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Columbia University Under Fire for Allowing Professor Who Praised Oct. 7 Hamas Attack to Teach Zionism Course
Pro-Hamas demonstrators at Columbia University in New York City, US, April 29, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
Columbia University is facing an uproar after it was revealed that Professor Joseph Massad, who described the Hamas-led massacre of Israelis last Oct. 7 as “astounding,” “awesome,” and “incredible,” is slated to teach a spring semester course on Zionism, prompting calls for his dismissal from Israeli colleague Shai Davidai, who condemned Massad’s continued employment as evidence of the university’s “moral and intellectual bankruptcy.”
The news also prompted adjunct professor Lawrence Rosenblatt to announce his resignation, echoing Davidai’s criticism by declaring that Columbia has lost not only its “moral compass but its intellectual one.”
The undergraduate class, titled History of the Jewish Enlightenment in 19th Century Europe and the Development of Zionism, will also examine the peace process between Israel, Arab states, and the Palestinian national movement, alongside a “historical overview of the Zionist-Palestinian conflict,” according to a description of the course on Columbia’s website.
Massad drew outrage shortly after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack when he published an article on the Palestinian propaganda outlet The Electronic Intifada. He described the invasion, which included the killing of 1,200 people and the taking of 253 hostages, as a “major achievement of the resistance in the temporary takeover of these settler-colonies” that dealt a “death blow” to Israeli confidence in its military.
Massad also expressed his wish that the evacuation of some 300,000 Israelis from their homes in Israel’s north and south as a result of the onslaught would turn into a “permanent exodus.”
“They may have finally realized that living on land stolen from another people will never make them safe,” he wrote.
Davidai, an assistant professor of psychology at Columbia, expressed outrage that someone who openly expressed “jubilation and awe” over the Hamas-led atrocities would be allowed to teach a class on Zionism.
“The fact that someone like Joseph Massad, who openly celebrates the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, who has talked about Jewish supremacy, and who has shown up to protest [in] anti-Jewish and anti-Israel and anti-American protests on campus, would teach a class about Zionism tells you everything that you need to know about not just the moral bankruptcy of Columbia University, but also the intellectual bankruptcy,” Davidai told The Algemeiner.
“I would never want to take a class about racism from someone who is racist, with someone who is sexist about sexism, with someone who is homophobic or transphobic about the LGBTQ movement, and I would definitely not want to take a class about Zionism from an avowed anti-Zionist,” Davidai went on. “I am not looking to be indoctrinated. I always want to be educated.”
The uproar reached beyond the university’s gates. US Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) took to the social media platform X, where he echoed Davidai’s thoughts, likening Massad’s teaching assignment to “David Duke teaching a course on anti-racism.” Torres also questioned why US taxpayers subsidize “ideological indoctrination that glorifies mass murder.”
Massad’s controversial academic work has also resurfaced as part of the debate. In a 2003 paper, he described Zionism as a “colonial movement” built on a “religion-racial epistemology” with a “commitment to building a demographically exclusive Jewish state modeled after Christian Europe.”
He has also claimed that Zionism exploits “Jewish persecution, including the [H]olocaust, to justify its crimes.”
Davidai argued that Massad’s views disqualify him from teaching at all.
“The fact that he openly celebrated the Oct. 7 massacre, saying that the sites of kidnapping, murdering, torturing, mutilation, of babies, of Holocaust survivors, of entire families brought to him jubilation and awe, should immediately disqualify him from teaching in any institution in the Western world,” he said.
“We shouldn’t be talking about what he teaches. We should be talking about why someone so vile, an antisemite like that, an anti-American like that, is still on Columbia’s payroll,” Davidai added.
In his resignation letter, international and public affairs adjunct professor Rosenblatt criticized the administration for allowing Massad, who has “advocated for the destruction of the State of Israel and celebrated the Oct. 7 attacks,” to teach a course on Zionism.
“Having Massad teach a course on Zionism is akin to having a White nationalist teach about the US Civil Rights movement, a climate denier teach about the impact of global warming, or a misogynist teach about feminism,” Rosenblatt wrote.
While he acknowledged Massad’s right to express his beliefs, Rosenblatt emphasized that Columbia has a responsibility to ensure its courses are taught objectively and fairly. He suggested that, at best, such a course could be co-taught by diverse Israeli and Palestinian perspectives, but “not by someone who advocates for the eradication of a group of people.”
