Dr. Zahra Ali is an Iraqi-born sociologist and assistant professor at Rutgers University whose academic focus intersects with political activism. Across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, Ali has repeatedly amplified radical anti-Israel narratives, cast Hamas-linked actions as justified resistance, and praised campus protests that have been linked to threats and violence against Jewish students.

Ali has been a consistent promoter of the view that Israel’s existence and military responses constitute genocide, settler colonialism, and ethnic cleansing. Her public stance provides rhetorical cover for violent extremism, reframes Hamas terrorism as “resistance,” and helps legitimize encampments and disruptions that target Jewish voices.

Dr. Zahra Ali’s Extremist Rhetoric

• On October 7, 2024, the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s massacre of Israeli civilians, Ali reposted a statement that dismissed any narrative beginning on that date as illegitimate.
  “Any statement that starts history on October 7, 2023 belongs in the trash with its authors.”

• On October 9, 2023, she reposted a piece titled “The Right to Resist Oppression,” which framed Hamas’s actions as part of a just struggle:
  “From 1973 to 2023, resistance to oppression remains a right for Palestinians.”

• On March 18, 2025, she reposted a post claiming Israel rejected a Hamas truce offer and that the real goal was “mass extermination.”

Framing of Israel as a Genocidal Colonial State

Ali frequently refers to Israel’s actions as genocide and calls for academic and institutional boycotts:

• October 28, 2023:
  “It is a clear genocidal military campaign of a settler colonial nuclear power against the Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and beyond.”

• May 23, 2024: Celebrated ASA’s anti-Israel resolution:
  “Victory!!! Making knowledge is about dismantling power structures—not sustaining them.”

• Signed a Rutgers faculty letter condemning Israel’s “military assault on Palestinians across all regions.”

Ties to Extremist Encampments & Radical Groups

Ali has actively supported student encampments and endorsed National SJP’s radical messaging:

• April 23, 2024: Reposted from National Students for Justice in Palestine, celebrating the Columbia encampment.

• April 25, 2024: Reposted images from the Princeton encampment.

• November 5, 2023: Shared a photo from the Washington pro-Palestinian march with the caption:
  “We won’t back down! … Stop the genocide.”

• April 1, 2025: Reposted a post celebrating student uprisings:
  “Long live the student intifada!”

Deflection of Antisemitism Accusations

Ali has repeatedly defended colleagues facing backlash for antisemitic or extremist views:

• December 28, 2023: Defended Rutgers Law Professor Sahar Aziz: “It reaffirms the distinction between critique of Israel and antisemitism.”

This stance ignores the fact that much of the rhetoric she promotes—including celebration of armed struggle and rejection of Israel’s legitimacy—meets widely accepted definitions of antisemitism, including those endorsed by the U.S. State Department.

Conclusion

Zahra Ali’s public record reveals a faculty member who has blurred the lines between scholarship and radical political agitation. Her consistent framing of Israel as a genocidal colonial entity and of Hamas violence as resistance fosters a toxic climate that marginalizes Jewish students and promotes dangerous ideological extremism. Her praise for “intifada,” support for SJP-led encampments, and denial of October 7 as a turning point further illustrate her alignment with movements that seek to justify or excuse terrorism under the banner of liberation.