The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) announced Friday that it had filed complaints in Finland, Denmark and Norway against an IDF soldier, alleging war crimes. A similar complaint was recently lodged in Sweden, with HRF warning authorities that the soldier might attempt to cross borders into neighboring countries. "We call on these countries to prevent the soldier from escaping justice," the organization said.
The complaints highlight an increasing trend of legal actions against IDF soldiers abroad, with HRF's founders actively pursuing cases. Previously, an IDF soldier reportedly fled Brazil after the group lodged a complaint there. Similar actions have been initiated in Chile, Argentina and Thailand.
HRF, an offshoot of the pro-Palestinian March 30 movement, was established by two Lebanese nationals, Dyab Abou Jahjah and Karim Hassoun, now residing in Belgium. Named after a six-year-old Palestinian girl allegedly killed in Gaza by the IDF on January 29, 2024, the organization claims to focus on bringing justice to Palestinians.
Abou Jahjah, born in Hanin, southern Lebanon, joined Hezbollah in his youth and underwent military training. He became a Belgian citizen in 1996 and founded the Arab European League (AEL) in 2000 to promote Arab nationalism, anti-Zionism and Nasserism. While the league claimed to support the integration of Muslims in Europe, it faced legal challenges, including a 2010 Dutch court ruling against it for publishing antisemitic content.
Video allegedly shared by IDF soldier in Gaza
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Abou Jahjah has long been a vocal critic of Israel, filing war crimes complaints against Israeli leaders, including former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in 2002. Known for his extreme views, he was barred from entering the UK in 2003 and has frequently expressed support for Hamas and Hezbollah. During the Gaza war, he encouraged followers to identify IDF soldiers with European citizenship to facilitate legal action.
Hassoun, also Lebanese-born and a Belgian resident, has chaired the AEL since 2005. In 2009, he dismissed any possibility of recognizing Israel, comparing such an outcome to Osama Bin Laden becoming U.S. president. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Hassoun controversially defended the actions of Hamas and criticized them for not taking more hostages.
Hassoun was elected to the Willebroek city council in Antwerp province but was barred from serving due to pressure from local Jewish groups. The European Jewish Agency (EJA) praised the decision, citing his open support for Hamas and Hezbollah. He was later removed from his political party to facilitate the formation of the city council coalition.
HRF claims that 90% of a proposed war crimes case against IDF soldiers is already prepared. Abou Jahjah has said that his pursuit of justice is unwavering, writing recently, "After witnessing this genocide, there is no turning back. Justice must prevail—not revenge or violence, but through the courts of law."
The Diaspora Affairs Ministry has described both founders as active in spreading antisemitism and inciting anti-Israel sentiment across Europe.