Category Archives: Recent News

Taliban-Funder Islamic Republic Of Iran Hit With $136M Judgment In Us Court

A US federal court has entered Judgment against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (collectively “Iran”), ordering Iran, as state sponsors of terrorism, to pay $136 million in compensatory and punitive damages to three families who suffered the murders of their loved ones in prolonged terrorist attacks upon hotels in Kabul, Afghanistan carried out by the Afghan Taliban’s militant terrorist arm, the Haqqani Network, in 2015 and 2018. The estates of the victims, and their families are represented by the Washington, DC law firm Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC, and attorney Ron Jenkins of Meridian 361 International Law Group, PLLC. Both firms specialize in civil counter-terror litigation.

Judge Trevor N. McFadden of the US District Court for the District of Columbia awarded the damages to the estates of U.S. citizens Paula L. Kantor, Glenn L Selig and Abdullah Waheed, and members of their families. The Court found that Ms. Kantor died in an attack that occurred on May 13-14, 2015, at the Park Palace Hotel in Kabul, that Mr. Selig and Mr. Waheed died in an attack that occurred on January 20-21, 2018, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul and that Iran was liable for the attack due to its material support of the Taliban’s Haqqani Network, which claimed responsibility for both attacks and has long been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US government.

In addition to the compensatory damages awarded to each of the Plaintiffs, the Court awarded punitive damages. “Iran’s acts were heinous,” stated Judge McFadden in his opinion, “Their acts were intended to-and did-cause unconscionable pain and suffering. There is a need for deterrence because, time and again, courts in this district have been confronted with families shattered by Iran-backed terrorists.”

Iran has long been designated by the US State Department as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and therefore does not enjoy sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Iran is the worst sponsor of terror in the world.

“The ruling is an important victory for the Americans who lost life and limb as a direct result of the Iranian-sponsored attacks in these Kabul hotels,” said Richard D. Heideman, Senior Counsel of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik PC, “this case shows that terrorism is universally directed at all peoples, and all of us must stand together in stamping out the heinous acts of maiming and murder directed towards the innocent.”

“Iran continues to be the largest state sponsor of terror in the world and as such deserves to be singled out for their sponsorship of these acts of murder,” F.R. Jenkins of the Meridian 361 International Law Group, PLLC, said. “This judgment stands to hold Iran accountable and most importantly provide some measure of justice for these victims.”

About Heideman Nudelman & Kalik PC
The law firm of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC. (www.HNKlaw.com), based in Washington, DC, is a global firm with affiliates in various parts of the world. Richard D. Heideman, Noel J. Nudelman, Tracy R. Kalik and other members, associates and affiliates of the firm have extensive experience in complex litigation. The firm has served as lead counsel in numerous cases on behalf of victims of terror and their family members who have been killed or injured in terrorist attacks throughout the world. The firm has successfully brought cases against Libya, the Syrian Arab Republic, The Islamic Republic of Iran, the PA/PLO, Arab Bank, PLC and others accused of funding or providing material support for terror and continues committed to seeking justice on behalf of Americans who have suffered at the hands of terrorists, their sponsors, supporters and funders.

About Meridian 361 International Law Group, PLLC
Meridian 361 (www.meridian361.com) is a boutique international law firm. Ron Jenkins investigates high profile and complex terror attacks, and designs and executes litigation to bring justice to victims. He has a demonstrable track record of success in litigation involving Iran, Syria, Libya, the Abu Nidal Organization, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, al-Qaida in Iraq, the Islamic State of Iraq, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the Taliban, the Haqqani Network and others, and has represented victims in lobbying campaigns, direct negotiations with state sponsors, and numerous victim compensation claims programs.
For further information, contact:

Richard D. Heideman, Senior Counsel, Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC
Direct Line: 202 463-8018
Email: rdheideman@hnklaw.com

F. Ronald Jenkins, Esq.
Meridian 361 International Law Group, PLLC
Direct Line: 202-361-4944
Email: Jenkins@meridian361.com

American Victims of March 22, 2016 ISIS Brussels’ Airport Attack Sue Syrian Arab Republic

Litigation Filed to Hold Syria Liable for Damages Incurred by American Victims of Brussels Airport Terrorist Attack

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 15, 2021 – Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C., the Washington D.C. law firm, has filed a lawsuit, Estate of Justin Shults, et al., v. Syrian Arab Republic, on behalf of United States victims of terror against the Syrian Arab Republic (“Syria”), a designated State Sponsor of Terrorism, for providing material support to The Islamic State, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (“ISIS”). The Complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks to hold Syria accountable for the Brussels Airport Attack which was carried out by ISIS on the morning of March 22, 2016.

