Munir Atalla, an adjunct professor at Columbia University, has been a prominent figure in pro-Hamas and antisemitic activism. His participation in the April 2024 pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia University and his organization of a rally celebrating Hamas war crimes in October 2023 underscore his alignment with extremist, terrorist ideologies. Atalla’s actions and rhetoric have drawn criticism for glorifying violence and promoting antisemitism, marking him as a deeply divisive, possibly dangerous figure within academic and activist circles.

Munir Atalla Justifies Terrorism at Times Square Rally

On October 8, 2023, just one day after Hamas committed atrocities that left over 1,200 civilians dead, Atalla co-organized and spoke at a rally in New York City’s Times Square. Referring to the Hamas attacks as “resistance,” Atalla justified acts of mass murder and hostage-taking, claiming, “Occupied people have a right to resist their occupation.” His statements glorified the Hamas operation, which involved acts of torture, rape, and the beheading of civilians, including children. By invoking terms like “resistance” and “liberation,” Atalla echoed rhetoric commonly used to sanitize and legitimize terrorism.

A History of Extremist Affiliations and Actions

Atalla’s history of involvement with the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) further highlights his connection to organizations that have been linked to extremist rhetoric and actions. These groups have faced allegations of promoting antisemitism, glorifying terrorism, and disrupting campus environments. Through his leadership roles and public statements, Atalla has consistently aligned himself with ideologies that demonize Jewish people and justify violence, making him a highly polarizing figure.

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