The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) released the following statement:
ZOA is pleased to report that today, the New York State Appellate Division’s five-judge panel unanimously (5-0) upheld the New York State Supreme Court’s dismissal of a baseless, defamatory lawsuit brought against ZOA, ZOA President Morton Klein, and four ZOA Board members and Officers. (Decision: Paul Tartell et al v. Morton Klein et al, N.Y. App. Div, 1st Dept., Apr. 21, 2026)
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein stated:
“The lawsuit’s allegations were false and completely meritless. I’m grateful that the Appellate Division unanimously upheld its dismissal.”
Moreover, ZOA’s Board had convened an independent committee, which examined all allegations in the lawsuit, and carefully reviewed years of ZOA financial records. The independent committee found that there was absolutely no financial or other wrongdoing by ZOA, Mr. Klein, or others. Further, as the Appellate Division’s decision explains, ZOA’s Board (consisting almost entirely of independent directors) reaffirmed ZOA’s support for Morton Klein by reelecting him by an overwhelming majority.
The five-judge Appellate Division panel who issued this favorable decision consisted of: Presiding Judge Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Hon. David Friedman, Hon. Ellen Gesmer, Hon. Bahaati Pitt-Burke, and Hon. Shlomo Hagler. The underlying New York Supreme Court decision in favor of ZOA, Morton Klein, etc. was issued by Hon. Arthur F. Engoron.
ZOA is continuing to vigorously pursue its vital missions of pro-Israel education and advocacy, and combating antisemitism on college campuses, K-12 schools, and wherever else antisemitism rears its ugly head through lawsuits, articles, lectures, media appearances on TV and radio, and our annual missions to Capitol Hill. Our three major divisions continue to fight for Jews and Israel. They include the ZOA Center for Law and Justice, headed by Susan Tuchman, Esq.; the ZOA Center for Government Relations, headed by Dan Pollak; and ZOA Campus, headed by Jonathan Ginsburg. ZOA also sponsors Israel trips for students and adults, visiting all of Israel, including Judea/Samaria.
The Appellate Division’s decision is welcome news for the efforts on behalf of the Jewish people and Jewish State by ZOA, Morton Klein, and ZOA’s Board/Officers, staff and supporters.