The ISIS cell responsible for committing the Brussels Airport Attack is part of the same ISIS cell that carried out the terror attacks at the Bataclan Theatre and other locations in Paris on November 13, 2015 (“Paris Bataclan Theatre Attack”). Both attacks were carried out in similar fashion and included several calculated simultaneous shootings and/or bombings in multiple locations around each city.

As described in the Complaint, on March 22, 2016, three ISIS operatives entered the Brussels Airport carrying deadly bombs. At approximately 8:00 a.m. local time two bombs were detonated inside the Brussels Airport killing 32 and injuring hundreds. ISIS immediately took responsibility for the bombings. Syria provided material support to ISIS by providing training, weapons, logistical support and funding to the ISIS terrorists who committed this terrorist attack.

Three of the Plaintiffs in this case were brutally murdered and nine Plaintiffs were tragically and permanently injured. Each of the 27 Plaintiffs in this case incurred significant pain and suffering directly or as a result of the death and/or serious injuries to their loved ones. This case is related to Winternitz, et al., v. Syrian Arab Republic, 1:17-cv-02104 (D. D.C. Oct. 11, 2017) also filed by Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C. on behalf of victims of the Brussels Airport Attack.

Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C. also recently filed the case Wilson, et al., v. Syrian Arab Republic on behalf of victims of the Paris Bataclan Theatre Attack, carried out by ISIS with support from Syria. In the Paris Bataclan Theatre Attack 89 people were killed while at least 99 others were seriously injured and hospitalized.

Richard D. Heideman, Senior Counsel of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C., stated “Syria was designated as a State Sponsor of terror by the U.S. State Department in 1979 and is the terror-supporting country which has been, and remains, so designated for the longest period of time and is subject to the jurisdiction of US courts in accordance with the terrorism exception of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Syria must be held accountable for its sponsorship of this heinous act of murder and maiming of innocent people who were simply at an airport to board their flights or to wish their loved one’s goodbye. . Syria must be punished. Not only will the litigation bring justice to the victims of this terror attack, but it is also designed to serve as a deterrent against the continuation of future Syrian supported terrorism.”

For the better part of the last twenty years, Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C. has been a vigorous advocate for American victims of terror, holding the perpetrators and sponsor of heinous terror attacks accountable, while seeking justice for the victims of these terror attacks. Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C.’s clients include victims of the 1983 attack on the United States Marine barracks in Beirut; victims of the 1985 hijacking of EgyptAir Flight 648; victims of the 1985 attack on Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome; victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States and victims of countless attacks in Israel upon children, families and communities. Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C. attorneys have secured judgments on behalf of the firm’s clients assessing billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages against state sponsors of terror who have been accused of providing material support for terror.

Richard D. Heideman further stated “As it has been written, Justice Justice Thou Shalt Pursue”.

American Victims of Paris Bataclan Theatre Terrorist Attack Sue Syrian Arab Republic

Litigation Filed to Hold Syria Liable for Damages Suffered by American Victims of Paris Bataclan Theatre Terrorist Attack Which Occurred on November 13, 2015. 

Heideman Nudelman, & Kalik, PC, the Washington D.C. law firm who is counsel to American Victims of Terror has filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against the Syrian Arab Republic (“Syria”) a designated State Sponsor of Terrorism, for providing material support to The Islamic State, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (“ISIS”) for the  for the Paris Bataclan Theatre Attack which was carried out by ISIS on  November 13, 2015.

The Complaint alleges that  three ISIS operatives entered the Paris Bataclan Theatre wielding Kalashnikov rifles and suicide vests. Around 9:40 p.m. local time each of the three ISIS operatives entered the concert hall firing their Kalashnikov rifles, before exploding their suicide vests. The Bataclan Theatre Attack killed at least 89 people while sending at least 99 others to the hospital in critical condition. Immediately following the attack, ISIS took responsibility for the Bataclan Theatre Attack.

The ISIS terrorists acted with material support from Syria for which Syria is responsible. The three ISIS operatives who attacked the Bataclan Theatre joined and fought for various ISIS units and traveled to and from Syria in the months and years immediately prior to the Paris Attacks.

The five Plaintiffs in the case are Helen Wilson—who was injured in the attack when bullets fired by terrorists ripped through her thighs, missing her femoral artery by one inch—as well as four of her family members.  Each incurred significant pain and suffering directly or as a result of Helen’s tragic and heinous injuries.

