A New York City resident has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that the police department discriminates in its handling of protests based on political viewpoints. Enbar Ozeri, the plaintiff, filed her complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on November 20, 2025, targeting The City of New York and unnamed police officers as defendants.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on April 24, 2025, when Ozeri attended a protest near the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn. The protest was against Itamar Ben-Gvir, a controversial Israeli politician known for his extremist views. According to Ozeri's complaint, while she and other pro-Palestinian protesters were peaceful and complied with police instructions to remain within designated barricades, they were subjected to violent attacks by counter-protesters associated with Ben-Gvir's event. These counter-protesters allegedly hurled objects at them while NYPD officers stood by without intervening. "The police did nothing in response to stop the counter-protesters from approaching or assaulting the protesters," states the complaint.
Ozeri claims that she suffered physical injuries during this confrontation when she was struck on the forehead by an object thrown by a counter-protester. Despite bleeding profusely and being surrounded by aggressive individuals, NYPD officers reportedly failed to provide protection or assistance. She was eventually aided by a civilian medic and transported to a hospital where she received stitches.
The lawsuit argues that these events are part of a broader pattern of biased policing by the NYPD against protests that express viewpoints disfavored by city authorities. Ozeri accuses the police department of having a tacit policy that allows right-wing demonstrators more leeway while cracking down on left-wing protests such as those supporting Palestinian rights. The complaint cites multiple instances where pro-Palestinian protesters were allegedly assaulted or arrested unjustly while right-wing groups faced little interference from law enforcement.
In her legal filing, Ozeri asserts violations of her constitutional rights under both federal and state laws, including free speech and equal protection clauses. She is seeking compensatory damages for physical and emotional harm suffered due to what she describes as deliberate indifference from law enforcement officials. Additionally, she demands punitive damages against individual officers involved in her case.
Represented by attorney Leo Glickman from Stoll, Glickman & Bellina LLP, Ozeri's case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding protest policing practices in New York City—a matter attracting national attention amid heightened social movements across America advocating for justice reform measures aimed at ensuring equitable treatment regardless of political affiliation or beliefs expressed during demonstrations.
Source: 125cv06462_Ozeri_v_City_of_New_York_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf