Anne Norton, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the “Stacey and Henry Jackson President’s Distinguished Professor of Political Science,” has consistently used her academic position to promote antisemitic rhetoric, justify acts of terrorism, and dismiss atrocities committed by Hamas. Her statements and actions demonstrate a troubling alignment with extremist ideologies, creating a hostile campus environment and sparking widespread condemnation.
Celebrating designated terror groups Terrorism
Norton openly celebrated the Hamas-led terror attack on October 7, 2023, where over 1,200 Jewish men, women, and children were brutally murdered, and hundreds more were kidnapped. On the same day, she tweeted: “Palestinians have the right to defend themselves. I ‘utterly condemn’ the occupation and structures of discrimination. ‘There is no justification.’” Rather than acknowledging the massacre, she framed it as legitimate resistance.
Norton also retweeted a post claiming: “Palestinians didn’t break through a ‘border’ to enter Israel. They destroyed a fence separating them from the homes they were forced out of.” Her comments disregard the mass rape, torture, and execution of civilians perpetrated by Hamas on that day, effectively celebrating acts of terror.
Denial of War Crimes and Defense of Hamas
Despite overwhelming evidence, Norton has denied Hamas’s involvement in war crimes. On October 9, 2023, she dismissed credible reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas terrorists, tweeting: “Please don’t amplify this.”
On October 27, 2023, Norton tweeted: “Released hostages have testified that they ate the same food as their captors, slept on mattresses, and had access to health care.” This comment trivializes the brutal kidnapping of innocent civilians by Hamas, ignoring reports of mistreatment, torture, and psychological abuse.
In addition, Norton shared a post dismissing credible accounts of the brutal rape of Jewish women during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, labeling it as “alleged.” This dismissal further highlights her disregard for well-documented atrocities.
Antisemitism and Hostility Toward Jews
Norton’s rhetoric frequently crosses into blatant antisemitism. On February 28, 2024, she equated Israeli policies with Nazi Germany, tweeting: “For those who have wondered what they would have done in Germany in the 1930s: now you know.”
In response to a post on X labeling concerns over “Jewish Zionist students feeling unsafe on U.S. college campuses” as “absurd propaganda,” Norton retweeted with the comment: “True.” For Norton, the numerous documented antisemitic incidents on campuses, including physical assaults, are merely propaganda.
Norton liked a post on X that stated: “Playing the victim is what Jews are best at.” This action underscores her pattern of trivializing or outright dismissing the genuine fears and experiences of Jewish communities.
Mockery of Royal Condemnation of Antisemitic Violence
On November 8, 2024, Norton posted: “This is the kind of rubbish you get from kings.” This comment was in response to the King of the Netherlands’ apology for the nation’s failure to protect Jewish communities during World War II and his condemnation of antisemitic violence against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. Her dismissive tone trivialized both historical and contemporary antisemitic violence, which had left multiple victims hospitalized during riots on the same day.
Conclusion
Anne Norton’s repeated defense of Hamas, denial of war crimes, and promotion of antisemitic narratives have made her a divisive and controversial figure on campus. Her rhetoric, far from fostering critical dialogue, glorifies violence and amplifies hate, contributing to a hostile environment for Jewish students and undermining the values of coexistence and respect. Norton’s actions demand accountability, as they pose a direct threat to campus safety and integrity.