Rosenblatt concluded his resignation by saying that the university, by officially approving Massad’s course, had harmed its own academic integrity. “The institution of Columbia, in officially sanctioning this class and this professor, has harmed the academy it once was. As it is gone, I cannot remain,” Rosenblatt wrote, adding that he would consider returning if the university corrected what he called “this travesty.”
In response to the mounting criticism, a Columbia spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging the pain caused by Massad’s comments following the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack. “Professor Massad’s statements following the terrorist attack on Oct. 7 created pain for many in our community and contributed to the deep controversy on our campus. We have consistently condemned any celebration or promotion of violence or terror,” the statement read.
It went on, however, to reaffirm the university’s commitment to the “principles of free expression and the open exchange of viewpoints and perspectives through opportunities for constructive dialogue.”
The statement noted that the course is an elective, and not a required course, and is one of three on Zionism and the history of Israel.
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Switzerland Moves to Close Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s Geneva Office Over Legal Irregularities
Palestinians carry aid supplies received from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the central Gaza Strip, May 29, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed/File Photo
Switzerland has moved to shut down the Geneva office of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US- and Israeli-backed aid group, citing legal irregularities in its establishment.
The GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza in late May, implementing a new aid delivery model aimed at preventing the diversion of supplies by Hamas, as Israel continues its defensive military campaign against the Palestinian terrorist group.
The initiative has drawn criticism from the UN and international organizations, some of which have claimed that Jerusalem is causing starvation in the war-torn enclave.
Israel has vehemently denied such accusations, noting that, until its recently imposed blockade, it had provided significant humanitarian aid in the enclave throughout the war.
Israeli officials have also said much of the aid that flows into Gaza is stolen by Hamas, which uses it for terrorist operations and sells the rest at high prices to Gazan civilians.
With a subsidiary registered in Geneva, the GHF — headquartered in Delaware — reports having delivered over 56 million meals to Palestinians in just one month.
According to a regulatory announcement published Wednesday in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce, the Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (ESA) may order the dissolution of the GHF if no creditors come forward within the legal 30-day period.
The Trump administration did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Swiss decision to shut down its Geneva office.
“The GHF confirmed to the ESA that it had never carried out activities in Switzerland … and that it intends to dissolve the Geneva-registered branch,” the ESA said in a statement.
Last week, Geneva authorities gave the GHF a 30-day deadline to address legal shortcomings or risk facing enforcement measures.
Under local laws and regulations, the foundation failed to meet several requirements: it did not appoint a board member authorized to sign documents domiciled in Switzerland, did not have the minimum three board members, lacked a Swiss bank account and valid address, and operated without an auditing body.
The GHF operates independently from UN-backed mechanisms, which Hamas has sought to reinstate, arguing that these vehicles are more neutral.
Israeli and American officials have rejected those calls, saying Hamas previously exploited UN-run systems to siphon aid for its war effort.
The UN has denied those allegations while expressing concerns that the GHF’s approach forces civilians to risk their safety by traveling long distances across active conflict zones to reach food distribution points.
The post Switzerland Moves to Close Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s Geneva Office Over Legal Irregularities first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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Key US Lawmaker Warns Ireland of Potential Economic Consequences for ‘Antisemitic Path’ Against Israel
US Sen. James Risch (R-ID) speaks during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Washington, DC, May 21, 2024. Photo: Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch (R-ID) issued a sharp warning Tuesday, accusing Ireland of embracing antisemitism and threatening potential economic consequences if the Irish government proceeds with new legislation targeting Israeli trade.
“Ireland, while often a valuable U.S. partner, is on a hateful, antisemitic path that will only lead to self-inflicted economic suffering,” Risch wrote in a post on X. “If this legislation is implemented, America will have to seriously reconsider its deep and ongoing economic ties. We will always stand up to blatant antisemitism.”
Marking a striking escalation in rhetoric from a senior US lawmaker, Risch’s comments came amid growing tensions between Ireland and Israel, which have intensified dramatically since the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Those attacks, in which roughly 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, prompted a months-long Israeli military campaign in Gaza that has drawn widespread international scrutiny. Ireland has positioned itself as one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s response, accusing the Israeli government of disproportionate use of force and calling for immediate humanitarian relief and accountability for the elevated number of Palestinian civilian casualties.
Dublin’s stance has included tangible policy shifts. In May 2024, Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state, becoming one of the first European Union members to do so following the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The move was condemned by Israeli officials, who recalled their ambassador to Ireland and accused the Irish government of legitimizing terrorism. Since then, Irish lawmakers have proposed further measures, including legislation aimed at restricting imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, policies viewed in Israel and among many American lawmakers as aligning with the controversial Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
While Irish leaders have defended their approach as grounded in international law and human rights, critics in Washington, including Risch, have portrayed it as part of a broader pattern of hostility toward Israel. Some US lawmakers have begun raising the possibility of reevaluating trade and diplomatic ties with Ireland in response.
