Zena Ozeir

Zena Ozeir is an Arab American attorney in MI and an "activist" who became the subject of public scrutiny in 2024–2026 following reported anti-Israel bigoted social media activity and participation in events criticized by Jewish organizations for promoting narratives aligned with U.S.-designated terrorist organizations.

Background

Ozeir is a licensed attorney and was employed as an assistant attorney general with the Michigan Department of Attorney General beginning in June 2023, according to her LinkedIn profile. Her employment status became a matter of public controversy after reporting by Jewish news outlets revealed that she was no longer employed by the state as of January 2026.

Anti-Israel Activity and Investigation

In June 2024, the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel confirmed to The Detroit News that it was reviewing social media posts attributed to Ozeir that included profane and hostile language directed at the United States and Israel. After inquiries were made, Ozeir reportedly made her social media accounts private. Jewish advocacy organizations expressed concern that such rhetoric, if accurately reported, was incompatible with the responsibilities of a senior public legal official, particularly amid a global rise in antisemitism following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

January 2026 Event and Extremism Concerns

On January 17, 2026, Ozeir appeared as a panelist at an in-person event hosted by Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids at the Fountain Street Church Sanctuary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Event flyers identified her as an “attorney, activist and USPCN member,” referring to the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. The event explicitly called for the release of the “Holy Land 5,” leaders of the Holy Land Foundation who were convicted in 2008 of funneling millions of dollars to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. One panelist was Nida Abu Baker, daughter of convicted Hamas financier Shukri Abu Baker. According to reporting by Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), Ozeir criticized U.S. terrorism-financing laws during the event, asserting that such laws unfairly criminalize what she characterized as humanitarian aid. Jewish legal experts and communal leaders have long noted that the Holy Land Foundation case established critical legal precedent preventing terrorist groups from exploiting charitable networks.

Departure from Michigan Attorney General’s Office

On January 20, 2026, the Michigan Attorney General’s office confirmed to JNS that Ozeir was no longer employed by the department. The office declined to specify whether her departure was voluntary or related to the investigation into her public statements. Following the report, national Jewish organizations called for transparency. Daniel Mariaschin, CEO of B’nai B’rith International, stated that no public official should engage in “hateful and inciteful rhetoric,” and urged Michigan authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding her departure. After the initial reporting, Ozeir amended her LinkedIn profile to indicate that her role as assistant attorney general ended in January 2026.

== Response from Jewish Organizations == Jewish groups emphasized that public officials have a responsibility to uphold democratic values and oppose extremism. Several organizations noted that rhetoric minimizing Hamas terrorism or questioning terrorism-financing convictions contributes to the normalization of antisemitic violence and delegitimization of Israel.

See also

• Holy Land Foundation terrorism financing case
• Antisemitism in the United States
• Hamas
• Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine

References

• Detroit News.

"Buss: Shredding America's shared values." June 6, 2024.

“

In March, Michigan Assistant Attorney General Zena Ozeir shared a meme that said, "f--- America, f--- anyone who shares ... Zionist propaganda." Her credentials as a seemingly professional activist are established, so she must be the kind of employee Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office wanted on staff. Her post is being looked into, Nessel’s office said. But how do Jewish residents in Michigan feel knowing the AG’s office has people on staff with those sentiments? Do they believe they’ll receive a fair shake under the law? Do other residents who disagree with Ozeir feel legally protected?

”

• Jewish Exponent. “Activist Probed for Anti-Israel Posts No Longer Assistant Attorney General of Michigan, State Tells JNS.” January 20, 2026.

• Jewish News Syndicate (JNS). “Michigan has to be more clear about how, why its assistant attorney general left, Jewish groups say.” January 21, 2026.