Samantha Rise, often referred to as Sam Rise, identifies as a “singer and songcatcher,” as well as a teaching artist and community activist based in Southwest Philadelphia. She describes herself as “a Black, gender-expansive performer” who supports “Liberatory Futures, Community Care, and Direct Action.” Rise graduated from Temple University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Fine and Studio Arts and has worked as an independent consultant since 2020. ”

Despite her professional claims, Rise’s public statements and actions reveal a disturbing pattern of support for terrorism, antisemitism, and active involvement in pro-Hamas and anti-Israel propaganda.

Support for Terrorism

• Justifying Hamas Atrocities (October 7, 2023):
  After the Hamas massacre that left over 1,200 Israeli civilians dead and thousands wounded in a single day of unparalleled brutality, Rise actively participated in events celebrating and defending the attacks. She called for continued violence under the guise of “resistance,” a term often used to glorify terrorism.
• Praising Palestinian Terrorists:
  In January 2024, Rise shared an Instagram post glorifying Ghassan Kanafani, a senior figure in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), responsible for the 1972 Lod Airport Massacre, which killed 26 and injured 80. Rise referred to Kanafani as a “revolutionary,” disregarding his history of orchestrating deadly terrorist attacks.

  Rise also mourned Saleh Al-Arouri, a high-ranking Hamas leader and Specially Designated Global Terrorist, praising his role in uniting Hamas factions to wage violence against civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.

• Normalizing Violence:
  In numerous social media posts and rally speeches, Rise referred to terrorism as legitimate “resistance,” excusing the murder of civilians as part of a broader struggle. During a December 2023 rally, Rise led chants that included “Resistance is justified when people are occupied,” a slogan often used to validate terrorism.

Antisemitism and Hate Speech

• Antisemitic Rhetoric:
  At a December 2023 rally in Philadelphia, Rise dismissed Zionism, the Jewish people’s right to self-determination, declaring: “You don’t need to talk to a Zionist, you don’t need to argue with them. You need to say, ‘Get out of the way!’”
  Rise repeatedly used the term “caucasity,” a derogatory term to describe perceived white audacity, calling U.S. President Joe Biden’s policies “support for a god**n genocide.”
• Calls for the Destruction of Israel:
  Rise’s rhetoric is filled with slogans advocating for the elimination of the State of Israel. At rallies and on social media, she chanted and wrote, “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free,” a call for the destruction of Israel, recognized as antisemitic by multiple governments and organizations.
• Historical Distortions and Demonization:
  Rise accused Israel of committing “genocide” and “strategic violence,” equating Israeli defense actions with ethnic cleansing. She distorted history to delegitimize Israel’s existence, claiming it was built on “generationally-inflicted, strategic violence” and dismissing the Holocaust’s impact by framing it as a justification for “occupation.”

Participation in Pro-Hamas Rallies

• Philly Palestine Coalition (PPC) Rallies (October-December 2023):
  • October 8, 2023: The day after Hamas’s massacre, Rise participated in a pro-Hamas rally organized by PPC in Philadelphia. Attendees praised Hamas, calling their crimes against civilians “a job well done,” and some openly incited further violence with calls to “Kill 250 more today!” Rise joined in chants of “Free, free Palestine!” and expressed no condemnation of the glorification of terror.
  • December 11, 2023: At a rally titled “Philly Says No To Genocide Joe,” Rise attacked U.S. support for Israel, leading chants such as “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Biden’s crime!” She dismissed pro-Israel organizations like AIPAC as complicit in “genocide” and declared: “Everyone in these streets today is Palestinian!”
• Capitol Hill Protest Arrest (October 18, 2023):
  During an anti-Israel protest in Washington, D.C., organized by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and IfNotNow (INN), Rise was restrained and arrested alongside other demonstrators after illegally occupying a congressional building. The rally featured calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, ignoring Hamas’s ongoing terrorism.

Social Media Rambles

• Instagram Posts Supporting Terrorists:
  In January 2024, Rise’s posts glorified PFLP figure Kanafani and Hamas leader Al-Arouri, referring to their terror activities as “resistance.”
  • Glorifying Hamas: Rise shared posts mourning the deaths of Hamas leaders while condemning Israel’s efforts to neutralize terrorist threats in Gaza and Lebanon.
• Antisemitic Slogans:
  In a December 2023 Instagram post, Rise wrote: “In 50 years we will be celebrating the day that Palestine was liberated from Israel,” directly advocating for the eradication of the Jewish state.

Conclusion

Samantha Rise has demonstrated unwavering support for terrorism, campus antisemitism, and has been active participation in events and rhetoric that glorify violence. Her actions and statements contribute to an environment of hate and justify atrocities committed against civilians. Far from a neutral advocate for peace, Rise’s record reflects a consistent alignment with extremist ideologies that promote division, violence, and antisemitism.