Activists at colleges in New York City are among those in the U.S. reportedly promoting propaganda that encourages Hamas. A concerning study highlights this trend, revealing that the violence against Jews is being amplified by these efforts.
According to the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, “Protesters and activists are not just praising terrorist organizations; they are actively sharing official propaganda and posting videos, communiqués, and other related materials on mainstream platforms.” The study, titled “Digital Courier: How U.S. Anti-Israel Activists Amplify Terrorist Propaganda on Mainstream Platforms,” sheds light on this issue.
In the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the report notes a rise in hateful rhetoric on various social media platforms, including Telegram, X, and Instagram. This indicates a worrying normalization of messages that encourage violence against Israel and Jewish individuals, marking a shift in discourse.
Researchers pointed out that this dissemination of material glorifying violent acts occurs in a climate where anti-Semitic incidents have reached alarming levels globally. American Jews, they argue, are facing unprecedented threats due to this increase in anti-Semitic behavior across the United States.
The study reveals how terrorist propaganda is often lifted from official channels, translated into English, and then shared among supporters of Hamas. For instance, a Telegram channel known as Resistance News Network—a platform described as radically anti-Semitic—has over 150,000 subscribers and promotes violence against Israel.
Examples of Propaganda Promotion
- In March 2025, the Bronx Anti-War Coalition shared Hamas propaganda, reposting an image along with a caption from anti-Semitic rapper Jonathan Azazia that celebrated violence against Israel. The post included hashtags like #LongLiveTheFlood and #WeAreAllHamas.
- The same coalition amplified a violent message from Hamas that celebrated a missile attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, contributing to the spread of hate.
- At Barnard College in Manhattan, activists circulated English-language materials from Hamas that justified the October 7 attack, directly sharing terrorist information.
- The Justice for Palestine chapter at John Jay College posted a graphic from Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades in July 2024, featuring a message about coming like thunder.
- The University of Illinois Palestine Student Chapter featured a video on Instagram that seemingly depicted a Hamas terrorist within an Israeli home during the attack, with a caption that translated the proclamations of those engaging in jihad.
- On October 7, 2024, UC Davis SJP shared praise for an earlier attack, quoting the late Hamas leader Leo Abu Obaidah, indicating a troubling celebration of violence.
The ADL urged social media companies to rigorously apply their policies that generally prohibit the sharing of content from recognized terrorist organizations. They also advocated for Congressional action through the proposed Stop Terrorist Online Presence and Accountability Technology Companies Act, which seeks to ensure these platforms enforce their policies effectively.
University officials are also encouraged to clarify campus policies regarding the distribution of terrorist propaganda, making clear what constitutes a violation of conduct rules. Ultimately, the ADL reminds the public about the importance of being cautious and responsible when engaging with online content and activist groups.
