South Orange Maplewood School District with letters and complaints, many of which brimmed with antisemitic tropes and violent threats.
Muhammad also, allegedly, “grossly” embellished the details of the incident, according to court documents, saying that Herman and the student engaged in a struggle over the hood which ended in Herman’s proclaiming that “her hair was beautiful and she did not have to wear hijab to school anymore” — none of which happened, attorneys said. However, Muhammad’s version of what occurred nevertheless gained acceptance as fact, and before the end of the day on Oct. 7, 2021, Herman was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the school district’s investigation. Law enforcement entered the picture as well, with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office considering criminal charges. Meanwhile, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) publicly denounced Herman as a bigot.
An ordeal ensued which has forever altered Herman’s life and besmirched the 20 years she devoted to public service. A progressive Democrat who, in the words of her attorneys “celebrated diversity,” she reveled in teaching students of all backgrounds and forging close relationships with community members from different ethnicities and faiths. She even befriended Muhammad, as they both attended the same gym.
“They also discussed how holding a sporting event in Israel between people of different religions could build cross-culture understanding,” court documents said. “As well, prior to the events at issue in this action, Herman expressed support for Muhammad specifically, and Islam generally, online, where the two were Facebook friends … Herman’s affinity and respect for Muhammad was perhaps best evidenced by Muhammad’s prominent place in Herman’s classroom and its surroundings: Herman had a poster of Muhammad displayed in the hallway outside Herman’s classroom on a special class bulletin board of character traits and accomplishments, and the class studied Muhammad as an example of perseverance, persistence, dedication, overcoming obstacles, overcoming adversity, and achieving excellence in spite of it all.”
Herman’s legal counsel soon realized during its investigation of the case that something else was at play. On the night Muhammad posted her video, the student’s mother, Cassandra Wyatt — who also knew Muhammad personally — told everyone she could on social media that her perception of the classroom incident changed upon her learning that Herman was Jewish.
“I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THE TEACHER IS JEWISHHHHHHHHH
,” Wyatt, who also proclaimed that she stood to benefit financially from the controversy, wrote on Facebook. “That’s why I believe she did it now I’m furious…I had no understanding she been in her class a month now…Nowwww [sic] I’m not speechless nor mute I 44nderstand [sic] nowwww…SHE’S JEWISH OO SUS GOT A PROBLEM ON HER HANDS.”
Given the rhetoric of the mother — as well as that of the father, Joseph Wyatt, who once allegedly said, “The Jews, the Semitics, they run Hollywood — Muhammad should have declined to promote a severely biased narrative to her thousands of followers, according to Herman’s lawyers. They added that the Olympian has refused to retract any of the claims she made.
“The malicious defamation campaign against Ms. Herman was a calculated, antisemitic effort to harm a respected member of the community, motivated by her Jewish identity,” The Lawfare Project’s chief operating officer, Benjamin Cyber, said in a press release. “Ms. Muhammad must be held accountable for the significant trauma she has inflicted. The Lawfare Project commends Bochner PLLC for their exceptional legal work and collaboration with us to pursue justice for Ms. Herman.”
With last month’s ruling, the case can now proceed to discovery.
“We are very pleased with yesterday’s Appellate Division rulings,” Edward Paltzik and Erik Dykema, two attorneys representing Herman, added. “Ms. Herman’s meritorious case against Ms. Muhammad will now proceed, as it should, on a path to trial. The court correctly found that we properly pleaded our defamation case against Ms. Muhammad. We knew all along that this would be an arduous and long process, but Ms. Herman is a woman of remarkable character and resolve. As well, this victory would have not been possible without the ongoing instrumental collaboration of The Lawfare Project.”
Follow Dion J. Pierre @DionJPierre.
The post Olympian Who Smeared Jewish Teacher Loses Challenge to Defamation Suit first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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Belgian Prime Minister Shows Solidarity With Jewish Community, Calls for Caution on Palestinian State Recognition
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever attends a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (not pictured), at the Chancellery, in Berlin, Germany, Aug. 26, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
Amid rising antisemitism across Europe and increasing hostility toward Israel from several European governments, Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed Belgium’s sympathy and respect for the Jewish community this week, honoring the millions of victims of the Holocaust.
During his trip to Berlin on Tuesday, De Wever visited the Holocaust Memorial and left a moving message in its guestbook.
“On behalf of the Belgian government and all people and communities living together in peace in Belgium, I express my deepest sympathy and my respect,” the Belgian leader wrote in a note in German.
“We will remember all the victims. I stand here humbly at this place of remembrance. The Jewish community will always have a home in Europe,” he continued.
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), commended De Wever’s remarks and his support for the Jewish community, highlighting his leadership as a model.
