A dramatic legal battle unfolds as an individual takes on a nonprofit organization, alleging that the group’s actions have led to severe personal and professional repercussions. Ariel Zvolon Amitay filed a complaint against Jews for Jesus in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on December 24, 2024. The lawsuit accuses Jews for Jesus of defamation, false light, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Ariel Zvolon Amitay is an Orthodox Jew residing in Tzfat, Israel. His life was deeply rooted in the Jewish faith, having spent years studying to become a rabbi. He dedicated his career to teaching at "Educate the Young" in Tzfat. However, this dream was shattered when Jews for Jesus allegedly posted photos of him on their social media platforms without his consent. According to Amitay's complaint, these posts falsely implied his support for Jews for Jesus’ religious views—views that starkly contrast with those of Orthodox Judaism.
The posts were published around December 30 and 31, 2023. They included captions suggesting Amitay's endorsement of Jews for Jesus' mission and beliefs. This portrayal not only misrepresented Amitay’s religious stance but also had dire consequences on his professional life. Upon discovering these posts, Amitay's employer terminated him from his teaching position due to the perceived association with Jews for Jesus—a group whose beliefs conflicted with those upheld by his employer and community.
Amitay claims that Jews for Jesus intentionally manipulated the images by cropping them to omit elements that would clearly indicate he did not support their cause. The complaint argues that this action was deceitful and maliciously intended to create a false impression among viewers that someone as conservative as Amitay would endorse their views.
As a result of these alleged actions by Jews for Jesus, Amitay has suffered significant emotional distress. He has experienced shame and embarrassment within his community and has been unable to secure new employment since losing his job. The lawsuit seeks actual and compensatory damages from Jews for Jesus for their alleged misconduct, including general and special damages amounting to over $35,000. Additionally, Amitay demands punitive damages totaling at least $5 million due to what he describes as willful and oppressive conduct by the defendant.
Representing Ariel Zvolon Amitay are attorneys Raffi Kassabian, Sareen Bezdikian, and Arin Pezeshkian from Bezdik Kassab Law Group based in Pasadena, California. The case is presided over by Judge Sahar Enayati under Case ID CGC-24-620902.