Richard D. Heideman, Senior Counsel for Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C., stated “As a state sponsor of terror subject to the jurisdiction of the US courts, Syria deserves to be singled out for their sponsorship of heinous acts of murder and terror.  They must be punished.  The victims of these terrorist acts deserve justice.  This case will not only serve to hold Syria responsible for its past acts and but serve as a deterrent against future acts of Syrian terrorism.”

About Heideman Nudelman & Kalik PC
The law firm of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC., based in Washington, DC, is a global firm with affiliates in various parts of the world. Richard D. Heideman, Noel J. Nudelman, Tracy R. Kalik and other members and associates of the firm have extensive experience in complex litigation. The firm has served as lead counsel in numerous cases on behalf of victims and their family members who have been killed or injured in terrorist attacks throughout the world.  Such litigation includes cases against Libya, the Syrian Arab Republic, The Islamic Republic of Iran, the PA/PLO, Arab Bank, plc and others accused of funding or providing material support for terror.

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Media Contact:
Ariana Tipograph
Starburst Communications
ariana@starburstcommunications.com
301-332-3301

Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C joins Amicus Briefs Filed with the US Supreme Court on Nazi Genocidal Issues

November 9, 2020, Washington, DC – The law firm of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C. (“HNK”) joined in support of two amicus briefs that have been filed with the US Supreme Court by the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists.  Linked below are copies of briefs from the two cases, Federal Republic of Germany, et al., v. Alan Philipp, et al., and Republic of Hungary, et al., v. Rosalie Simon, et al., which deal with efforts to recover compensation by American victims and heirs of victims of the genocidal takings of property and assets by the Nazi regimes in Germany and Hungary:

Amicus Brief in Support of Petitioner-Respondents in Federal Republic of Germany v. Alan Philipp

Amicus Brief in Support of Petitioner-Respondents in Republic of Hungary v. Rosalie Simon

Richard D. Heideman stated “It is beyond dispute that the Holocaust was a genocide; indeed, it is the most heinous and well-documented genocide in human history, rightly condemned as such and acknowledged for its gravity and scale by Congress and scholars throughout the world.  The United States has an interest in post-Holocaust justice recognizing and seeking to hold accountable those who have destroyed live and taken properties without proper compensation the Holocaust   When foreign regimes sponsor the intentional, targeted mass murder of innocent people, the American people and families of those who are harmed must have a means of redress, justice and accountability in US federal court.”

These cases will be argued before the Supreme Court on December 7th.

ABOUT Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC:  Based in Washington, DC, Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C. is a global firm with affiliates in various parts of the world.  HNK represents American victims of terror and has been involved in Holocaust-era assets litigation involving the Swiss National Bank and other matters.  The firm has filed an Amicus Brief with the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s terrorism-prevention security fence in support of Israel’s right and obligation to defend her people and recently filed an Amicus Brief with the International Criminal Court. When the government of Poland adopted the Holocaust Speech law that prohibited accusations of complicity, HNK filed an amicus brief with the Polish Constitutional Tribunal. The firm’s Senior Counsel, Richard D. Heideman, previously served two terms as President, B’nai B’rith International and served for five years as Chair of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Washington Lawyer’s Committee; as well as three years as Chair of the Institute for Law and Policy at the Hebrew University Faculty of Law. Heideman co-chaired the Nuremberg Symposium at Jagellonian University in Krakow, sponsored by the International March of the Living, on the Nuremberg Laws and Nuremberg Trials, which has been published as a special Nuremberg edition of the Loyola of Los Angeles International & Comparative Law Review.

DOWNLOAD PDF »

Court Approves Infant’s Tylenol Nationwide Class Action Settlement

Richard D. Heideman, Noel J. Nudelman and Tracy Reichman Kalik of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC, announced that a US federal court has granted Final Approval of the nationwide Class Action Settlement in the matter of Elkies, et al. v. Johnson & Johnson Servs., Inc., et al., Case No. 2:17-CV-7320-GW.

The Elkies filed suit in Los Angeles claiming  that the Infants’ Tylenol packaging (the text “Infants” and a picture of a mother holding her baby) deceives consumers into believing Infants’ Tylenol is unique/specially formulated for infants, when the bottle contains liquid acetaminophen of the same concentration in Children’s Tylenol, and therefore causes consumers to overpay for Infants’ Tylenol.

