It would be easy to miss today’s good news, which comes via the Trump Department of Justice. The headline of the Jewish Chronicle spells it out: “US scraps Unrwa’s legal immunity in major reversal of Biden-era policy.” Subhead: “The decision could see the UN agency, which has been accused of employing Hamas operatives, hit with significant claims from the relatives of terror victims.”
Huge breaking: In a major reversal of the Biden admin’s position, the Trump DOJ now says @UNRWA has no immunity from U.S. lawsuits—opening the door to massive claims by Hamas victims.
The DOJ also questions whether UNRWA was legally created in the first place 🧵 pic.twitter.com/hSOghcvJeA
— Eitan Fischberger (@EFischberger) April 25, 2025
The X feed of Professor Eugene Kontorovich has helpful background and reflection on this change of policy. He comments: “UNRWA’s funding from primary donors Germany, France, EU, Sweden, Norway is going to dry up fast when they understand every cent is going to be needed to pay damages to Jewish victims.” So let it be written, so let it be done.
Professor Kontorovich also cites his own September 2024 New York Post column (with Mark Goldfeder) “Outrage as US DOJ defends UN staffers who collaborated in Hamas’ terror.”
TREMENDOUS DEVELOPMENT: Justice Dept. declares @UNRWA does not enjoy immunity to suit in the United States, opening the door to massive claims by victims of Hamas (and any other kind of suit). This reverses position taken by Biden DoJ. Proud to have participated in an amicus…
— Eugene Kontorovich (@EVKontorovich) April 25, 2025
