Following the October 7th incident attributed to Hamas against Israel, a wave of heightened scrutiny has swept over the student organization, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). The organization has faced criticism for voicing support for Hamas and condemning Israel in their communications on the day of the attack. Hatem Bazian, the founder of SJP and the parent organization American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), has become a central figure in the unfolding discourse.
Recently, reports by Townhall indicated that prestigious academic institutions like Harvard are taking measures to safeguard students associated with SJP who have publicly supported Hamas. Amid these events, SJP announced a “Day of Resistance” scheduled for October 12, which was covered by the Washington Free Beacon, referencing tools and plans disseminated online for the event.
The issue has also extended its reach to the political arena, enveloping not only members of “The Squad” in Congress, such as Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), but also Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), who is considered more moderate. Allred, who has aspirations for a Senate seat, previously engaged with the Dallas chapter of AMP, illustrating the complex interplay between local chapters and national politics.
In a statement that could rekindle historical parallels, the Texas AMP chapter compared the Boycott, Divestments, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel to the American Civil Rights movement, as seen in a Facebook post from August 31, 2019. They equated the movement to actions like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, with aims to affirm Palestinian rights.
Yet, Allred’s stance appears nuanced. A May report from the Washington Free Beacon highlighted his mixed record on BDS, noting that while he has opposed funding for universities supporting BDS, he also voted against congressional measures that would condemn boycotts against Israel.
In contrast, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has been an outspoken critic of the BDS movement and has expressed concerns about the current administration’s policies, which he perceives to align with anti-Israel sentiments, even in scientific partnerships in the region of Judea and Samaria.
Fadya Risheq, president of the Texas AMP chapter since at least August 2020, has made headlines along with her group for advocating for the release of Aafia Siddiqui, imprisoned for attempting to shoot U.S. military and FBI personnel. The group’s connections to Hamas are further emphasized by an incident where a representative was seen supporting the release of individuals convicted for aiding Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization.
AMP and its representatives, including Bazian, have openly supported pro-Hamas rhetoric. The Texas chapter, particularly on the day of the October 7 attack, was noted for blaming Israel and promoting events sympathetic to Hamas.
This coverage also extends to other social movements, like the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which has found common cause with AMP in some regions. Rep. Allred, also associated with Justice Democrats, has been supported by this group, which has taken strong stances against Israeli policies.
Controversy further surrounds figures like Imam Omar Suleiman, with whom Allred has shown public support, despite Suleiman’s contentious posts about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tlaib, too, has come under fire for spreading misinformation about Israel, which she corrected only after a significant delay.
These unfolding events reflect a tangled web of political activism, international conflict, and the influence of movements like BDS that have supporters and detractors deeply entrenched in their positions. As debates continue, the narratives around such organizations and their affiliations become increasingly scrutinized amidst the complex geopolitics of the Middle East.