In this Jonathan Turley article, the author highlights remarks by a former Columbia University instructor that he argues glorify violence against Jews and reflect growing radicalization within segments of academia.
- Former Columbia-affiliated instructor Muhammad Abdou spoke at a Union Theological Seminary event and urged listeners to “be a threat,” framing militant rhetoric as part of political struggle.
- Abdou promoted a concept of jihad and rejected what he described as “negative peace,” encouraging confrontation rather than coexistence.
- The most controversial moment came when Abdou praised Elias Rodriguez, the suspect accused of murdering two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington in 2025.
- Abdou reportedly referred to the killings as the “assassination of two Zionists” and said “God bless him” when discussing the alleged killer.
- He also declared, “We need to destroy. We need to create alternatives,” remarks critics say amount to open endorsement of violent resistance.
- The seminary canceled Abdou’s in-person appearance but allowed the event to proceed virtually, drawing criticism and student concern.
- Activist groups supporting Abdou accused critics of Islamophobia and defended the event as part of academic discourse.
- Turley argues the deeper issue is not just Abdou’s rhetoric but the academic institutions that elevate scholars with radical ideological views.
- The article concludes that extremist anti-Israel rhetoric is becoming normalized in parts of higher education while dissenting viewpoints remain marginalized.
Read the full story: https://jonathanturley.org/2026/03/13/we-need-to-destroy-former-columbia-professor-calls-for-violence-and-glorifies-the-murder-of-jews/
