Case: Eli Schechter v. Chapman University

8:25-cv-02426 | U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Filed Date: Oct. 28, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

On October 28, 2025, two Jewish alumni of Chapman University in southern California filed this lawsuit in the US District Court for the Central District of California. Both plaintiffs graduated from Chapman University in May 2024 and claim to have a “deeply rooted connection … to Israel.”  Plaintiffs alleged that the university failed to address the antisemitic, hostile education environment during the 2023-2024 school year and on occasions, actively participated in the environment.  The case w…

On October 28, 2025, two Jewish alumni of Chapman University in southern California filed this lawsuit in the US District Court for the Central District of California. Both plaintiffs graduated from Chapman University in May 2024 and claim to have a “deeply rooted connection … to Israel.”  Plaintiffs alleged that the university failed to address the antisemitic, hostile education environment during the 2023-2024 school year and on occasions, actively participated in the environment. 

The case was brought as a class action on behalf of all Jewish students at Chapman University for the 2023-2024 school year. The plaintiffs sued Chapman University, the Board of Trustees of Chapman University, and Does 1-50 under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000a; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. § 1981; and Cal. Educ. Code § 220. Represented by the National Jewish Advocacy Center, In Every Generation, and a private firm, the plaintiffs sought monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, costs, and an injunction. They claimed that Chapman University discriminated against them on the basis of their Jewish religion, race, and national origin. The case was assigned to District Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani.


The initial complaint was filed October 28, 2025. The complaint was amended on January 19 and 20, 2026 to include more information about standing, framing plaintiffs’ tuition payments as a contract under which the university had an obligation to prevent racial harassment by third parties, and more specific factual allegations of discrimination. 

Summary Authors

Charlotte Beaudoin (2/4/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71784905/parties/eli-schechter-v-chapman-university/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Goldfeder, Mark A. (California)

Mainen, Matthew Louis (California)

Attorney for Defendant

GHATLIA, ADITI NARESH (California)

Heckenlively, Bryan H. (California)

Jiang, Carl Hao (California)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

8:25-cv-02426

Complaint - Class Action

Schechter and Malka v. Chapman University

Oct. 28, 2025

Oct. 28, 2025

Complaint
34

8:25-cv-02426

First Amended Complaint

Schechter et al. v. Chapman University et al.

Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71784905/eli-schechter-v-chapman-university/

Last updated April 18, 2026, 4:52 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Oct. 28, 2025

COMPLAINT Receipt No: ACACDC-40795088 - Fee: $405, filed by Plaintiffs Eli Schechter, Talya Malka. (Attorney David M Rosenberg-Wohl added to party Talya Malka(pty:pla), Attorney David M Rosenberg-Wohl added to party Eli Schechter(pty:pla))(Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 10/28/2025)

Clearinghouse
2 Oct. 28, 2025

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 10/28/2025)

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3 Oct. 28, 2025

Request for Clerk to Issue Summons on Civil Cover Sheet (CV-71) 2, Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening), 1 filed by Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 10/28/2025)

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4 Nov. 1, 2025

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani and Magistrate Judge Douglas F. McCormick. (car) (Entered: 11/01/2025)

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5 Nov. 1, 2025

NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (car) (Entered: 11/01/2025)

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6 Nov. 1, 2025

Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (car) (Entered: 11/01/2025)

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7 Nov. 1, 2025

21 DAY Summons Issued re Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening), 1 as to Defendant Chapman University. (car) (Entered: 11/01/2025)

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8 Nov. 1, 2025

NOTICE OF PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION DUE for Non-Resident Attorney Mark Goldfeder. A document recently filed in this case lists you as an out-of-state attorney of record. However, the Court has not been able to locate any record that you are admitted to the Bar of this Court, and you have not filed an application to appear Pro Hac Vice in this case. Accordingly, within 5 business days of the date of this notice, you must either (1) have your local counsel file an application to appear Pro Hac Vice (Form G-64) and pay the applicable fee, or (2) complete the next section of this form and return it to the court at cacd_attyadm@cacd.uscourts.gov. You have been removed as counsel of record from the docket in this case, and you will not be added back to the docket until your Pro Hac Vice status has been resolved. (car) (Entered: 11/01/2025)

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9 Nov. 1, 2025

NOTICE OF PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION DUE for Non-Resident Attorney Matthew Mainen. A document recently filed in this case lists you as an out-of-state attorney of record. However, the Court has not been able to locate any record that you are admitted to the Bar of this Court, and you have not filed an application to appear Pro Hac Vice in this case. Accordingly, within 5 business days of the date of this notice, you must either (1) have your local counsel file an application to appear Pro Hac Vice (Form G-64) and pay the applicable fee, or (2) complete the next section of this form and return it to the court at cacd_attyadm@cacd.uscourts.gov. You have been removed as counsel of record from the docket in this case, and you will not be added back to the docket until your Pro Hac Vice status has been resolved. (car) (Entered: 11/01/2025)

