Israeli government moves to deny entry to anti-Israel activist Linda Sarsour

In her social media post complaining about the ban, she repeatedly referred to Israel as an “apartheid regime” and accused the country of “genocide.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs has recommended barring Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour from entering the country, with Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli saying the decision is based on her activism and involvement in campaigns targeting Israel.

According to the ministry, the recommendation calls for a complete ban on Sarsour’s entry into Israel.

Sarsour confirmed that she had been barred from entering Israel and said the decision would prevent her from visiting family members.

In a social media post complaining about the ban, she repeatedly referred to Israel as an “apartheid regime” and accused it of “genocide” in social media posts.

Chikli said the move followed what he described as a thorough investigation conducted by the ministry.

Sarsour, who was born and raised in New York, is a Palestinian-American activist and former executive director of the Arab American Association of New York. She gained national prominence as a progressive political organizer and served as one of the national co-chairs of the 2017 Women’s March.

The ministry cited Sarsour’s role in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, her membership in the Democratic Socialists of America, and her activism related to Israel as reasons for the recommendation.

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

He added: “Following a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, I have recommended a complete ban on Linda Sarsour’s entry into Israel.”

Chikli described Sarsour as “a leading figure in the BDS movement and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), an organization whose factions openly celebrated the October 7 massacre.”

He also accused her of activities directed against Israeli institutions and military-related interests.

“She has incited students on American campuses, led campaigns to sabotage Microsoft’s defense contracts with the IDF, and specifically targeted Unit 8200. Her central goal is to isolate and weaken the Jewish state.”

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