By Pesach Benson • June 3, 2026
Jerusalem, 3 June, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel has denied entry to Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour, following a recommendation by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism and approval by the Population and Immigration Authority.
Sarsour, an advisor and mentor to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, had been expected to arrive in Israel in early July.
“I instructed my ministry’s Director General, Avi Cohen-Scali, to prevent the entry into Israel of Linda Sarsour,” Chikli said, describing her as a leading figure in boycott campaigns against Israel. “Anyone who incites and supports boycotts Against The State of Israel will bear the consequences.”
Sarsour is active in the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. The ministry cited her involvement in pro-Palestinian activism on American campuses and affiliations with organizations including Students for Justice in Palestine and American Muslims for Palestine. The ministry also referenced her participation in broader campaigns targeting Israeli institutions and international partnerships.
The ministry’s Director General, Avi Cohen-Scali, said the policy would continue to be enforced against individuals considered hostile to the state.
“Anyone who incites and fuels hatred against the State of Israel will not set foot in it,” he said. “We will continue to act to keep hostile and antisemitic elements out of the territory of the State of Israel.”
