Mohamed Abdou is a visiting professor in modern Arab studies at Columbia University’s Middle East Institute (MEI) during the Spring 2024 semester. He is also listed as an author on the Al Jazeera English (AJ English) website, where he describes himself as a “North African-Egyptian Muslim anarchist interdisciplinary activist-scholar.” Abdou holds a PhD in sociology from Queen’s University, received in 2019. He is currently based in New York, New York.
Mohamed Abdou’s Pro-Hamas Activism and Anti-American Statements
On April 17, 2024, Mohamed Abdou participated in the pro-Hamas “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Columbia University, which was organized to support the cause of Hamas. Abdou was featured in videos participating in the encampment and even taught classes there, stating: “I actually was the first professor to do that.” The encampment was forcibly dismantled by authorities after activists took over a campus building, vandalized property, and took university custodians hostage.
Abdou has also made numerous statements in support of Hamas and other terrorists. On January 6, 2024, Abdou was featured in a YouTube video titled “Indigeneity & Palestine,” where he said, “I might be with Hamas and support the resistance, absolutely.” In another interview on November 30, 2023, Abdou praised Hamas fighters, stating that “the resistance fighters that were in Hamas…flipped the table, not only on an entire settler-colonial state but rather on the whole world.” Such rhetoric glorifies violence and terrorism against innocent civilians and has no place in academia.
Mohamed’s Denial of Hamas War Crimes
On May 7, 2024, Mohamed Abdou was featured in a video where he denied documented Hamas war crimes, stating that “there is no evidence of beheaded babies.” This denial is deeply troubling, as it echoes the tactics of historical denialism and downplays the atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Spreading Hatred of America and Anti-Semitism
On February 15, 2024, Abdou spoke at an event organized by the Palestine Working Group at Columbia titled “Propaganda and Genocide: Israel’s War on Truth.” During his speech, Abdou stated that he does not pledge allegiance to the American flag or call himself an American or Canadian, despite benefiting from the privileges of citizenship. He also made anti-Semitic remarks, questioning the legitimacy of Jewish presence in Israel and referring to “the white supremacy that animates Ashkenazi thought and discourse.” Such statements spread hatred and undermine the values of diversity and inclusivity that universities should promote.
Disclosure
Mohamed Abdou’s actions and affiliations are deeply troubling and contrary to the values of democracy, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Universities must not tolerate the endorsement of terrorism or the spread of hatred under the guise of academic freedom. This profile aims to provide transparency regarding his behavior, which undermines the principles of academic integrity and human rights. If you have further information regarding Mohamed Abdou or his activities, please share your insights.
