Columbia University Faces Backlash Over Professor Teaching Zionism Course

Professor Joseph Massad, who praised Hamas' October 7 attacks, will teach a course on Zionism, prompting a resignation and widespread criticism.

Professor Joseph Massad, known for controversial remarks praising Hamas' October 7 attacks, is slated to teach a course on Zionism at Columbia University.
Massad's comments, including calling the attacks 'remarkable' and 'astounding,' have been condemned for celebrating violence and causing distress within the university community.
Lawrence Rosenblatt, an adjunct professor, resigned in protest, likening the decision to appoint Massad to having a white nationalist teach about the U.S. Civil Rights movement.
Columbia University defended its decision, citing its commitment to free speech and academic freedom, while noting that Massad's course is one of three electives on Zionism next semester.
A petition demanding Massad's removal has garnered nearly 80,000 signatures, and the Israeli Embassy in the U.S. has criticized the university for allowing him to teach.