Iman Abdul, a former youth organizer who volunteered for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign, is in hot water after being charged with calling for an attack on Jewish students at a New York City public school. This arrest was reported by the New York Post and has drawn significant attention. The 27-year-old Abdul is a 2016 graduate of Leon M. Goldstein High School for the Sciences in Brooklyn, and she got into trouble after posting a dangerous message online.
Abdul’s alleged message, according to authorities, encouraged people to “attack” her former school because of the Jewish students attending there. The charges against her include making a terroristic threat, acting in a way that could harm children, aggravated harassment, and threatening mass harm. Despite these serious accusations, she was released without bail and is expected to appear in court on November 19.
Describing herself as a “youth organizer” during Ocasio-Cortez’s successful 2018 campaign, Abdul reportedly posted a Google Maps screenshot of her old high school. The caption she added was alarming, stating, “If anyone needs a public school in NYC to attack for whatever reason … Lexus driving Israhell loving Zionisits all attend here.” Such a statement understandably sparked outrage and concern.
The post was quickly noticed by her former classmates and law enforcement alike. Alina Bernstein, a former classmate, expressed shock at Abdul’s actions. Bernstein recalled Abdul as a popular student who was voted “biggest flirt” in their yearbook and noted her participation in school musicals and her affluent background.
Bernstein, who is Jewish, was particularly upset by Abdul’s rhetoric. She highlighted the irony in Abdul’s comments, pointing out that Abdul had more wealth than most Jewish students and even drove a Range Rover. Despite their past, Bernstein was taken aback by Abdul’s aggressive and hateful online behavior.
Abdul’s social media influence is notable, with reports indicating she posted to her 25,000 Instagram followers, urging an attack on the school. This alarming call to action led to her arrest, as confirmed by various reports. Abdul’s actions have drawn widespread condemnation from different quarters.
Fox News reported that a spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez clarified Abdul’s lack of official staff status. The spokesperson condemned Abdul’s threatening language, stating, “Their comments are appalling and we condemn threats of violence without hesitation.” Even so, critics have pointed out that Ocasio-Cortez followed Abdul’s social media account, which has over 3,000 followers.
For her defense, Abdul has hired Geoffrey St. Andrew Stewart, a criminal defense attorney known for his controversial family connections. Stewart is the son of Lynne Stewart, who was convicted for aiding a terrorist figure. This choice of legal representation has raised eyebrows and sparked further concerns.
Moshe Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers, voiced his alarm over Abdul’s current situation. Spern remarked, “The fact that she is out on no bail until November should be a significant concern for all New Yorkers.” This sentiment is echoed by others who feel the justice system should take a firmer stance.
Abdul has a background as a director of the AM:PM Gallery in Brooklyn, though the gallery has not commented on her current employment status following the charges. Additionally, a 2019 interview featuring her role as a youth organizer was removed from the internet after her arrest.
Neither Abdul nor her attorney has offered any comments to the media, maintaining silence on the issue. Representatives for Ocasio-Cortez have also remained relatively quiet, sticking to their initial condemnation of Abdul’s actions without further elaboration.
