A self-identified “youth organizer” for Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has allegedly encouraged threats against Jewish students at a Brooklyn high school. This young woman, known as “the biggest cheating,” is a popular figure among her peers, according to a classmate who spoke with the Post.
Iman Abdul, a 2016 graduate of Leon M. Goldstein High School, is remembered fondly by classmates for her musical talents and social justice work alongside her peers. One former classmate noted that Abdul had not shown any alarming behavior back in those days.
Alumni recall her yearbook quote from Marilyn Monroe: “Fear is stupid, so is regret.” Iman, now 27, has gained recognition as a prominent figure in youth organizations and participated in Ocasio-Cortez’s successful 2018 campaign, as noted by Bernstein.
A spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez stated that Abdul was never a staff member and condemned any violent threats. Despite this, Abdul’s previous work as a youth organizer for a socialist group is under scrutiny after her arrest.
Critics argue that Ocasio-Cortez’s large Instagram following, which includes Abdul among her contacts, suggests a connection between them. “It shows she might have been part of the campaign or knew her somehow,” Bernstein commented.
Abdul allegedly shared a Google Maps screenshot of Goldstein High School, captioned with a menacing suggestion for attacks on the school. Bernstein, who identifies as Jewish, said the post made her laugh, although she found it unsettling.
Following this incident, Abdul was arrested on August 9, facing charges for making terrorist threats and other serious allegations. Shortly after, she secured the services of a well-known criminal defense attorney, which raised eyebrows due to the lawyer’s controversial background.
Matthew Span, president of the United Jewish Teachers, expressed disbelief over Abdul’s choice of legal representation, emphasizing that her lack of bail until her court date in November should alarm New Yorkers.
Attempts to reach Abdul for comments were unsuccessful. She is employed as the director of AM: PM Gallery in Brooklyn, but the gallery did not respond to inquiries. Ocasio-Cortez’s team also had no comment on the situation.
