Max Long, a former Israeli Defense Forces soldier who attended DePaul University, was assaulted while peacefully holding a sign inviting discussions about Israel. The incident occurred as a response to Hamas’ terror attack on Oct. 7, which Long was involved in as a reservist with the Israeli military. He faced harassment and threats from protesters before being beaten unconscious by an anti-Israel agitator on campus.
Following the assault, Long has decided to take legal action against the school with the help of The Lawfare Project, a top Jewish civil rights law firm. They plan to explore potential legal challenges, including Title VI, contract, and tort claims. The firm has a history of defending Jewish students in similar cases, such as at Columbia University, where policy amendments were made after legal action.
Brooke Goldstein, the founder of The Lawfare Project, emphasized the importance of protecting Jewish students on college campuses from discrimination and violence. Long, despite his injuries, remains steadfast in his commitment to defending his Jewish identity and fighting against hatred on campuses. The incident at DePaul is seen as part of a larger trend of anti-Israel protests that have targeted Jewish students across the country.
Chicago police have classified the assault as a hate crime, but the suspects are still at large. The university has expressed outrage over the incident and is working with law enforcement to identify the perpetrators. DePaul has also reached out to Long and his fellow student, Michael Kaminsky, to provide support and resources.
In addition to seeking justice for Long and Kaminsky, The Lawfare Project aims to hold DePaul accountable for failing to protect Jewish students on its campus. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of Jewish students and the need to address anti-Semitic targeting in educational institutions. The Lawfare Project’s efforts extend beyond legal action to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future through appropriate penalties and safeguards.
