California Judge Blocks Release of Palestinian Conference Speakers' Names

A California judge has ruled against a demand to reveal the names of speakers at a private event. The case involved David Abrams, who sued UCLA over a 2018 National Students for Justice in Palestine conference. The court rejected the request, citing privacy and free speech protections. David Abrams targeted the University of California at Los Angeles after the 2018 conference. His lawsuit demanded the university release the names of the event’s speakers. Abrams has a long record of filing legal complaints against supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign.

Israel lobby groups also tried to disrupt the conference. They pushed for federal investigations and threatened the university. The US government later opened its own probe into alleged anti-Semitism at UCLA.

The judge’s decision noted the hostile environment faced by those advocating for Palestinian rights. The ruling emphasised the need to protect speakers’ privacy and prevent a chilling effect on free expression. Abrams’ lawfare firm is registered as a foreign agent for the Israeli government. The court’s rejection of Abrams’ demands ensures the speakers’ identities remain confidential. The decision upholds their right to free speech without fear of harassment. The ruling also blocks an attempt to intimidate activists on campus.