After obtaining class certification and completing merits discovery, the parties reached a nationwide settlement. The settlement creates a $6.315 million claim fund and also provides injunctive relief.

“We are pleased that the Court has recognized the fairness and value that this settlement has brought to consumers of Infants’ Tylenol nationwide,” said Noel J. Nudelman.

Tracy Reichman Kalik added, “the settlement not only provides class members with financial compensation but also provides important injunctive relief.”

The Class is represented by Class Counsel Richard D. Heideman, Noel J. Nudelman and Tracy Reichman Kalik of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik PC

About Heideman Nudelman & Kalik PC

The law firm of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC. (www.HNKlaw.com), based in Washington, DC, is a global firm with affiliates in various parts of the world. Richard D. Heideman, Noel J. Nudelman, Tracy R. Kalik and other members, associates and affiliates of the firm have extensive experience in complex litigation and have served as lead or co-lead counsel in a number of class actions.

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Media Contact:

Ariana Tipograph

Starburst Communications

ariana@starburstcommunications.com

301-332-3301

Hezbollah-funder Islamic Republic of Iran hit with $74M judgment in US court

Richard D. Heideman, Noel J. Nudelman and Tracy Reichman Kalik of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC, the Washington, DC law firm that represents American victims of terror announced that a US federal court has entered Judgment against the Islamic Republic of Iran, ordering the country, as state sponsors of terrorism, to pay $74 million in compensatory and punitive damages to two Marines and their family members over the 1983 terrorist bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut Lebanon, finding that the pair had shown they suffered severely as a result of the attack.

Judge John D. Bates of the US District Court for the District of Columbia awarded the damages to Michael Ewan, David Seeyle and members of the Ewan family. The Court found Michael Ewan and David Seelye had proven they had suffered injuries stemming from Hezbollah’s April 1983 car bombing attack on the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, and that Iran was liable for the attack due to its material support of Hezbollah, the Islamist militant group long designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US government.

In its Opinion, Judge Bates said, “the court concludes that plaintiffs have demonstrated severe loss and hardship as a result of Iran’s involvement.”

The Islamic Republic of Iran has long been designated by the US State Department as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and therefore does not enjoy sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Iran is the worst sponsor of terror in the world.

In addition to the compensatory damages, the Court awarded punitive damages, “to recognize the full scope of the damage caused by Iran’s actions,” said Judge Bates.

The Plaintiffs are represented Richard D. Heideman, Noel J. Nudelman and Tracy Reichman Kalik of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik PC., which is dedicated to holding sponsors of terror legally accountable. They said the ruling was “an important victory for the Marines who lost life and limb as a direct result of the Iranian sponsored bombing of the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Lebanon.”

Heideman, Nudelman & Kalik also stated “Iran continues to be the largest state sponsor of terror in the world and as such deserves to be singled out for their sponsorship of heinous acts of murder,” the attorneys said. “This judgment stands to hold Iran accountable for its unconscionable and heinous support of terrorism. We trust that the court’s decision will provide some measure of justice for these victims.”

About Heideman Nudelman & Kalik PC
The law firm of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC. (www.HNKlaw.com), based in Washington, DC, is a global firm with affiliates in various parts of the world. Richard D. Heideman, Noel J. Nudelman, Tracy R. Kalik and other members, associates and affiliates of the firm have extensive experience in complex litigation. The firm has served as lead counsel in numerous cases on behalf of victims of terror and their family members who have been killed or injured in terrorist attacks throughout the world. The firm has successfully brought cases against Libya, the Syrian Arab Republic, The Islamic Republic of Iran, the PA/PLO, Arab Bank, PLC and others accused of funding or providing material support for terror and continues committed to seeking justice on behalf of Americans who have suffered at the hands of terrorists, their sponsors, supporters and funders.

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Media Contact:
Ariana Tipograph
Starburst Communications
ariana@starburstcommunications.com
301-332-3301

Court enters Preliminary Approval Order Approving Nationwide Settlement in Elkies, et al v Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. et al.

On Friday December 6, 2019, the United States District Court, Central District of California, entered an order preliminarily approving a nationwide settlement in the matter of Elkies, et al v Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. et al. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, the Claim Administrator has established a Settlement Website  (www.InfantsTylenolSettlement.com ) where copies of the Preliminary Approval Order, Class Notice and Claim forms may be downloaded and submitted and such other information as may be of assistance to Class Members.

