Netanyahu and DOJ’s Leo Terrell celebrate Shabbat dinner in New York

Terrell wore a hat with the name of fallen IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, whose body is still being held hostage by Hamas.

By Jewish Breaking News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined Leo Terrell, chair of the Department of Justice’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, at a private Shabbat dinner in New York City on September 26, 2025, shortly after Netanyahu’s United Nations address.

The gathering featured traditional Jewish prayers, kosher meals, and discussions on strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and anti-antisemitism efforts, with Netanyahu praising Terrell as a “guardian of the Jewish people” during a toast.

Terrell, experiencing his first Shabbat meal, shared photos and videos on social media, receiving support from pro-Israel advocates and Jews alike.

Terrell wore a hat with the name of fallen IDF soldier Hadar Goldin whose body is still being held hostage by Hamas.

On January 21, 2025, Terrell was nominated as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.

He has announced in a statement he intended to pursue legal action against antisemitism in universities.

In February 2025, Terrell announced he would be investigating Columbia University, Harvard University, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Northwestern University, Berkeley University, the University of California, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Southern California as part of a broader DOJ investigation against antisemitism on college campuses.