'Serious questions' From Jewish groups after man convicted of attacking Jewish DePaul students gets just 300 days in jail

Kasem Noubani received a sentence of 300 days in jail and two years of probation on Aug. 4 for attacking two Jewish students at DePaul University in November 2024. The sentence has drawn criticism from Jewish community leaders who say it does not adequately reflect the severity of the crime.

Daniel Schwartz, president and co-founder of the Chicago Jewish Alliance, stated that the punishment "raises serious questions about whether the punishment reflects the gravity of the crime." He told JNS that "there is a growing perception in our community of a two-tiered standard, where violence directed at Jews is condemned rhetorically but treated differently when accountability is actually imposed," Adding that "sentences like this reinforce it," Whether intentional or not.

Schwartz emphasized that "Jewish Chicagoans are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal treatment, equal protection and consequences proportionate to the seriousness of crimes committed against us. A hate-crime conviction should mean something."

Jay Tcath, executive vice president of the Jewish United Fund, called the sentence "deeply disappointing" And stated that "our community deserves to know that acts of hate and violence will be taken seriously and met with appropriate consequences."

Noubani pleaded guilty to two class three felony hate crime charges. He must also complete 200 hours of community service, and a no-contact order prevents him from contacting the two victims or the university, according to the Cook County state's attorney's office.

The attack left Michael Kaminsky with a wrist injury requiring surgery and Max Long with a concussion. Both students sued DePaul in April 2025, alleging that its "public safety officers stood idly by and watched the assault unfold." Adam Erkan, the second man charged in the attack, received two years' probation and 100 hours of community service in November 2025 after pleading guilty to battery and causing bodily harm.

Gerard Filitti, senior counsel at the Lawfare Project representing the students, noted that "the problem sits above them," Referring to prosecutors. He stated that "Illinois imposes a higher penalty when a hate crime is committed on a school or university campus" But that "that provision sat unused for 13 years." He added, "Most Jews attacked in this country never see a felony conviction with the words 'hate crime' attached to it."