Two alleged anti-Israel activists face federal charges in Pennsylvania after authorities say they defaced Jewish buildings with pro-Hamas graffiti and plotted violence, exposing a disturbing web of radicalization and hate-fueled messages.
In Pennsylvania, two individuals accused of targeting Jewish buildings with pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist graffiti, and of planning violence, face federal charges. Mohamad Hamad, a 23-year-old Lebanese American dual citizen from Coraopolis, and his alleged accomplice, Talya Lubit, 24, were arrested on charges of vandalizing a synagogue and a Jewish nonprofit in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood on July 29. Authorities say the pair spray-painted messages such as “Jews 4 Palestine,” “Funds Genocide,” and displayed symbols associated with Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. State Department.
According to federal documents, investigators uncovered text messages where Hamad referred to himself as a “Hamas operative” and shared an image of himself wearing a Hamas headband. Hamad, a former member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, allegedly discussed constructing an explosive device in other messages. FBI surveillance tied Hamad’s vehicle to the crime scenes, and search warrants revealed evidence on both suspects’ phones showing they coordinated and specifically chose Jewish sites as their targets.
Lubit, who identifies as an “agnostic Jew” with Israeli family ties, allegedly struggled with her heritage, telling Hamad she could “feel [herself] starting to see Jews as [her] enemies.” In messages, she expressed sentiments of distancing herself from her Jewish identity, adding she “didn’t want to be Jewish anymore.” She also reportedly shared an image combining a Nazi swastika with an Israeli flag, captioned “Facts.”
Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show that Hamad made small donations to “Squad” members Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who have been outspoken in their criticisms of Israeli policies, including calls for a ceasefire following the October 7 Hamas attack.
Both suspects now face charges of damaging religious property and conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States. U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan emphasized that targeting places of worship is a crime, not an exercise of free speech. “Members of our communities should be able to practice their faith without fear of being targeted for their religious affiliation,” Olshan stated.
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