Anyone in the past years would have thought Ph.D. student Hilah Kohen was quite impressive academically. She was a UPenn graduate, language advocate, translator, and writer. However, her life took an unpredictable turn, as her advocacy turned to hatred. Recently, she and three others have been suspended for their extreme views, aligning with US-designated terrorist groups like Hamas.
Background: Hamas Terrorist Attacks
On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a US-designated terrorist organization, launched a brutal attack on Israeli civilians, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people, with many more wounded and kidnapped. In response, Israel initiated Operation “Swords of Iron” to combat Hamas.
Hilah Kohen’s Actions and Statements
Since October 7th, Hilah has looked past the atrocities committed by Hamas and has chanted out slogans calling for the ethnic cleansing of her own people. The subject also spoke on the opening day of the “UPenn Freedom School for Palestine” and was also quoted in local media representing the protest. It should also be noted that her X account links to the Freedom School’s Instagram page, which suggests she is involved in running the protest.
Conclusion
Hilah Kohen’s troubling shift from a respected academic to an advocate for extremist ideologies not only undermines her previous accomplishments but also poses serious questions about the influence of radical views on educational environments.
