Columbia Campus Hosts Wife of Convicted Terrorist, Sparks Outrage
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed the presence of a woman with ties to a convicted terror supporter on Columbia University’s campus last week, though her name has not been released.
Outcry from Authorities and Community
Assistant NYPD Commissioner Rebecca Weiner expressed concern about the woman’s presence on campus, stating that she would not want her to influence her child’s education if she were a Columbia parent.
Former University of South Florida professor Sami Al-Arian, who admitted to aiding the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group, shared a photo of his wife at Columbia’s West Lawn encampment, sparking outrage and raising questions about how she gained access to the heavily guarded campus.
Deported Professor Celebrates Wife’s Presence
Al-Arian, who was deported to Turkey after serving time in federal prison, hailed his wife’s participation in the protest, calling it an act of solidarity with the “brave and determined Columbia University students.”
Wife Not Accused of Wrongdoing, But Access Questioned
Police emphasized that the woman was not accused of any criminal wrongdoing. However, StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez questioned how she was allowed onto the campus, which was under lockdown and only accessible to students, faculty, and limited media visits.
Columbia’s Poor Security Raises Concerns
Rez denounced the incident as a failure of Columbia’s security measures, highlighting the fact that a convicted terrorist’s spouse was able to openly attend an event on campus without repercussions.
Al-Arian’s History of Supporting Terrorism
Al-Arian has a long history of involvement with terrorist organizations. In 2006, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to aid the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. After serving a 57-month prison sentence, he agreed to be deported to Turkey as part of a plea deal.
Then-U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales stated in 2006 that Al-Arian had denied involvement with the terror group for a decade before prosecutors gathered enough evidence to bring charges against him.
Al-Arian’s Activities and Sentencing
According to the Department of Justice, Al-Arian’s support for the PIJ included helping members file for immigration benefits, concealing their identities from authorities, and assisting in legal proceedings.
Concern over Al-Arian’s radicalism at USF led to his firing, however, he fought the university in a labor dispute until a federal grand jury indicted him on racketeering charges.
Outrage at Anti-American and Anti-Israel Rhetoric
Rez condemned the presence of anti-American and anti-Israel rhetoric on university campuses, with Sami Al-Arian serving as a symbol of the problem.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his anger at the replacement of the American flag with the Palestinian flag at City College, declaring that it was despicable for schools to allow other countries’ flags to fly in the United States.
Anti-Israel Protests at USF
The University of South Florida, where Al-Arian once worked, has also witnessed anti-Israel demonstrations. Police deployed tear gas to control protesters on Tuesday, and one suspect, Atah Othman, 39, was arrested for carrying a gun on school property during a protest.
