Marie Adele Grosso, also known as Marie Adele Gasteyer Grosso, is a student at Barnard College, part of Columbia University, where she is studying sociology and human rights with an expected graduation in 2026. She is an outspoken activist supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and has been involved in multiple pro-Palestinian protests. Grosso is also the daughter of Catherine M. Grosso, an anti-Israel professor at Michigan State University.
Justifying Hamas Terrorism
Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, Grosso posted a TikTok video on October 9, 2023, in which she discussed Hamas’s actions, stating that while “bombing civilians is never okay,” Hamas’s attack was “not unprompted,” suggesting justification for the terrorist group’s actions. This position aligns with Grosso’s ongoing activism in support of Palestinian resistance, a stance she has shared on social media platforms.
Celebrating Intifada
In December 2023, Grosso posted a TikTok video titled “An Intifada is NOT antisemitism,” where she defined intifada as an “uprising against Israeli occupation.” That said, most people murdered during the Intifada were innocent Jews. Grosso then called for a global intifada, further aligning herself with Hamas, a US designated terrorist organization, thus solidifying her stance against American values. The term “intifada,” commonly associated with Palestinian uprisings against Israeli civilians, has historically been marked by acts of terrorism, including bombings, shootings and stabbings. Grosso’s celebration of intifada is part of her broader rhetoric promoting global violence.
Hatred of the Police and Arrests
Grosso was arrested twice during the pro-Hamas “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Columbia University in April 2024. On April 18, she was arrested for trespassing during the protest, which was organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) and other anti-Israel groups. After being suspended from the university, Grosso returned to continue protesting and was arrested again on April 30, 2024, following another confrontation with the NYPD. During these protests, demonstrators vandalized Columbia property, barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall, and held university custodians hostage.
Current Status
As of May 2024, Grosso remains a vocal advocate for Palestinians and Hamas and continues to be active in pro-BDS movements. Her social media posts, arrest record, and involvement in violent anti-Israel protests have made her a prominent figure within the student-led activism at Columbia University.
