Source: Fox News
Introduction
A video released by Eman Abdelhadi, a University of Chicago professor and the half-sister of Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, has sparked intense scrutiny. The recording, which she framed as an “October 7th blessing,” was shared exactly one year after the Hamas-led terror attacks that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel.
The controversy surrounding the video has placed additional pressure on El-Sayed’s campaign, forcing a public distinction between his political platform and his sister’s rhetoric. As the anniversary of the 2023 attacks continues to serve as a flashpoint in American political discourse, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges candidates face regarding the public associations and statements of their relatives.
What Happened
On October 7, 2024, a collaborative social media post featuring Abdelhadi was published on Instagram. The video was produced in partnership with “Rabbis4Ceasefire,” a group that described the footage as an offering from the academic and organizer. In the clip, Abdelhadi is seen wearing a keffiyeh while discussing the significance of the phrase "Allahu Akbar," translating it as "God is greater."
Abdelhadi stated that the phrase was intended to provide perspective during times of perceived brutality and oppression, suggesting that a "horizon of justice" remains imminent. Notably, the recorded message contained no direct reference to the lives lost during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Following widespread backlash on social media, she later commented that the event was intended to be a moment of collective grief for all lives lost over the preceding year.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2023 | Hamas militants launch terrorist attacks in Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths. |
| October 7, 2024 | Eman Abdelhadi releases an "October 7th blessing" video on Instagram. |
| October 11, 2024 | Abdelhadi clarifies the context of the video in a comment on the post. |
Background
Abdelhadi has previously drawn public attention due to her legal entanglements and activism. In October 2025, she was arrested in Illinois following a protest outside an ICE detention center. She currently faces two felony counts of aggravated battery against a government employee and two misdemeanor counts of resisting or obstructing a peace officer, stemming from allegations that she spat on a state trooper.
Her half-brother, Abdul El-Sayed, has also navigated significant controversy regarding his public stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Throughout his campaign, El-Sayed has faced criticism for his rhetoric, including a fundraising email sent on the anniversary of the attacks that criticized Israeli military operations without mentioning the initial Hamas assault. He has previously characterized both the Israeli government and Hamas as "evil."
Key Details
El-Sayed’s campaign has sought to distance the candidate from his sister’s recent comments. A spokeswoman for the campaign emphasized that while El-Sayed maintains a familial bond with Abdelhadi, he does not align with her political positions or the specific language she chooses to employ regarding foreign policy.
The campaign further noted that El-Sayed’s platform focuses on his record of public service and his commitment to Michigan and the United States. Furthermore, the candidate has been scrutinized for his professional associations, particularly with streamer Hasan Piker. Despite Piker’s past remarks suggesting that the United States "deserved 9/11," El-Sayed has declined to disavow the streamer, labeling the comment "dumb" while simultaneously criticizing those who call for his denouncement as participants in "cancel culture."
Impact
The resurfaced video has provided ammunition for El-Sayed’s political opponents. The campaign for Mike Rogers, El-Sayed's Republican challenger, utilized the footage to frame the Democratic candidate as an extremist. Supporters of the Rogers campaign have urged Michigan voters to prioritize "country over party" in response to the controversy.
Commentators have also weighed in, with Eyal Yakoby describing the video as a "celebration" of the October 7 attacks. The incident underscores the volatile nature of the current political climate, where digital content from a candidate’s inner circle can rapidly influence the public perception of a campaign’s core values.
What Happens Next
As of the latest reports, Abdelhadi has not provided additional comments to the media regarding the controversy surrounding her video. El-Sayed’s campaign continues to emphasize that his personal platform, rather than the views of his relatives, remains the primary consideration for voters heading to the ballot box.
