Skip to content 
Talya Lubit And Mohamad Hamad
Talya Lubit and Mohamad Hamad are two individuals at the center of a high-profile case involving hate crime-related charges in Pittsburgh. Both were implicated in vandalizing Jewish institutions in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood with antisemitic graffiti.
Talya Lubit
Talya Lubit, a 24-year-old from New York City, has a multifaceted background. She identifies as a Jewish activist, studying International Relations and Arabic at Dickinson College. Her life reflects a complex interplay between her Jewish heritage and her political beliefs, which lean toward advocating for Palestinian causes.
Despite her Jewish identity, she expressed a growing sense of alienation from her cultural roots, a sentiment that investigators found in her private messages. She has been involved in peace and animal activism and leads an animal rights club at her university. Her participation in the vandalism has sparked discussions about internal conflicts within activist circles, especially among those who feel a strong connection to both Jewish and pro-Palestinian communities.
Mohamad Hamad
Mohamad Hamad, 23, of Coraopolis, presents a different yet equally troubling profile. He served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard but has become known for his radicalization, self-identifying as a “Hamas operative.”
Together, Lubit and Hamad’s partnership illustrates a convergence of complex identities and radical beliefs. While Lubit grappled with reconciling her Jewish heritage with her anti-Israel activism, Hamad embraced violent extremism, driven by a sense of solidarity with militant groups like Hamas. Their collaboration underscores how political and ideological convictions can lead to dangerous actions, sparking intense debates about the influence of radical narratives and the fine line between activism and hate-driven crime.
Planned To Die
Mohamad Hamad, one of the individuals arrested in Pittsburgh for hate crime-related offenses involving the defacement of Jewish buildings, had a disturbing ambition: to die a martyr. Evidence uncovered during the investigation revealed that Hamad, a dual U.S. and Lebanese citizen and a former member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, held radicalized views, identifying himself as a “Hamas operative.”
Idealization With The Hamas
His communications with associates on encrypted apps like Signal revealed his deep desire to join militant fighters overseas and die in the service of his cause. He often expressed admiration for and solidarity with Hamas, even sending photos of himself in a green headband emblazoned with the Hamas logo and a sweatshirt that read, “RESPECT EXISTENCE OR EXPECT RESISTANCE.” His messages showed he felt a yearning for “being with my brothers overseas.”
Hamad’s behavior extended beyond mere words. He bought explosives, specifically two pounds of potassium perchlorate and Indian Black aluminum powder, materials that could be used to create powerful devices. In early July 2024, he tested these materials in a “big shell” detonation, filming a resulting fireball and sharing it enthusiastically. His actions indicated a willingness to act violently and potentially inflict harm on a significant scale. This alarming radicalization led to fears that he might have been plotting attacks against Jewish communities in Pittsburgh.
Donations Were Given For Anti-Israeli
The extremist beliefs of Hamad were reinforced by political influences and connections. He donated small sums to Democratic politicians known for anti-Israel rhetoric, like Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. The investigation painted a grim picture of how Hamad’s radical ideology developed, driven by a worldview that saw violence and martyrdom as a means to achieve justice, blending personal motivations with a larger political agenda. His aspirations for martyrdom and the procurement of explosive materials highlight the dangerous consequences of extremist ideologies taking root in individuals determined to take violent action.
The Timeline Of The Crime Developing
According to the information available, the timeline begins around early July 2024, when Hamad and Lubit initiated communications planning the acts that would later materialize in the damaging of religious properties. Investigators discovered that the two suspects exchanged messages that not only outlined their intentions to select Jewish sites but also revealed an alarming escalation in rhetoric and actions leading up to the incident.
Early July
In early July, Hamad’s phone records indicate that he began referring to himself as a “Hamas operative,” sending images of himself adorned with a Hamas headband to another associate. Further digital evidence highlights discussions about building an explosive device, including the transmission of a video showing a test detonation. These details paint a disturbing picture of how the defendants may have mentally and materially prepared themselves for their campaign against Jewish institutions. By late July, Hamad and Lubit had apparently decided on specific targets, aligning their actions with ongoing political tensions.
The Day Of The Vandalism
Overnight on July 29, 2024, the perpetrators vandalized multiple Jewish institutions. The Chabad of Squirrel Hill, a center for Jewish religious and educational activities, reported graffiti on an exterior wall that read “Jews 4 Palestine” alongside an inverted triangle symbol. Investigators revealed that Hamas had used this symbol in videos to mark targets during the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, around the same time, another message defaced a sign belonging to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, a key organizational hub for the local Jewish community. These coordinated acts highlight the intentional targeting of these institutions.
An Investigation Was Launched
After the vandalism, the FBI and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police promptly launched a comprehensive investigation. By August and September 2024, they executed search warrants at the homes of both suspects, intensifying their efforts to gather evidence. These searches led to the seizure of their cell phones, providing critical evidence of their conspiracy.
