This Jewish Democrat Assemblyman Was Arrested Over Protesting Iran Deal

New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind was arrested Thursday during a protest against the Iran nuclear deal outside Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer’s Manhattan office.

The conservative Democrat was handcuffed and charged with disorderly conduct along with seven other pro-Israel activists after sitting down in front of Schumer’s office.

Getting arrested by the NYPD along with several others protesting the #IranDeal in front of Senator Schumer’s office. pic.twitter.com/kCa3WNmH4i

— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) July 23, 2015

About 50 demonstrators gathered outside the senator’s office chanting, “Chuck, Chuck the Deal!” to push Schumer to reject the accord limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions relief.

.@SenSchumer: Chuck the #IranDeal! pic.twitter.com/wLUMJxOXk2

— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) July 23, 2015

Congress is in the midst of a 60-day review period to accept or reject the deal by Sept. 17. Schumer has not yet confirmed whether he will support or oppose the agreement, saying in a statement he intends to “carefully” examine the deal before announcing a decision.

Since the accord was announced last week, Hikind, an Orthodox Jew, has adamantly rallied against it, circulating a petition to encourage Schumer to vote against the “bad Iran deal.”

Tell @SenSchumer: Stop this #BadIranDeal. CALL: 202-224-6542 SIGN: http://t.co/dIQpyquBR2 RETWEET this ? pic.twitter.com/TMXu5606hE

— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) July 21, 2015

“We’re pleading with Senator Schumer to step up and lead this fight. Schumer’s voice is critical, with other senators looking towards him to take a stance,” Hikind said. “I see millions of people in Iran chanting ‘Death to America, Death to Israel’ and we’re negotiating with this regime? It’s insane.”

Just released from @NYPD17pct. We all have to do our part, this was part of mine. #BadIranDeal #WhereIsChuck pic.twitter.com/c18PP4Sat5

— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) July 23, 2015

Hikind is a hardline pro-Israel advocate who has long opposed President Obama’s foreign policy, telling the New York Post in 2012 the president’s treatment of Israel “scares” him.

“I’m a Democrat, but not a knee-jerk Democrat. I’m only loyal to America and the survival of Israel,” he said at the time, breaking with his party to endorse Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

Hikind called the deal “disastrous” for the U.S. and its Middle East allies, implying that Schumer will incur dire political consequences if he chooses to approve it.

“Schumer says he will ‘do the right thing.’ These are unprecedented times and it’s time to stop this deal,” Hikind continued. “This will define your legacy. I am sure you will not allow partisan politics or any other considerations to cloud your judgment.”

Hikind was arrested one day after 10,000 protesters poured into Times Square demanding that Schumer reject the accord. He was in Washington while protesters chanted, “Where’s Chuck? Kill this deal.”