2 charged in OSU Jewish student center vandalism

COLUMBUS — City prosecutors have charged two women with ethnic intimidation and other crimes in the November vandalism of a Jewish center for Ohio State University students.

City Attorney Zach Klein’s office announced Tuesday that it has filed charges against Oumaima Amri, 21, and Lena Ahmad Shabeneh, 19, in Franklin County Municipal Court.

They are each charged with misdemeanor ethnic intimidation, theft, criminal trespassing and criminal mischief.

If convicted as charged, the defendants could be sentenced to up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines.

Amri and Shabeneh are accused of vandalizing the OSU Hillel Wexner Jewish Student Center building on 16th Avenue on Nov. 10. Neither woman is a student at OSU, according to a spokesperson for the university.

OSU Hillel said on its social media accounts that two people entered the building, shouted anti-Israel statements and threats and vandalized Israeli flags in the building’s lobby. The people also reportedly took photos inside.

Since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack against Israel and the Israeli offensive in Gaza, there has been an increase nationally in anti-Semitic rhetoric and threats.

“Hate has no home in Columbus. As city attorney, I drew a line in the sand on the kinds of hate and bias-fueled attacks directed toward Jewish and Muslim populations that have been on the rise nationwide,” said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein.

In a statement posted online, OSU Hillel CEO Naomi Lamb said they welcome the announcement of charges.

“Our primary focus continues to be on keeping Jewish students safe and supporting them as they express their Jewish identities and stand in solidarity with Israel,” Lamb said.