Palestinian-American Activist Responds to Threats

Palestinian-American activist Nerdeen Kiswani has openly criticized what she describes as Zionist aggression after authorities disrupted a plot that aimed to harm her. Interestingly, she stopped short of denouncing all forms of political violence.

Kiswani’s group, Within Our Lifetime (WOL), has faced criticism in the past for its reluctance to denounce organizations considered terrorist by the U.S.

“For years, I and many other Palestinian advocates have faced systematic harassment and intimidation,” Kiswani stated during a news conference.

Authorities apprehended 26-year-old Alexander Haifler, who was reportedly planning to create Molotov cocktails to use against Kiswani. According to court documents, he had made several of these devices and was preparing to attack her car and home.

Kiswani also expressed her belief that Palestinians should be able to act in their own defense.

“I think that victims of genocide have the right to safeguard themselves under international law. The American public should be alarmed by Zionist groups that aim to silence critics through threats.” However, she didn’t clarify if violent acts could ever be considered self-defense.

Yuval David, from the Middle East Forum, a pro-Israel research organization, remarked that it was unsurprising to see Kiswani refusing to condemn political violence. He referred to her narrative as an attempt to reframe violence as resistance, pointing out that her organization has traditionally shied away from denouncing violence against Israel.

Following the October 2023 attacks by Hamas, WOL gained attention for its strong anti-Israel remarks, asserting, “We are anti-Zionists” and claiming, “The liberation of Palestine requires the abolition of Zionism.”

David noted the timing of a map WOL shared, listing Jewish organizations in New York City, labeling them as complicit. This was seen as a call to action against these groups.

The Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism indicated that WOL appears to endorse violence against Israeli civilians in support of groups like Hamas.

In a contrasting view, WOL maintains its anti-Zionist stance does not equate to anti-Semitism.

In light of the assassination plot against Kiswani, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani urged people to reject all forms of violence. “No one should endure violence for their political views, and I am grateful she is safe,” he mentioned in a press briefing.

Kiswani, when asked about political violence after the failed plot, criticized the investigation. She accused Fox News of perpetuating false narratives that support violence in the context of U.S. imperialism, leading to significant global consequences. “It’s ironic, isn’t it? A network that glorifies violence now expects me, a target of a Zionist attack, to clarify my views on political violence,” she stated.