Susan Abulhawa, a Palestinian-American author and activist, has faced widespread criticism for her inflammatory rhetoric, endorsement of terrorist organizations, and promotion of anti-Semitic hate speech. Her outspoken statements and actions have contributed to a divisive atmosphere, particularly on university campuses and in public forums, where her radical views often target Jewish individuals and communities.
Abulhawa’s connections to extremist organizations such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Samidoun—both designated terrorist organizations—highlight her advocacy for violent resistance. She has participated in events alongside senior PFLP figures Khaled Barakat and Charlotte Kates, openly praised notorious terrorists, and displayed the PFLP flag in her home. Abulhawa’s vocal support for Hamas further underscores her alignment with groups responsible for acts of terrorism against civilians.
On October 7, 2023, as Hamas launched its brutal attack on innocent Jews, Abulhawa filmed herself appearing to celebrate the massacre, which included mass murder, rape, torture, and the kidnapping of civilians. The video, widely condemned, was emblematic of her pattern of justifying violence. She later mourned the deaths of senior Hamas figures, including Yahya Sinwar, describing them as “martyrs” on her social media.
Susan Abulhawa’s Endorsement of Terror
Abulhawa has repeatedly glorified violence and terrorism, portraying acts of war and terror as resistance. On December 3, 2023, she led the “Flood Philly for Gaza” rally, organized by the Philly Palestine Coalition. Protesters at the rally chanted calls for destruction and violence, including “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free” and “There is only one solution: Intifada, revolution!” The rally targeted Jewish-owned businesses, with participants accusing them of genocide. These events have been criticized for fostering hostility and promoting violence under the guise of activism.
Her public statements further demonstrate her extremism. She has referred to Jews as “vile” and “armed human garbage” and justified violence against civilians by equating their existence with colonial oppression. Abulhawa has praised figures like Dalal Mughrabi, a terrorist responsible for the 1978 Coastal Road Massacre, and described them as heroes of the Palestinian cause.
Anti-Semitic Rhetoric
Abulhawa’s social media posts and public appearances are rife with anti-Semitic tropes and inflammatory comparisons. She has likened Israel to Nazi Germany, claiming it is “worse than the Nazis” and asserting, “It’s possible to be Jewish and a Nazi at the same time. It’s called Israel.” She has called for the Jewish homeland to be “wiped off the map,” a genocidal statement that reflects her hostility toward Jewish self-determination.
Her rhetoric extends beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with allegations of broader anti-Semitism. For example, in December 2024, Abulhawa appeared on a Russian television program where she accused U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken of lacking loyalty to the United States because of his Judaism. She repeated stereotypes about Jewish control of politics, media, and Hollywood, further fueling accusations of hate speech.
Conclusion
Susan Abulhawa’s history of anti-Semitism, glorification of terrorism, and radical rhetoric highlights her divisive influence as an activist. Her statements and actions undermine efforts for constructive dialogue and perpetuate hostility against Jewish communities, often crossing the line into hate speech. Critics argue that her behavior not only promotes extremism but also creates an unsafe and hostile environment for individuals targeted by her inflammatory rhetoric.
