NEW YORK – On Yom HaZikaron, a New York State Appellate Division five-judge panel unanimously (5-0) upheld the New York State Supreme Court’s dismissal of a baseless, defamatory lawsuit brought against the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), its national president, Morton Klein, and four officers and board members. (Decision: Paul Tartell et al v. Morton Klein et al, N.Y. App. Div, 1st Dept., Apr. 21, 2026).

The case, brought by former board members, who made allegations about the organization’s finances and governance, resulted in the ZOA’s board convening an independent committee that investigated all allegations and meticulously reviewed years of the organization’s financial records. The committee found no financial or other wrongdoing by ZOA, Klein or others.

The Appellate Division’s decision further pointed to the ZOA’s Board (consisting almost entirely of independent directors) reaffirming ZOA’s support for Morton Klein by re-electing him by an overwhelming majority.

“The lawsuit’s allegations were false and completely meritless,” said Klein. “I’m grateful that the Appellate Division unanimously upheld its dismissal. The fact that the court published its findings on Yom HaZikaron, the day set aside to remember those who have sacrificed everything on behalf of the Jewish state, reminds us of the importance of the ZOA’s mission to advocate for and educate about Israel and to combat antisemitism wherever it emerges. That work will continue without distraction.”

The five-judge Appellate Division panel that issued this 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.

In addition to its chapters across the country, and the ZOA’s national efforts to educate and advocate for strengthening US-Israeli relations and combat antisemitism, the organization’s three major divisions continue to fight for Israel and the Jewish people, including: 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.