Risch’s warning is one of the clearest indications yet that Ireland’s policies toward Israel could carry economic consequences. The United States is one of Ireland’s largest trading partners, and American companies such as Apple, Google, Meta and Pfizer maintain substantial operations in the country, drawn by Ireland’s favorable tax regime and access to the EU market.
Though the Trump administration has not echoed Risch’s warning, the remarks reflect growing unease in Washington about the trajectory of Ireland’s foreign policy. The State Department has maintained a careful balancing act, expressing strong support for Israel’s security while calling for increased humanitarian access in Gaza. Officials have stopped short of condemning Ireland’s actions directly but have expressed concern about efforts they see as isolating Israel on the international stage.
Ireland’s stance is emblematic of a growing international divide over the war. While the US continues to provide military and diplomatic backing to Israel, many European countries have called for an immediate ceasefire and investigations into alleged war crimes.
Irish public opinion has long leaned pro-Palestinian, and Irish lawmakers have repeatedly voiced concern over the scale of destruction in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation.
Irish officials have not yet responded to The Algemeiner’s request for comment.
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Israel Condemns Iran’s Suspension of IAEA Cooperation, Urges Europe to Reinstate UN Sanctions
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar at a press conference in Berlin, Germany, June 5, 2025. REUTERS/Christian Mang/File Photo
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Wednesday condemned Iran’s decision to halt cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog and called on the international community to reinstate sanctions to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
“Iran has just issued a scandalous announcement about suspending its cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency),” Saar wrote in a post on X. “This is a complete renunciation of all its international nuclear obligations and commitments.”
Last week, the Iranian parliament voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA “until the safety and security of [the country’s] nuclear activities can be guaranteed.”
“The IAEA and its Director-General are fully responsible for this sordid state of affairs,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in a post on X.
The top Iranian diplomat said this latest decision was “a direct result of [IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi’s] regrettable role in obfuscating the fact that the Agency — a full decade ago — already closed all past issues.
“Through this malign action,” Araghchi continued, “he directly facilitated the adoption of a politically-motivated resolution against Iran by the IAEA [Board of Governors] as well as the unlawful Israeli and US bombings of Iranian nuclear sites.”
The Parliament of Iran has voted for a halt to collaboration with the IAEA until the safety and security of our nuclear activities can be guaranteed.
This is a direct result of @rafaelmgrossi‘s regrettable role in obfuscating the fact that the Agency—a full decade ago—already…
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 27, 2025
On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian approved a bill banning UN nuclear inspectors from entering the country until the Supreme National Security Council decides that there is no longer a threat to the safety of its nuclear sites.
In response, Saar urged European countries that were part of the now-defunct 2015 nuclear deal to activate its “snapback” clause and reinstate all UN sanctions lifted under the agreement.
Officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), this accord between Iran and several world powers imposed temporary restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
During his first term, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal and reinstated unilateral sanctions on Iran.
“The time to activate the Snapback mechanism is now! I call upon the E3 countries — Germany, France and the UK to reinstate all sanctions against Iran!” Saar wrote in a post on X.
“The international community must act decisively now and utilize all means at its disposal to stop Iranian nuclear ambitions,” he continued.
The time to activate the Snapback mechanism is now!
I call upon the E3 countries- Germany, France and the UK to reinstate all sanctions against Iran!
Iran has just issued a scandalous announcement about suspending its cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy…— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) July 2, 2025
Saar’s latest remarks come after Araghchi met last week in Geneva with his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany and the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas — their first meeting since the Iran-Israel war began.
Europe is actively urging Iran to reengage in talks with the White House to prevent further escalation of tensions, but has yet to address the issue of reinstating sanctions.
Speaking during an official visit to Latvia on Tuesday, Saar said that “Operation Rising Lion” — Israel’s sweeping military campaign aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities — has “revealed the full extent of the Iranian regime’s threat to Israel, Europe, and the global order.”
“Iran deliberately targeted civilian population centers with its ballistic missiles,” Saar said at a press conference. “The same missile threat can reach Europe, including Latvia and the Baltic states.”
“Israel’s actions against the head of the snake in Iran contributed directly to the safety of Europe,” the Israeli top diplomat continued, adding that Israeli strikes have set back the Iranian nuclear program by many years.
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