NYC College Hosts Speaker Sharing Antisemitic Conspiracies

New York City’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, hosted a speaker this week whose recent online activity includes sharing antisemitic conspiracy theories, prompting concerns about the climate for Jewish students on campus. The event, held Thursday in the student dining hall, featured Sheikh Abdelraham Badawy and was organized by the college’s Muslim Student Association, a recognized student group according to the school’s website.

The controversy centers on a series of posts shared by Badawy on Instagram in recent weeks. These posts, documented by The Times of Israel, include videos mocking the Holocaust, alleging Jewish conspiracies to enslave non-Jews, justifying antisemitism, and amplifying content from figures known for promoting antisemitic views, such as Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes. The incident adds to a growing national debate about free speech, academic freedom, and the rise of antisemitism on college campuses.

A Pattern of Antisemitic Content

Badawy’s Instagram posts, largely shared as temporary “stories” that disappear after 24 hours, present a disturbing pattern of antisemitic rhetoric. One video attacked a New Jersey Jewish community, falsely claiming they were fraudulently obtaining welfare benefits. Another post featured a digitally altered image of the Sesame Street character Elmo seemingly endorsing the antisemitic “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” and making disparaging remarks about Israel, before appearing to retract the statements upon seeing an image of a Palestinian child. The content then pivots to further antisemitic claims, including blaming Jews for historical events like 9/11 and the Russian Revolution.

Further posts accuse “powerful Jewish financiers” of orchestrating the Bolshevik revolution and engaging in ritualistic killings, echoing the historically dangerous “blood libel” accusation against Jews. Other posts promoted the far-right slogan “Goyim lives matter” – a deliberate inversion of “Black Lives Matter” – and made unsubstantiated claims about Jewish sexual abuse. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) identifies the “Goyim Defense League” as a network of antisemitic provocateurs.

Prior to these Instagram posts, footage from a 2024 speech at a New York community center, archived by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), shows Badawy referring to “Zionists” as “devils” motivated by “envy, hatred, and evil.” He also invoked historical narratives about a Jewish tribe mentioned in the Quran, characterizing them as “cunning, conniving, and foul,” and drawing parallels to contemporary events. MEMRI’s full archive of the speech provides further context.

CUNY and John Jay’s Response

John Jay College issued a statement to The Times of Israel, emphasizing that student-organized events do not reflect the views of the institution. The college affirmed its commitment to open dialogue, academic freedom, and free speech, whereas also prioritizing an inclusive and discrimination-free learning environment. The Muslim Student Association did not respond to requests for comment, and Badawy himself did not respond to inquiries sent to the center where he is based on Staten Island.

This incident occurs within a broader context of heightened tensions on college campuses regarding discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and accusations of both antisemitism and Islamophobia. Several universities have faced scrutiny over the handling of protests and speaker events, leading to debates about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibility of institutions to protect their students from harassment and discrimination.

The Broader Context of Antisemitism on Campuses

The event at John Jay College is not isolated. Across the United States, there has been a documented increase in reports of antisemitism on college campuses since the October 7th attacks in Israel. The ADL has reported a significant surge in antisemitic incidents, including harassment, vandalism, and assault. The ADL’s 2023 report on antisemitic incidents details the scope of the problem, noting a 36% increase in incidents compared to the previous year.

This rise in antisemitism has prompted calls for increased security measures on campuses, as well as educational programs to combat hate speech and promote understanding. However, these efforts are often met with resistance from those who argue that they infringe on academic freedom and free speech rights. The Department of Education has also launched investigations into several universities accused of failing to adequately address antisemitism and Islamophobia on their campuses.

Navigating Free Speech and Campus Safety

The challenge for universities lies in balancing the constitutional right to free speech with the need to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. While institutions cannot censor speech simply because it is offensive or controversial, they have a responsibility to intervene when speech crosses the line into harassment, intimidation, or incitement to violence. The legal standards for determining when speech is unprotected are complex and often subject to interpretation.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) advocates for expansive free speech rights on college campuses, arguing that the best way to combat harmful speech is through more speech, not censorship. FIRE’s website provides resources on campus free speech issues and legal guidance for students and institutions.

What to Expect in the Coming Weeks

In the immediate aftermath of this event, John Jay College is likely to face continued pressure from Jewish student groups and advocacy organizations to take further action. This could include increased security measures, additional training for faculty and staff on identifying and addressing antisemitism, and a review of the college’s policies on speaker events. The incident may also prompt a broader discussion within the CUNY system about how to balance free speech with the need to protect students from hate speech. Further investigation into Badawy’s views and activities may also be undertaken by campus authorities or external organizations. The situation highlights the ongoing difficulties universities face in navigating the complex intersection of free expression, campus climate, and rising societal tensions.