Nerdeen Kiswani, a Palestinian-American activist, found herself the target of a chilling plot: an attempt to attack her with Molotov cocktails. Undercover investigators intervened, preventing 26-year-old Alexander Heifler from carrying out his plan to fire the incendiary devices at her car and home, where he had already manufactured a dozen.
Kiswani addressed the incident at a press event, detailing years of harassment, threats, and stalking she and other Palestinian organizers have endured. She framed the attack as part of a pattern of “coordinated” aggression, but notably refrained from a blanket condemnation of political violence.
Instead, Kiswani asserted the right of Palestinians to defend themselves, invoking international law and arguing that those facing genocide are justified in their resistance. She questioned why the focus was on her position on violence when, in her view, “Zionist terrorist organizations” were attempting assassination on American soil.
Critics point to a history of Kiswani’s organization, Within Our Lifetime (WOL), avoiding direct condemnation of groups designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government. This pattern, they argue, reveals a deliberate attempt to justify violence by labeling it as legitimate resistance.
Following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, WOL publicly declared its anti-Zionist stance, stating that the “liberation of Palestine requires the abolition of Zionism.” This stance drew significant attention and scrutiny.
Further fueling concerns, WOL allegedly published maps identifying Jewish organizations in New York City shortly after the October 7th attacks, labeling them with accusations of having “blood on their hands” and urging followers to “know your enemy.” The organization framed this as a call to action for those engaged in struggle.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism has characterized WOL’s actions as demonstrating “very explicit support for violence against Israeli civilians in support of terrorist organizations.” WOL maintains its position is anti-Zionist, not antisemitic.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to the foiled plot against Kiswani with a firm statement, denouncing all forms of violent extremism and expressing relief that she was safe. He emphasized that no one should face violence for their beliefs or advocacy.
When directly questioned about condemning political violence in light of the attack, Kiswani launched a sharp critique of the news organization posing the question. She accused it of glorifying violence through its support of American foreign policy and past conflicts, turning the inquiry back on the interviewer.
Kiswani argued it was ironic to be asked to explain her position on violence by a network she accused of actively promoting it when aligned with American interests, positioning herself as the victim of a politically motivated attack.
