Eman Abdelhadi, a University of Chicago professor and half-sister of Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, marked the anniversary of a tragic event on October 7, highlighting that it has been a year since Hamas militants killed around 1,200 individuals during a series of terrorist attacks. In a video shared on Instagram, she started her remarks with the phrase “Allah Akbar,” which means “God is great.” She reflected on the significance of this phrase within Islamic tradition and expressed a sense of hope, suggesting that despite the ongoing brutality and oppression, justice is on the horizon.
Interestingly, Abdelhadi’s video did not mention the Jewish victims of the Hamas attacks. She was seen celebrating while wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional cloth linked to the Palestinian cause. When asked about her video, a spokesperson for Abdul El-Sayed stated that while he cares for his sister, they hold differing views on various political matters, including foreign policy. He emphasized that the focus should remain on El-Sayed’s accomplishments and his commitment to serving Michigan.
Abdelhadi further elaborated in the video, emphasizing that God’s strength surpasses even the most powerful military, and she reinforced her dedication to justice while urging unity among people to work towards a better future. She ended her statement with, “See you on the streets.” The video was part of a joint post with another organization, highlighted as “A Moment of Mourning for the Lives Lost from October 7, 2024, to October 7, 2024.” Abdelhadi indicated that she was invited to participate in this event and that her video was her contribution.
The resurfacing of her remarks has led to significant backlash, with Michigan Representative Mike Rogers, a Republican challenger to El-Sayed, asserting that local Jewish communities prioritize their country over party lines and reject what he terms as extremism linked to El-Sayed. Meanwhile, commentator Eyal Yakoby remarked on Abdelhadi’s seemingly celebratory tone in her video.
Abdelhadi has faced legal issues in the past related to her activism, including an arrest during a protest outside an ICE facility in 2025, where she allegedly assaulted a state trooper, facing serious charges as a result.
Abdul El-Sayed himself has attracted controversy for his comments regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, notably sending a fundraising email on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that criticized actions by the Israeli government while not addressing Hamas’s role in the events. This has drawn criticism from various factions, including his own party members.
Additionally, El-Sayed’s associations have raised eyebrows, particularly his connection with online streamer Hasan Piker, who controversially remarked that America “deserved 9/11.” El-Sayed has labeled those statements as absurd but has not distanced himself from Piker, suggesting that such criticism reflects cancel culture.
Fox News Digital reached out to Abdelhadi for a comment, but she did not respond to the inquiry.