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10 Nov. 5, 2025

Request for Clerk to Issue Summons on Civil Cover Sheet (CV-71) 2, Notice of Assignment to United States Judges(CV-18) - optional html form 4, Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening), 1, Notice to Parties of Court-Directed ADR Program (ADR-8) - optional html form 5, Notice to Counsel Re: Consent to Proceed before a US Magistrate Judge - optional html form 6, Summons Request 3 filed by Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 11/05/2025)

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11 Nov. 5, 2025

21 DAY Summons Issued re Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 as to Defendant The Board of Trustees of Chapman University. (jp) (Entered: 11/05/2025)

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12 Nov. 5, 2025

*STRICKEN PURSUANT TO 16 * APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Matthew Mainen to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Previously Paid on 11/4/2025, Receipt No. 40842904) filed by Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter. Application set for hearing on 11/10/2025 at 09:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Paul L. Abrams. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) Modified on 11/6/2025 (mku). (Entered: 11/05/2025)

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13 Nov. 5, 2025

*STRICKEN PURSUANT TO 16 * APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Mark A. Goldfeder to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-40854012) filed by Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter. Application set for hearing on 11/10/2025 at 09:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Paul L. Abrams. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) Modified on 11/6/2025 (mku). (Entered: 11/05/2025)

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14 Nov. 6, 2025

NOTICE of Deficiency in Electronically Filed Pro Hac Vice Application RE: APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Matthew Mainen to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Previously Paid on 11/4/2025, Receipt No. 40842904) 12 . The following error(s) was/were found: Local Rule 83-2.1.3.4 Local counsel does not maintain an office within the District for the practice of law, in which the attorney is physically present on a regular basis to conduct business. (aus) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

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15 Nov. 6, 2025

NOTICE of Deficiency in Electronically Filed Pro Hac Vice Application RE: APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Mark A. Goldfeder to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-40854012) 13 . The following error(s) was/were found: Local Rule 83-2.1.3.3(d) Certificate of Good Standing not attached for every state court listed to which the applicant has been admitted. Local Rule 83-2.1.3.4 Local counsel does not maintain an office within the District for the practice of law, in which the attorney is physically present on a regular basis to conduct business. (aus) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

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16 Nov. 6, 2025

(IN CHAMBERS ORDER) STRIKING APPLICATION(S) TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE 12 13 by Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani: The Court hereby ORDERS the Application(s) to Appear Pro Hac Vice 12 13 be STRICKEN for the reason(s) stated in the Notice(s) to Filer of Deficiencies In Electronically Filed Pro Hac Vice Application 14 15 . Counsel shall consult the Notice(s) and correct all deficiencies prior to re-filing (if applicable). THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (mku) TEXT ONLY ENTRY. (Entered: 11/06/2025)

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Nov. 6, 2025

Generic Text Only Entry

17 Nov. 13, 2025

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Bryan H. Heckenlively counsel for Defendants Chapman University, The Board of Trustees of Chapman University. Adding Bryan H. Heckenlively as counsel of record for CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY. (Attorney Bryan H. Heckenlively added to party Chapman University(pty:dft), Attorney Bryan H. Heckenlively added to party The Board of Trustees of Chapman University(pty:dft))(Heckenlively, Bryan) (Entered: 11/13/2025)

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18 Nov. 13, 2025

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT filed by Defendants Chapman University, The Board of Trustees of Chapman University (Heckenlively, Bryan) (Entered: 11/13/2025)

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19 Nov. 14, 2025

STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File STIPULATION TO EXTEND TIME TO RESPOND TO INITIAL COMPLAINT BY NOT MORE THAN 30 DAYS (L.R. 8-3); FIRST JOINT STIPULATION TO EXTEND BRIEFING SCHEDULE filed by Defendants Chapman University, The Board of Trustees of Chapman University. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Heckenlively, Bryan) (Entered: 11/14/2025)

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20 Nov. 18, 2025

ORDER GRANTING FIRST JOINT STIPULATION TO EXTEND BRIEFING SCHEDULE 19 by Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani. Plaintiffs must file any opposition no later than thirty days from the filing of such motion; Defendants must file any reply in support of the motion no later than fourteen days from the filing of any opposition; The hearing on any such motion shall be scheduled in accordance with the Local Rules of this Court. (chk) (Entered: 11/19/2025)

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21 Nov. 24, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Omer Salik on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter (Attorney Omer Salik added to party Talya Malka(pty:pla), Attorney Omer Salik added to party Eli Schechter(pty:pla))(Salik, Omer) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

