Qais Dana’s Endorsement of Terrorism:
On September 25, 2024, Qais Dana attended the “Hands Off Lebanon, Hands Off Palestine” rally at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. At this event, Dana was seen displaying the ‘inverted triangle,’ a symbol associated with Hamas, which has been used by its supporters as an endorsement of Hamas’ violent actions. The open display of this symbol by Dana can be interpreted as an endorsement of terrorism and incitement to violence, as it aligns with Hamas’ extremist and violent ideology.
Leading Violent Chants at the SJP Philadelphia Coalition Protest:
On October 7, 2024, Qais Dana played a key role during a protest organized by the SJP Philadelphia Coalition in Philadelphia. Dana led the crowd in aggressive chants calling for “intifada” (violent uprising) and “from the river to the sea,” slogans advocating for the destruction of Israel and violence against Jewish people. The protest, which openly supported proscribed Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) such as Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), ended in violent clashes with police. Dana’s leadership in inciting violence further highlights his alignment with extremist ideologies and his role in promoting unrest and chaos.
Participation in Vandalism and Disregard for American Symbols:
In April 2023, Qais Dana was involved in the defacement of the Benjamin Franklin statue at the University of Pennsylvania. This act of vandalism, part of a larger protest, demonstrated a lack of respect for American heritage and values. Dana’s participation in this defacement signals a broader pattern of endorsing anti-American and extremist behavior.
Conclusion:
Qais Dana has consistently demonstrated his support for violent extremist ideologies through his actions. His involvement in displaying a Hamas-associated symbol at the September 25, 2024, rally, his leadership in inciting violence at the October 7, 2024, protest, and his participation in the defacement of the Benjamin Franklin statue all point to a concerning trend. Dana’s actions are a clear endorsement of terrorism and violent extremism, posing a significant threat to public safety and community values.