• View: Complaint
• View: Order Certifying Class
• View: Preliminary Approval Order
• View: Settlement Website

KKL-JNF vs Education for a Just Peace in the Middle East dba US Campaign for Palestinian Rights

Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, P.C. has filed on November 13, 2019 a Complaint in the US District Court for the District of Columbia on behalf of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) against Education for a Just Peace in the Middle East dba US Campaign for Palestinian Rights.

(November 13, 2019  / Alex Traiman, JNS) ​It aims to hold the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, also known as Education for a Just Peace in the Middle East, liable for conspiring to provide financial aid and other assistance to Palestinian terror groups that make up the Boycott National Committee, which leads the BDS movement.
Palestinians who support boycotting Israel during clashes along the Israel-Gaza border in May 2018. Credit: BDS National Committee via Facebook.
(November 13, 2019  / Alex Traiman, JNS) ​It aims to hold the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, also known as Education for a Just Peace in the Middle East, liable for conspiring to provide financial aid and other assistance to Palestinian terror groups that make up the Boycott National Committee, which leads the BDS movement.
SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images

Iran and Syria, Funders Of HAMAS, Hit with $165.9M Judgment in U.S. Court

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia (Court) has entered Judgment against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Syrian Arab Republic, ordering the countries, both state sponsors of terrorism, to pay $165.9 million in compensatory and punitive damages in connection with the death of Max Steinberg.

Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the Court awarded the damages to the family and estate of Max Steinberg, an American citizen who was serving as a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces. Max was in Gaza City searching for kidnapped victims of terror in the HAMAS terror tunnels when he was ambushed and killed.

As found by the Court, HAMAS, which immediately took credit for the attack, had been receiving and benefiting from funding, weapons and other material support provided by both Iran and Syria. Both countries have long been designated by the US State Department as State Sponsors of Terrorism and, therefore, do not enjoy sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

The compensatory damages awarded by the court included $934,010 of estimated net economic loss to Max’s estate, as well as $5 million to each of his parents and $2.5 million to each of his siblings as compensation for the mental anguish, bereavement and grief which they suffered.

In addition, the Court awarded the family punitive damages in the amount of $150 million, consistent with other DC District Court decisions “to punish and deter foreign states from engaging in or materially supporting terrorism.”

The Plaintiffs are represented by the law firm of Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC. “We are most pleased by this decision of the Court,” said senior counsel Richard D. Heideman, “as it has provided a measure of justice for the Steinberg family and other American victims of terror and their families.” He continued, “As long as the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic and other state sponsors of terror continue to sponsor acts of international terror committed against Americans, we will fight to hold them legally accountable.”

• View: Order and Judgement
• View: Memorandum Opinion

Legal Memorandum/Brief submitted to Israeli Attorney General

Legal Memorandum/Brief submitted to
Israeli Attorney General

Legal Memorandum/Brief and Comparative Legal Analysis drafted by Nathan Lewin, Esq. with Alan Dershowitz, Esq., Richard D. Heideman, Esq., Professor Avi Bell and Joseph Tipograph, Esq. and submitted to Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, State of Israel with regard to issues relating to the claims of bribery and the media.

Associate Counsel Team

Nathan Lewin, Esq.

Alan Dershowitz, Esq.

Richard D. Heideman, Esq.

Professor Avi Bell

Joseph Tipograph, Esq.

Relevant Articles

(October 29, 2019 / Alex Traiman, JNS) Law professor Avi Bell, a member of the legal team that submitted a brief in defense of the Israeli premier during pre-indictment hearings, talks with JNS about the potential danger the cases against Benjamin Netanyahu pose to Israel’s democracy.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and cabinet secretary Avichai Mandelblit (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
(October 27, 2019 / Caroline B. Glick, The Jewish Press) The two presented points they made in a brief co-authored with Alan Dershowitz, Richard Heideman, and Joseph Tipograph. The brief focuses on the question at the heart of the two main investigations: Is it permissible to define a news organization’s offer to cover a politician favorably a form of bribery?
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit (The Jewish Pres)
(October 23, 2019 / Caroline B. Glick, The Jewish Press) During the final half hour of Netanyahu’s hearing, Mandelblit approved his attorneys’ request to permit two senior American jurists – legendary litigator Nathan Lewin and Professor Avi Bell from University of San Diego and Bar Ilan University law schools address him. The two presented the main points raised in a brief they authored with their colleagues Prof. Alan Dershowitz and attorneys Richard Heideman and Joseph Tipograph. Netanyahu’s lawyers submitted their brief to Mandelblit the previous week.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu (The Jewish Press)