Eman Abdelhadi Commemorates October 7 Anniversary with Video Message

Eman Abdelhadi, a professor at the University of Chicago and half-sister of Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, shared a video on Instagram on October 7, 2024, marking the anniversary of the Hamas attacks that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths. In the video, Abdelhadi stated, "Allahu Akbar," explaining that the phrase means 'God is greater' and reflects her thoughts over the past year. She emphasized the importance of justice and the need for collective action to build a better future. Throughout her message, she did not mention the victims of the attacks. Abdelhadi wore a keffiyeh, a traditional cloth associated with Palestinian movements, during the video. A campaign spokeswoman for El-Sayed noted that while he loves his sister, they disagree on various political issues, including foreign policy. The video has received criticism, with some commentators expressing concern over its content. Abdelhadi has faced legal issues related to her activism, including an arrest in 2025 for allegedly assaulting a police officer during protests. El-Sayed has also faced scrutiny for his comments regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict during his campaign.