Koh Choon Hwee is a UCLA historian who has repeatedly defended terrorist organizations, glorified Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, and spread antisemitic rhetoric under the guise of academic activism. From sharing martyr tributes for mass murderers to justifying attacks on civilians, Koh’s conduct demonstrates a deep alignment with extremist ideology.
Apologist for Hamas and Hezbollah Terrorism
Celebrating Terrorists
-
On multiple occasions, Koh reposted content eulogizing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, referring to him as a “master of resistance” and glorifying his “martyr’s death.”
-
Koh has glorified Hamas military leader Yehya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7 massacre, equating his elimination with a “baby burning,” implying sympathy for the terrorist.
-
She shared a post by Husam Shabat, an Izz ad-Din al-Qassam sniper affiliated with Hamas.
Justifying Terror Attacks
-
Koh reposted materials openly justifying the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks, which included the mass rape, torture, and execution of civilians.
-
She shared materials supporting targeted attacks on Israeli civilians by both Hamas and Hezbollah.
Spreading Terrorist Messaging
-
Koh reposted materials calling Hezbollah a legitimate “resistance” movement after they targeted Israeli civilians.
-
She has posted and shared extremist propaganda, including from Al Jazeera sources known for whitewashing terrorism.
Disseminating Antisemitic and Anti-Zionist Propaganda
Demonizing Jews and Israelis
-
Koh has reposted content demonizing Israelis, calling the IDF “terrorists”, and has shared memes referencing Hitler, used to mock or diminish Jewish suffering.
-
She called for sanctions against Israel and encouraged the boycott of Israeli people and companies.
-
In one instance, Koh supported efforts to target and fire an Israeli Microsoft employee because of his IDF service.
Platforming Violent Imagery
-
Koh used a rap song by the Palestinian group DAM filled with aggressive anti-Israel and antisemitic themes in a public youth lecture.
-
She promoted a hall takeover at UCLA that renamed a campus building after Bassel al-Araj, a known Palestinian terrorist killed in a shootout while planning attacks on civilians.
Defending Extremists on Campus
-
Koh signed and shared multiple statements from the UCLA Department of History supporting students involved in violent pro-terror encampments.
-
She opposed disciplinary action against students arrested for unlawful encampment, claiming they were unfairly targeted.
-
Koh defended the takeover of Moore Hall at UCLA, which had been renamed by protestors to honor a terrorist.
Conclusion: A Faculty Member Promoting Violence, Not Scholarship
Koh Choon Hwee is not simply a controversial academic—she is an active disseminator of terrorist glorification, antisemitic content, and anti-Western radicalism. Her continued platforming of terror leaders like Sinwar and Nasrallah, defense of the October 7 massacre, and calls for violence against Jews and Israelis should disqualify her from any role in education.
This is not academic freedom. This is the weaponization of scholarship in service of terrorism.