“We sincerely thank Prime Minister De Wever for his moving message in Berlin. At a time when antisemitism is once again spreading across Europe, his clear and unwavering statement that the Jewish community will always have a home here is deeply important,” Margolin said in a statement.
“Such leadership not only honors the memory of the six million victims of the Holocaust but also strengthens the sense of security and belonging for Jews in Belgium and across the continent,” he continued.
“We also commend the Prime Minister’s principled leadership on Israel, where he consistently calls for security guarantees and a realistic path to peace. His voice carries moral weight in Europe, and we deeply appreciate it.”
During a visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, Belgian Prime Minister @Bart_DeWever left an important message in the guestbook. Written in German, his note expressed Belgium’s sympathy and respect for the Jewish community and commemorated the millions… pic.twitter.com/ZcuEfKCavi
— EJA – EIPA (@EJAssociation) August 26, 2025
During his visit to Berlin, De Wever met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the recent push by several European countries to recognize a Palestinian state at next month’s UN General Assembly.
At a joint press conference, De Wever stressed that recognizing a Palestine state is only meaningful under strict conditions, warning that doing so without such guarantees would be “pointless and even counterproductive.”
“Hamas must disappear completely, there must be a credible Palestinian Authority, an agreement must be reached on borders, and Israel must receive security guarantees. Without that, recognition makes no sense,” De Wever said.
In Belgium, De Wever’s more cautious approach to Palestinian statehood and support for Israel have fueled clashes within the government, with Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot threatening to block government initiatives if the coalition continues to hinder a firmer stance on Israel and the recognition of a Palestinian state.
“If there is no stronger tone within the government regarding the human rights violations committed by the Israeli government, or if no measures are taken in favor of recognizing Palestine, a major crisis is looming,” Prévot said during an interview with De Standaard.
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Amid War, Olim-Owned Businesses in Jerusalem Thrive, Showcasing Resilience, Community Spirit
Olim gather at JFK Airport, ready to board a charter flight to Israel and begin their new lives in the Jewish state. Photo: The Algemeiner
JERUSALEM — Despite the strains of war and the obstacles of starting over in a new country, businesses in Jerusalem owned by Jewish immigrants are thriving — a testament to resilience, Zionist commitment, and the power of community.
New immigrants, or olim, who make aliyah to Israel face steep challenges even in times of peace, navigating strict regulations, endless permits, and financial hurdles, though the Israeli government offers some support and incentives to promote new businesses.
Aliyah refers to the process of Jews immigrating to Israel, and olim refers to those who make this journey.
In recent years, the road has become even more difficult for entrepreneurs, first with the economic disruption of COVID-19 and now amid the uncertainty of the war in Gaza.
For many olim, launching a business in Israel is about more than entrepreneurship — it’s a way to start a new life, serve their country, build a community, and make a meaningful impact.
Last week, 225 new olim arrived in Tel Aviv on the first charter aliyah flight since the Hamas-led invasion of and massacre across southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) — a nonprofit that promotes and facilitates aliyah from the US and Canada — brought its 65th charter flight from New York, which The Algemeiner joined.
Founded in 2002, NBN helps olim become fully integrated members of Israeli society, simplifying the immigration process and providing essential resources and guidance.
In partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth, and the Jewish National Fund, NBN has helped nearly 100,000 olim build thriving new lives in Israel.
Eager to start their next chapter in Israel, these immigrants bring fresh ideas, culinary creativity, and cultural richness, strengthening the country’s social fabric every day.
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Diana Shapira brought her passion for baking and warm hospitality to Israel, turning her aliyah dream into a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
She and her husband created Infused JLM, located near Jerusalem’s Mahaneh Yehuda Market, blending American and Israeli culture and creating a space that brings people together.
“We want people to see that an oleh’s dream can happen,” Shapira told The Algemeiner. “Even without family and facing many challenges, starting a business in Israel is possible — especially when you have the support of the community.”
“Before we made aliyah, so many people told us it was a bad financial decision. But you have to push past the doubt and keep striving,” she continued.
Another olim-owned business located in Jerusalem, Power CoffeeWorks, has become a favorite destination for coffee enthusiasts across the city.
Owned by Stephanie and Brandon, who made aliyah from Cape Town, South Africa, in 2016 with their four children at the time (now seven), the couple has turned their venture into a hub for coffee lovers and a gathering place for the community.
“We made aliyah because we believed Israel was the best place to raise our children,” Stephanie told The Algemeiner. “Despite all the challenges along the way, it has been an incredible journey.”
Crave, another oleh-owned restaurant in Mahaneh Yehuda, has gained increasing attention with its strictly kosher gourmet street food, blending American, Mexican, and Asian flavors in a way that hasn’t been seen before.
