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. 

Hayes was released on bail after his arraignment on Friday, and prosecutors say Gannon has been charged with assault and battery as well. But attorney Glenn MacKinlay, who's representing Hayes, says his client never should have been charged in the first place, calling his actions a "textbook case of self-defense." 

Hayes' supporters said he's not Jewish but often attends pro-Israel rallies. They said he's a peaceful person, a single father and a decorated veteran of the Iraq War.

"He was standing peacefully and attacked and the notion that all of us could be attacked at any time just for standing out for what we believe in is horrifying," said Aylit Schultz.

Supporters say it's not just a case of self-defense but an act of antisemitism that has left them fearful.

"For the first time in my life, I'm afraid to be Jewish," said Aduna Troen. "What kind of world is that?"

Hayes was released on $5,000 bail, which was raised by his supporters. He must wear a GPS monitor on weekends, has a curfew during the week, has to stay away from Gannon and Newton and not carry any firearms.

It's utterly ridiculous, in my opinion, that Hayes is still facing charges after prosecutors have had the chance to view video of the attack, which clearly shows Gannon running across the street and hurling himself at Hayes, sending both men to the ground before Gannon put Hayes in a chokehold. 

BREAKING: Anti-Israel man shot in stomach after charging through traffic to tackle a man at a pro-Israel demonstration outside Boston in Newton, Massachusetts.

Footage obtained exclusively by @KassyAkiva: pic.twitter.com/nsGN3MQVAO

— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) September 13, 2024

There was only one aggressor in this case, and he was shot after attacking a stranger who was lawfully exercising his First Amendment rights. After the shooting, Hayes and other demonstrators even attempted to render aid to Gannon. Now this veteran is facing felony charges for defending himself from his assailant. 

We already know that Massachusetts has some of the worst gun laws in the nation, but the right to defend yourself still exists... at least on paper. Unless prosecutors drop these charges, however, it's going to be up to a jury to prove that self-defense isn't a prohibited activity.