CEP Urges Investigation Into Potential Funding and Material Support For Terrorism By Quds Day March Groups

(New York, NY) – Today, Counter Extremism Project (CEP) CEO Ambassador Mark D. Wallace released the following statement regarding the International Quds Day marches in the United States:

“International Quds Day was established by the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1979 to promote the annihilation of the State of Israel. Four and a half decades later, little has changed. Quds Day functions as a malignant platform to encourage vitriolic antisemitism—dressed up as so-called “antizionism”—anti-American and anti-liberal radicalism, and extremist support for U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations including Hezbollah and Hamas.

“As demonstrated in several countries over many years, Quds Day demonstrations invariably include pro-terror and antisemitic symbols, including Hamas and Hezbollah flags as well as swastikas and signs likening the Jewish state to the Third Reich— a blatant breach of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which CEP has endorsed and which is core to its work. Past rallies in New York have called for dismantling the ‘Zionist-West alliance’ and featured signs with classic antisemitic tropes, such as claiming ‘Jews control the West.’ Past rallies around the world have included chants such as ‘Jews to the Gas’ and ‘the Intifada will burn the West.’

“In addition, the increased public visibility that terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah gain through the media attention on these demonstrations is part of their fundraising efforts, attracting and inspiring sympathizers around the world to donate to their murderous efforts.

“At a time when antisemitism continues to surge on college campuses across the country, it is disgraceful that the National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP), in conjunction with other groups, is listed as a supporting organization for a Quds Day rally in New York City’s Times Square happening today. With hundreds of chapters around the United States, NSJP has a nationwide reach. By its involvement with the planned Quds Day rally in New York, the group clearly helps to provide a platform for the propaganda of the leading state sponsor of terrorism, as well as terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and supports the radicalization of American youth and the spread of hate.

“It is also high time that universities begin to be more vigilant concerning groups such as NSJP if they continue to support the promotion of terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Colleges across the country should consider banning NSJP chapters, given its negligence in distancing itself from extremist and terrorist groups.

“We urge the relevant authorities to mount a robust investigation into any funding and/or material support NSJP or other supporting organizations for Quds Day marches in the United States have given to U.S.-designated state sponsors of terrorism and terrorist organizations. New York City should not grant permits for marches inspired and potentially founded by the Iranian regime, or in support of terrorist groups.

“Many European governments operating under civil law frameworks have enshrined legal statutes outlawing certain antisemitic acts—including Holocaust denial, revisionism, and the deployment of Nazi symbols. In the United States, freedom of speech is constitutionally protected. However, speech that incites imminent violence and groups amplifying messaging from U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations are not. Speech that promotes lawless action or solicits others to commit crimes is not a First Amendment right. This is exactly what has occurred at past Quds Day marches, threatening Jewish communities and other constituencies.  

“Over many years in the U.S. and around the world, it has become abundantly clear that Quds Day is not about support for the Palestinian people. It is about spreading antisemitism, Holocaust denial, hate, and violence. It has no place in the American street nor on the American campus.”

To read CEP’s report on Antisemitism, click here.

To sign up for updates regarding CEP’s new project to combat antisemitism and extremism, ARCHER at House 88, click here.