US Student Group Calls for ‘Death’ to Collaborators as Hamas Executes Suspected Enemies Across Gaza

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Escalating Tensions: Students for Justice in Palestine Faces Scrutiny Following Extremist Rhetoric

In a public post made on October 12, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a prominent anti-Israel student organization, reignited controversy around its role in fanning tensions on US college campuses after endorsing the slogan “death to all collaborators.” The statement followed reports of Hamas carrying out summary executions of Palestinians accused of assisting Israel during a cease-fire, sparking outrage and debate far beyond Gaza.

SJP, which boasts chapters on over 275 campuses in the United States and Canada, shared an image mourning Saleh al-Jafarawi—a Gaza-based influencer celebrated in the region for his outspoken support of the October 7 attack on Israel. The organization declared, “Saleh’s martyrdom is a testament to the fact that the fight against Zionism in all its manifestations—from the IOF to its collaborators—must continue,” referencing the Israeli Occupation Forces.

Gaza Under Siege: Public Executions and Accusations of Collaboration

Saleh al-Jafarawi’s death reverberated throughout both Gaza and activist circles abroad. The 27-year-old, known for his war-zone reporting and viral social media presence, was killed during clashes between Hamas and the Doghmoush clan, a family-led opposition group. Reports suggest al-Jafarawi, accused of running fundraising scams targeting war refugees, became a symbol of resistance by broadcasting the destruction and trauma of ongoing conflict.

Hamas has intensified its campaign against alleged collaborators, conducting public executions in the streets of Gaza—often recorded and shared across online platforms. Victims, blindfolded and forced to kneel, were accused of working with Israeli forces, though no substantive evidence was provided. Human rights observers warn such tactics deepen mistrust and insecurity among Gazans and expose them to violence without due process.

University Connections: SJP’s Influence and Controversial Alumni

The United States has become a secondary theater for the conflict, with campus activist groups amplifying rhetoric and shaping perceptions. Among those mourning al-Jafarawi was Rama Duwaji, wife of New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, who posted tributes on social media. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, founded the Bowdoin College chapter of SJP in 2013 and maintains ties to the organization. SJP events on campuses have featured speakers such as Professor As’ad AbuKhalil, who has compared Israeli actions to terrorism and criticized US foreign policy.

Mamdani’s own views drew attention during a recent television interview, where he repeatedly declined to call for Hamas to lay down arms, focusing instead on abstract principles of justice and international law. He further pressed for the hypothetical arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he ever come to New York City if Mamdani holds office.

SJP’s Prominent Role in Campus Activism and Protests

SJP has emerged as a driving force behind highly visible campus protests, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attack. The organization was central to nationwide anti-Israel student encampments and campaigns, especially the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. These campaigns pressure universities to sever relationships with institutions and companies seen as supporting Israel's military efforts.

Splinter organizations, notably Columbia University Apartheid Divest, have carried out provocative actions including distributing propaganda during unrest at Barnard College. Protest leaders such as Mahmoud Khalil have been arrested amid aggressive demonstrations that sometimes led to property damage and disruption of academic life. A recent pro-Israel Canary Mission report asserted some campus chapters act as student arms for Iranian-backed militant groups, though such claims remain contested within academic circles.

Columbia University responded to these activities by suspending its SJP chapter in late 2023, citing repeated violation of campus conduct codes. The group attempted to challenge the suspension in court, but the New York State Supreme Court dismissed its lawsuit the following November. Despite these setbacks, SJP chapters continue to operate at many institutions, maintaining a visible presence in student activism.

Regional Comparisons: US and Global Reactions to Campus Protests

The rise of pro-Palestinian activism in North America mirrors but also amplifies trends seen abroad. In Europe, student organizations with analogous missions have led demonstrations in major cities, often met with counter-protests and public debate over free speech versus hate speech. Middle Eastern campuses, meanwhile, operate under different constraints, with activism frequently suppressed and pro-Palestinian sentiment running high but closely monitored by authorities.

In contrast, US institutions have struggled to balance student rights with campus safety, leading some universities to revise protest policies, strengthen security, and open dialogue forums aimed at de-escalating tensions. Incidents of harassment or violence, regardless of their origin, have triggered inquiries by university administrations and, at times, intervention by local law enforcement.

Economic Impact: Effects on Universities and Beyond

The sequence of protests, encampments, and organizational suspensions has carried tangible fiscal consequences. Universities facing damaged property and disrupted academic schedules have incurred increased security costs, legal fees, and administrative overhead. At the same time, larger institutions have weathered donor backlash—some withdrawing funding over perceived political bias or mishandling of contentious incidents.

For Palestinian and Israeli students, the economic fallout can be direct and personal. Both groups report feeling unsafe, with some facing loss of scholarships, research opportunities, or future employment due to political affiliations or public activism. The broader education sector risks reputational harm that reverberates well beyond campus gates, affecting international recruitment, alumni relations, and public support.

Historical Context: Roots and Evolution of SJP

Founded in 1993, Students for Justice in Palestine drew inspiration from earlier social justice movements, seeking to highlight Palestinian grievances and challenge US policy on Israel. Over time, its tactics have evolved from informational campaigns and teach-ins to organizing mass protests and supporting international boycotts. The group’s messaging and partnerships often reflect shifting dynamics in Middle Eastern politics and global attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The events following the October 7 attack marked a decisive shift in campus discourse, as both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups mobilized to assert narratives and build coalitions. SJP’s decision to echo phrases used by militant organizations drew heavy criticism from opponents, who charge the group with inciting violence. Supporters see its activism as a crucial form of resistance against what they view as unjust occupation and foreign intervention.

Public Sentiment and Ongoing Debate

The wave of campus protests and SJP’s heightened rhetoric have prompted strong reactions from a cross-section of the American public. Critics warn of rising extremism and fear the normalization of hate speech in academic settings, while supporters defend student activism as a legitimate expression of dissent. University administrators face mounting pressure to redefine campus policies, ensure student safety, and preserve the integrity of academic debate.

As the situation in Gaza remains tense, and reports of further executions surface, debate over collaboration, resistance, and the ethics of activism continues to intensify. For many, the legacy of Saleh al-Jafarawi—and the controversies engulfing SJP—underscore the complex intersection of student politics, international conflict, and the search for justice within and beyond the university walls.

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