Columbia University's Anti-Semitism Problem: Terrorist's Wife Joins Protests

In the latest incident of escalating anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, the wife of a former computer science professor who pleaded guilty to providing support to terrorists has joined demonstrators on campus. Despite the school's lockdown and limited access policy, the woman's presence at the West Lawn encampment has raised concerns about the university's handling of anti-Semitism.

Amid escalating anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, a disturbing connection has emerged between the agitators and individuals with known ties to terrorism. Last week, the wife of Sami Al-Arian, a former professor who admitted to providing material support to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group, joined protesters on campus.

Al-Arian's wife, Nahla, was present at the West Lawn encampment, where anti-Israel agitators have erected tents and rattled Jewish classmates. Her presence has sparked outrage among students and raised questions about how she gained access to the campus while it was on lockdown.

The NYPD has acknowledged the woman's ties to a convicted terror supporter but has not named her. Assistant NYPD Commissioner Rebecca Weiner expressed concern about the influence of such individuals on young students.

"And we have no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing on her part, but that's not somebody who I would want necessarily influencing my child if I were a parent of somebody at Columbia," Weiner said.

Sami Al-Arian, who admitted to conspiracy to aid the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group in 2006, shared a photo of his wife at the protest on social media. He expressed solidarity with "the brave and very determined Columbia University students."

It remains unclear how Nahla Al-Arian was able to access the campus, which was supposed to be limited to students and faculty with limited media access. Liora Rez, founder and executive director of StopAntisemitism, believes the woman's presence was intentional.

"Whoever brought her in wanted her to be seen," Rez said. "It's spreading like wildfire now that a convicted terrorist's spouse was allowed to enjoy a beautiful day in New York on campus, openly, without any consequences."

Sami Al-Arian's brother-in-law, Mazen Al-Najjar, was also jailed for three years on suspicion of terrorism and later deported. Al-Arian himself was once described as a "master manipulator" and leader in the terror group by a federal judge.

After serving 57 months in prison, Al-Arian agreed to be deported to Turkey as part of a plea deal. Then-U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said Al-Arian had denied involvement with the terror group for a decade before prosecutors had enough evidence to bring charges.

Al-Arian's activities for the terror group included helping members file for immigration benefits, concealing their identities from authorities, and assisting an Islamic Jihad member in a federal court proceeding.

Al-Arian's wife's presence at the protest has raised concerns about the internal workings of Columbia University. Rez believes there is an "internal rot" with anti-American faculty, and Al-Arian is a prime example.

"Now, fast-forward to 2024, and we literally have this screaming in our faces that there are duplicates of Sami Al-Arian from Columbia to Harvard ... mimicking this exact rhetoric pushing pro-Hamas, pro-terror, anti-American, Marxist views," Rez said.

New York Mayor Eric Adams has condemned the anti-American and anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. He emphasized the sacrifices made by military personnel and the importance of not allowing other flags to replace the American flag in the United States.

"My uncle died defending this country, and these men and women put their lives on the line, and it's despicable that schools will allow another country's flag to fly in our country," Adams said.

The anti-Israel protests at Columbia University have also spread to other campuses, including the University of South Florida, where Al-Arian once worked. In recent days, police used tear gas to quell chaos at an anti-Israel demonstration, and one suspect, 39-year-old Atah Othman, was arrested with a gun on school property.