It appears that Mosab Abu Toha, a controversial figure and professor at Syracuse University, has made the decision to cancel his U.S. speaking tour. This move comes amidst a heightened sense of concern for his safety in light of the Trump administration’s crackdown on radical foreign nationals holding student visas. Following a wave of deportations, including that of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student at Tufts University, Toha has expressed his apprehensions.
Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk was detained by ICE. A video shared with GBH News shows a man in a hoodie approach her, then grab her wrists. Ozturk screams, then asks “Can I call the police?” before being told “We’re the police.”
— Tori Bedford (@Tori_Bedford)
March 26, 2025
Toha, who hails from Gaza, has become a prominent voice among the left-wing literati. He voiced his fears about venturing outside even for basic activities due to threats against him and his family. With an American citizen son, his safety concerns are palpable. His journey to the U.S. was marked by troubling experiences, including detention by the IDF following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
His release came after international outcry, and he subsequently accepted a teaching position at Syracuse University, an institution he had previously attended. However, his planned speaking engagements at esteemed universities such as Stanford and Columbia have now been shelved.
Unfortunately I had to cancel all my upcoming events in the United States as I felt unsafe traveling, especially after watching students and university professors abducted on the street just in front of other people. I had 16 events scheduled for the next five weeks (at Stanford,…
— Mosab Abu Toha (@MosabAbuToha)
March 28, 2025
Pro-Israel group Betar USA has taken notice of Toha, listing him as part of a cadre of “pro-Hamas” individuals who should be deported according to a report by the Washington Free Beacon. The Trump administration‘s stance is clear, with calls to remove those like Toha from American soil.
Toha, known for his vocal opposition to Israel, has been embroiled in controversy over his inflammatory statements on social media, including comments regarding the October 7 attacks. His presence in the U.S., particularly at a reputable institution, has sparked significant debate.
His literary contributions include the founding of the Edward Said Library in Gaza and the publication of his debut poetry book, which has garnered several accolades. Despite these achievements, his outspoken nature and ties to radical elements have placed him in the crosshairs of deportation advocates.
Mosan Abu Toha must be deported. Brought to America from Gaza on a visa by @SyracuseU after being arrested by the IDF shortly after Oct 7, now he calls for Israel to burn as he supports the “resistance” AKA Hamas and terrorism. @MosabAbuToha is high on our list of those who must…
— Betar Worldwide (@Betar_USA)
March 21, 2025
