Natalie Abulhawa has been an outspoken figure at the forefront of activism, frequently engaging in controversial and divisive rhetoric. Her actions include leading and participating in rallies that glorify terrorist organizations, spreading anti-Semitic hate speech, and inciting hostility through public statements and social media. Her behavior has drawn criticism for perpetuating hate and divisiveness, with accusations of fostering anti-Semitism and justifying terrorism.
In December 2023, Abulhawa led multiple protests, including the “Flood Philly for Gaza” rally, where she invoked slogans and chants associated with violent uprisings and the glorification of terrorism. Protesters at her events called for the destruction of Israel and promoted violence against its citizens, chanting phrases such as “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free,” widely condemned as anti-Semitic, and “Intifada, revolution!”—a term historically tied to violent uprisings. The rallies also targeted Jewish-owned businesses, where participants chanted accusatory slogans like “Goldie, Goldie, you can’t hide; we charge you with genocide!”
Abulhawa’s rallies have been criticized for their open support of Hamas and other extremist groups. For example, during a December 16, 2023 protest, she referred to the actions of Hamas as “the resistance,” a euphemism often used to sanitize acts of terrorism. Her Instagram post following these events glorified Hamas fighters, referring to them as “heroes” and praising their tactics during the October 7, 2023 attacks, which involved heinous crimes against civilians, including murder, torture, and sexual violence.
Her history of inflammatory rhetoric extends to social media, where she has repeatedly spread anti-Semitic messages. In one instance, she posted, “Fk each and every single Zionist on this planet. I hope they rot in fking hell.” She has also declared that “Israel doesn’t have the right to exist,” aligning with extremist views that deny the legitimacy of a Jewish homeland.
Firing From Her PE Teaching Job
In 2022, Abulhawa faced professional consequences due to her inappropriate nature. She was dismissed from her position as a PE teacher at the Agnes Irwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, after parents and faculty expressed concern over her behavior, which were described inappropriate. Despite the documented evidence of her statements, Abulhawa did not deny the accuracy of the controversy. Advocacy group CAIR-Philadelphia filed a discrimination complaint on her behalf, alleging anti-Palestinian bias, but the case further spotlighted her divisive rhetoric.
Natalie Abulhawa’s Background and Associations
Abulhawa has a history of radical activism that extends to her earlier years. She is the daughter of Susan Abulhawa, a known anti-Israel activist barred entry into Israel on multiple occasions. Natalie has also promoted boycotts targeting Jewish-owned businesses and institutions, framing them as part of a “colonial campaign.”
Her repeated public endorsements of extremism, coupled with her unapologetic hostility towards Jewish people and institutions, have made her a controversial figure in activism. Critics contend that her actions promote division and undermine efforts for genuine dialogue and peace.
