|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
NYU Adjunct Professor Denies Hamas Atrocities, Sparks Outrage Among Jewish Community
Edited by: Fern Sidman
Amin Husain, a part-time adjunct professor at NYU and firebrand pro-Hamas activist, has ignited controversy after downplaying allegations of Hamas atrocities during a recent “teach-in” event organized by Students for Justice in Palestine at The New School. As was reported in the New York Post, Husain’s remarks, captured in a video from the event, have drawn condemnation from the local and international Jewish community, raising concerns about the rapid escalation of anti-Semitism on college campuses.
During the event, Husain dismissed allegations that Hamas had committed the heinous atrocities and brutal acts of savagery that took place in southern Israel on October 7th, including the beheading of Israeli babies, labeling such claims as lacking any veracity, according to the report in the Post. His comments, delivered in a foul-mouthed manner, sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, including Roz Rothstein, the CEO of StandWithUs, who denounced Husain’s remarks as anti-Jewish and accused him of collaborating with the Hamas terrorists, the Post report added.
Husain dismissed claims of discrimination against Muslims as “bulls–t” and openly mocked a petition aimed at his firing, which was initiated by an NYU alum last year.
Husain’s statements have evoked strong reactions from Jewish students and advocacy groups, who have expressed horror and concern over his views. As was indicated in the Post report, Eitan Gutenmacher, a Jewish student at NYU, described Husain as notorious for his anti-Semitic views and asserts that Jewish students avoid taking his classes due to his inflammatory rhetoric. The recording of Husain’s remarks, in which he identifies New York City as “Zionist” and dismisses allegations against Hamas, has further fueled the controversy.
Husain’s assertion that he is proud of being called an anti-Semite has raised alarms among students and observers. Gutenmacher highlights the disconcerting nature of such sentiments, particularly within an academic environment that prides itself on progressivism and inclusivity, as was noted in the Post report. The condemnation of Husain’s remarks underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for academic institutions to address the dangerous proliferation of virulent Jew hatred.
In the video, Husain is depicted wearing a traditional Arabic keffiyeh headdress, adding to the symbolism of his remarks, the Post reported. His assertion that New York City is “Zionist” reflects a broader critique of perceived biases within society. The exchange between Husain and the students illustrates the tensions surrounding identity, politics, and narratives in discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The controversy surrounding Husain’s statements raises questions about academic institutions’ hiring practices and the responsibilities of faculty members in fostering inclusive and respectful discourse. Rothstein’s condemnation emphasized the need for universities to uphold academic standards and ensure that faculty members do not promote anti-Semitic tropes or hate speech of any kind.
During the event, Husain addressed his profile on the website Canary Mission, which documents individuals and organizations accused of promoting anti-American, anti-Israel, and anti-Semitic sentiments on college campuses, as per the report in the Post. He described his profile on the site as having “endless” citations, implying that everything cited about him was true.
According to Canary Mission’s dossier on Husain, he has been accused of organizing disruptive protests in New York City, promoting hatred against America and the police, and inciting animosity towards pro-Israel supporters through his involvement with Within Our Lifetime (WOL), an anti-Israel, pro-Hamas, pro-terror activist group in New York, according to the information provided in the Post report.
Furthermore, the dossier alleges that Husain participated in violent protests and riots during the first Intifada, a Palestinian uprising in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as was reported in the Post. It also claims that he personally visited a leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a designated terrorist organization by several countries.
Husain’s remarks at The New School event reflect his defiance against the accusations leveled against him. The Post report pointed out that despite the serious nature of the allegations, he appears to have assumed an insouciant posture, as he finds humor in the situation while drawing laughter from his audience.
The controversy surrounding Husain’s statements adds to the ongoing debate about free speech, activism, and accountability within academic institutions. The Post observed that while some may view his outspokenness as a form of advocacy, others argue that his alleged involvement in disruptive and potentially dangerous activities warrants further scrutiny.
Both NYU and The New School have responded to inquiries regarding Husain’s involvement in the event. The Post report said that NYU clarified that Husain has not been affiliated with the institution since 2019, while The New School defended its decision to allow student organizations, such as Students for Justice in Palestine, to invite speakers representing various viewpoints to campus.
The New School chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) is entitled to use university space, as are all New School student organizations, for educational activities, and has the right to invite speakers representing various points of views to the university,” a spokesperson for the school told the Post.
“The remarks made by Husain at these events are outrageous and offensive. Antisemitism has no place on our campus or anywhere else,” the school added.
The New School did not specify if it was the student group that invited Husain to the teach-in, the report in the Post said.
NYU spokesperson John Beckman told The Post that Husain is no longer teaching at the school, but did not specify if he was fired or when the university made its decision.
“To be clear, Mr. Husain has been suspended and is not currently teaching any classes at NYU,” Beckman said, the Post report noted. “All members of our community must adhere to the University’s discrimination and anti-harassment policies. We investigate all complaints we receive and take appropriate action, which may include taking measures, such as suspension.”
The New York-New Jersey chapter of the Anti-Defamation League said it was glad the university suspended Husain for his rhetoric against Israel and The Big Apple.
“We’re horrified by NYU professor Amin Husain denying Hamas’ indefensible atrocities and calling New York a ‘Zionist city,’” the ADL tweeted. “His statements are reprehensible.”