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22 Dec. 16, 2025

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Matthew L. Mainen to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-41109448) filed by Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Salik, Omer) (Entered: 12/16/2025)

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23 Dec. 16, 2025

Text Only ORDER GRANTING APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Matthew L. Mainen to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs' Talya Malka, Eli Schechter 22 pursuant to the Court's directive. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (pd) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 12/16/2025)

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Dec. 16, 2025

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24 Dec. 22, 2025

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Aditi Naresh Ghatlia counsel for Defendants Chapman University, The Board of Trustees of Chapman University. Adding Aditi Ghatlia as counsel of record for Defendants CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY. (Ghatlia, Aditi) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

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25 Dec. 23, 2025

REQUEST of Non-Resident Attorney Mark Goldfeder to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-41157509) filed by Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing) (Salik, Omer) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

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26 Dec. 23, 2025

NOTICE of Deficiency in Electronically Filed Pro Hac Vice Application RE: REQUEST of Non-Resident Attorney Mark Goldfeder to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-41157509) 25 . The following error(s) was/were found: Local Rule 83-2.1.3.3(b) Proposed order not attached. (aus) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

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27 Dec. 23, 2025

REQUEST of Non-Resident Attorney Mark A. Goldfeder to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Previously Paid on 12/23/2025, Receipt No. 41157509) filed by Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Proposed Order) (Salik, Omer) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

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28 Dec. 23, 2025

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Carl Hao Jiang counsel for Defendants Chapman University, The Board of Trustees of Chapman University. Adding Carl H. Jiang as counsel of record for CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY. (Attorney Carl Hao Jiang added to party Chapman University(pty:dft), Attorney Carl Hao Jiang added to party The Board of Trustees of Chapman University(pty:dft))(Jiang, Carl) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

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29 Dec. 29, 2025

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Dismiss Case filed by defendants Chapman University, The Board of Trustees of Chapman University. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Proposed Order) (Heckenlively, Bryan) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

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30 Dec. 30, 2025

TEXT ONLY ORDER GRANTING REQUEST of Non-Resident Attorney Mark A. Goldfeder to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter 27 pursuant to the Court's directive. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (mku) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 12/30/2025)

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Dec. 30, 2025

Generic Text Only Entry

31 Jan. 9, 2026

ORDER SETTING SCHEDULING CONFERENCE by Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani: Scheduling Conference set for Tuesday 3/24/2026 at 11:00 a.m. *See Order for further details.* (mku) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

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32 Jan. 19, 2026

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against Defendants All Defendants amending Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening), 1, filed by Plaintiffs Eli Schechter, Talya Malka (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Redline of First Amended Complaint)(Salik, Omer) (Entered: 01/19/2026)

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33 Jan. 20, 2026

NOTICE OF ERRATA filed by Plaintiffs Talya Malka, Eli Schechter. correcting Amended Complaint/Petition 32 (Mainen, Matthew) (Entered: 01/20/2026)

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34 Jan. 20, 2026

First AMENDED COMPLAINT against Defendants Chapman University, Does, The Board of Trustees of Chapman University amending Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening), 1, filed by Plaintiffs Eli Schechter, Talya Malka(Mainen, Matthew) (Entered: 01/20/2026)

Clearinghouse
35 Jan. 21, 2026

(IN CHAMBERS) ORDER by Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani: In light of the filing of a First Amended Complaint 32, the court hereby DENIES AS MOOT Defendants' Motion to Dismiss 29 . The hearing set for March 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. is VACATED. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (mku) TEXT ONLY ENTRY. (Entered: 01/21/2026)

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Jan. 21, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

36 Feb. 2, 2026

Dismiss (cause or other)

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37 Feb. 2, 2026

For Judicial Notice

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38 Feb. 9, 2026

Extension of Time to File Document

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39 Feb. 12, 2026

Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Motion Hearing and R&R Deadlines

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Feb. 12, 2026

Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Motion Hearing and R&R Deadlines

40 March 3, 2026

Memorandum in Opposition to Motion

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41 March 10, 2026

Report

1 Appendix Rule 26(f) Report Worksheet

View on PACER

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42 March 17, 2026

Reply (Motion related)

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March 23, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

44 March 25, 2026

Notice (Other)

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45 March 26, 2026

Pretrial-Trial Scheduling Order - form only

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Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Education

Special Collection(s):

Title VI Anti-Palestinian/Antisemitism cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 28, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Two Jewish alumni of Chapman University and all Jewish students at Chapman University for the 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026 school years.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Chapman University

Defendant Type(s):

College/University

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1981

Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.

Other Dockets:

Central District of California 8:25-cv-02426

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Aggressive behavior

Education

Failure to discipline

Religious programs / policies

School/University policies

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Religion discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Israeli

Affected Race(s):

Race, unspecified

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism

Recommended Citation