Three Jewish organizations have issued a travel warning and are calling for an economic boycott of Middlesex County, Massachusetts after a pro-Israel demonstrator was charged with assault and battery after shooting a man who attacked him during a rally last week. Betar USA, Magen Herut Canada, and Shields of David say until all charges are dropped against Scott Hayes, Americans should stay away from the county in the Boston suburbs, including the town of Newton where the attack took place.
Michael Sinensky, Executive Director of Betar USA said, “These are dangerous times in America for those who stand with Israel. When a decorated Iraq War veteran and American citizen is prosecuted for defending himself against an individual who attacked him and openly supports a terrorist organization, it sends a chilling message: Middlesex County is not a safe place for anyone who values liberty, justice, and security.
"District Attorney Marian Ryan must know and understand this case is much larger than Scott Hayes. This case sends a chilling message to all Americans they cannot protect themselves in Massachusetts if attacked.
"We urge all Americans to stand with us, refuse to visit, and withhold their spending in all towns in Middlesex county, including Newton, Massachusetts, until this gross miscarriage of justice is corrected.
"We are in touch with community members, Rabbis and leaders these areas. We expect to have representatives in the courtroom and in the area for any future court appearances.
"We expect other organizations to join our call to action and will commence an advertising and marketing campaign calling on Americans to avoid visiting until charges against Hayes are dropped.”
Hayes, meanwhile, has seen an outpouring of support since he was charged with shooting the pro-Palestinian supporter Caleb Gannon, who ran across the street and tackled Hayes during the pro-Israel demonstration in Newton last week. A GoFundMe set up to support Hayes in his legal battle has raised nearly $250,000 over the past couple of days, with more than 3,500 people donating.