American-born Yoni Van Leeuwen, who made aliyah more than 20 years ago with his wife and eight children, views food not just as a business, but as a way to bring cultures and communities together.
Following the Oct. 7 atrocities, the war in Gaza dealt a harsh blow to Israeli businesses, forcing many to cut hours, adapt operations, and manage shortages.
Yet these olim-owned establishments have shown resilience, proving that passion, creativity, and commitment to the Zionist dream can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Whether by serving comfort food, offering a safe space for neighbors, or organizing fundraisers for soldiers in Gaza and Lebanon, these business owners described a spirit of perseverance deeply rooted in Jewish history.
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Police in England Investigate Air Rifle Attack Against Jewish Teenager, Swastika Spray Painted at Rabbi’s Home
Friday night saw a string of swastika vandalism resulting in four reports, including from Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, a Chabad leader who discovered the Nazi symbol spray painted in black on his home’s white wall as he left for synagogue the next morning with his two young daughters. Photo: Screenshot
Multiple antisemitic incidents reported this past weekend targeted the Jewish community of Bournemouth in the southern region on the coast of the United Kingdom.
On Saturday afternoon, a driver stopped to harass and yell obscenities at two pedestrians before shooting one, a Jewish teenage boy, in the forehead with an air rifle and fleeing. The victim suffered swelling but has otherwise recovered.
“Detectives are leading the investigation to locate the occupants of the vehicle and to establish the full circumstances of the incident,” a spokesman for Dorset Police said. “The incident is being treated as a hate crime. Officers are engaging with the local community and carrying out patrols in the area. We would encourage anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer.”
Rabbi Alan Lewis, who leads the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation, said that “the young man who was shot is a religious Jew who was wearing a skull cap. It was very obvious he was Jewish. Then several people living on Manor Road woke up to find that swastikas had been painted on their homes. The homes had a mezuzah outside, so it was obvious that Jewish people lived there.”
Friday night saw a string of swastika vandalism resulting in four reports, including from Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, a Chabad leader who discovered the Nazi symbol spray painted in black on his home’s white wall as he left for synagogue the next morning with his two young daughters.
“We will continue to live as proud Jews here in Bournemouth … I want to encourage everyone to do exactly the same,” Alperowitz said. “This is not the Bournemouth I know. Bournemouth is a kind, beautiful place and I feel this is still the truth for the vast majority of people here.”
Other members of the Jewish community came to assist the rabbi with removing the graffiti.
“[The] good news is that by the time you’re watching this video our wall will have been cleaned, thanks to some amazing people from the community, who came around to help clean it,” Alperowitz said.
Author Dov Forman wrote that “on Saturday morning, my friend Rabbi Benzion Alperowitz of Bournemouth Chabad walked outside to find a swastika on his home. Antisemitism is alive on our streets, yet it is too often excused and ignored. But it will not break us. We will continue to live proudly as Jews.”
Law enforcement has reportedly stepped up patrols in the town’s Jewish neighborhoods which include an estimated 2,000 people.
On Monday, the Community Security Trust (CST), an organization focused on monitoring antisemitic threats in the UK, released a statement saying that it was “appalled by a series of anti-Jewish hate crimes in Bournemouth over the weekend. These are abhorrent acts of racism that are deeply distressing for the Jewish community and should alarm everybody. We are supporting the local Jewish community and working with Dorset Police to assist their investigation. We urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact the police and CST.”
CST released a report of antisemitic incidents in the UK during 2024, finding 3,528 — the second highest ever — showing an 18-percent decrease from the all-time high of 4,296 in 2023.
Earlier this month, CST released a separate report noting the group recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the UK from January to June of this year. It marks the second-highest total of incidents ever recorded by CST in the first six months of any year, following the first half of 2024 in which 2,019 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the aftermath of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel.
“These hateful attacks on people and property in Bournemouth are extremely concerning. We have been informed that the police are investigating and hope that the perpetrators will be arrested and face the full force of the law,” Andrew Gilbert, vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said in a statement.
Maurice Michaels, who served as rabbi at Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, said that the community felt “very pressurized and anxious.” He added, “We’re getting terrified calls from people across the UK asking, ‘Is this really happening in Bournemouth?’ I’d never go out wearing my usual skull cap, I don’t show outward signs of being Jewish. I know community members who have even removed their mezuzah from their front door.”
Michaels described the antisemitic crimes as “a measure of what’s going on across the country, demonstrations where people cover their faces. They don’t want to be recognized because they know what they’re doing is wrong. We do the best we can to secure our safety. But when people attack our homes, when they shoot pellets — it gets to a point where it’s no longer a manageable situation. We’re frightened.”