Investigators reviewed communications between Hamad and Lubit from July, which further solidified the timeline of their planning and execution. This detailed sequence of events underscores the premeditated nature of the crime and highlights the broader civil rights and security concerns addressed by law enforcement officials.
Charged With A Federal Hate Crime
Mohamad Hamad and Talya Lubit are facing serious federal charges related to hate crime offenses for their actions targeting Jewish institutions in Pittsburgh. Specifically, authorities charged both individuals with conspiring to damage and deface religious property, a crime that carries severe legal repercussions.
The charges stem from a coordinated act of vandalism carried out in late July 2024, during which they defaced the Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. The graffiti featured phrases like “Jews 4 Palestine” and imagery associated with Hamas, a known terrorist organization. The perpetrators acted out of animosity toward the Jewish community, which qualifies their actions as hate crimes under federal statutes designed to protect the civil rights of religious groups.
Intent To Commit More Violent Attacks
Hamad, who referred to himself as a “Hamas operative,” faces additional scrutiny due to his alarming behavior leading up to the incident. He had not only vandalized Jewish sites but also purchased and tested materials used to create explosives, suggesting an intent to commit more severe acts of violence. Investigators discovered that Hamad had acquired significant quantities of chemicals that, when combined, could be used to manufacture explosives. He filmed a test detonation and shared it online, further exacerbating the seriousness of the charges against him. His actions demonstrated a level of premeditation and escalation that goes far beyond simple acts of vandalism, raising concerns about potential threats to public safety.
Lubit Was Also Charged With Hate Crime
Lubit’s charges are centered on her role in planning and executing the vandalism. As a Jewish activist with anti-Israel views, her involvement has generated considerable attention and controversy. Although she expressed hesitation in private messages about desecrating Jewish property, she ultimately participated in the crime. This internal conflict and her eventual actions underscore the complexities of her motivations. Still, federal authorities treated her involvement with the same gravity, emphasizing that defacing religious property is a severe offense. The charges reflect the government’s commitment to addressing hate-motivated crimes and ensuring the safety of all religious communities. If convicted, both Hamad and Lubit could face substantial prison sentences and fines, highlighting the significant consequences of their actions and the broader implications for civil rights protections.
The Sentencing They May Face
The sentencing that Mohamad Hamad and Talya Lubit may face for their alleged crimes, if convicted, could be quite severe, reflecting the nature of the charges related to hate crimes and conspiracy. Authorities charged both individuals with federal offenses, including conspiring to damage religious property and carrying out acts of vandalism driven by religious and ethnic hate.
Federal law imposes stringent penalties for these crimes, aiming not only to address the unlawful acts but also to deter others from committing similar offenses. Hate crime statutes in the United States often carry enhanced sentences to underscore the gravity of offenses motivated by prejudice, reflecting society’s intolerance for bias-driven violence and intimidation.
Both Face Prison If Convicted
If convicted of these federal offenses, both Hamad and Lubit face significant legal consequences. The law stipulates that they could receive a maximum sentence of two years in prison, along with a substantial fine of up to $200,000.
The court will heavily weigh the defendants’ backgrounds, evidence of premeditation, and the potential harm caused to the targeted community to determine the exact punishment, even though the maximum penalty for their crimes is a two-year prison term.
Need Help? Call Us Now!
Do not forget that when you or anyone you know is facing a criminal charge, you have us, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, by your side to help you build the best defense case for you. We will work and be in your best interest for you and we will obtain the best possible outcome that can benefit you.
Our team is here to explain your trial, guiding you through the criminal justice process with clarity and support every step of the way. If you’re navigating the complexities of criminal charges and the court system seems daunting, reach out.
Therefore, do not hesitate to call us if you find yourself or someone you know that is facing criminal charges unsure about the court system. We will work with you to give you the best type of defense that can help you solve your case. It is vital to have someone explain the result of the charge to you and guide you in the best possible way.
Here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, our professional and knowledgeable criminal law attorneys build a defense case that suits your needs, aiming for the best possible outcome to benefit you.
At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we offer a free consultation at your convenience. You can schedule your appointment via Zoom, Google Meet, email, or in person. We provide comprehensive advice and information to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
Call us now at (281) 810-9760.
Other Related Articles
Divorce in Judaism: A Jewish Court Plays Its Part
Guardianship vs Power Of Attorney In Texas: Which Is Right For You
Hate Crime Legislation in Texas: Definitions, Enforcement, and Community Impact
The Synagogue Shooter: Exploring the Tragedy
FAQs about the Hate Crime Charges
They are charged with conspiracy to damage religious property and defacing religious buildings, qualifying as hate crimes under federal law.
They could face up to two years in prison, fines of up to $200,000, or both, depending on the federal Sentencing Guidelines and case specifics.
The crimes were motivated by bias against the Jewish community, targeting religious institutions based on ethnic and religious animus.
Hamad orchestrated much of the planning, including purchasing explosive materials, while Lubit participated in defacing the properties.
Authorities cited security footage, messages discussing the crimes, and materials found during searches, including spray paint and explosive components.
