Bennet Wilcox, also known as Jonah Ben Avraham, is a Columbia University graduate who has promoted violent “intifada” rhetoric, supported anti-Israel agitators, demonized Israel, and expressed hostility toward Zionists. While at Columbia, he was involved with Barnard Columbia Socialists and later continued his activism with Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP).
Promoting the Intifada
On May 9, 2018, Wilcox tweeted: “Intifada revolution is a mood.” Earlier that year, he declared: “Halakhically speaking, f**k the IDF. #GreatReturnMarch #FreePalestine #LongLiveTheIntifada.” On April 19, 2018, he celebrated Barnard’s divestment vote, writing: “Palestine will be free #LongLiveTheIntifada.”
Support for Anti-Israel Agitators
Wilcox voiced support for agitators who glorified or excused violence. On November 29, 2018, he tweeted in defense of Marc Lamont Hill, repeating Hill’s slogan: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” In January 2018, Wilcox praised Ahed Tamimi, known for attacking Israeli soldiers, as the “precisely the role model” he would want for a daughter. He also promoted Issa Amro, the head of Youth Against Settlements, who has been charged with harassment and violence against Israelis.
Demonizing Israel and Zionists
Wilcox frequently used his platform to target Israel and Zionists. On May 15, 2018, he tweeted: “Fixing to find every Zionist tweet on the internet and reply ‘Racist.’ Every one.” He labeled Israel an “apartheid state,” accused it of racism toward refugees, and denounced U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital by writing: “al-Quds is the capital of Palestine.”
Campus Antisemitic Activism
At Columbia, Wilcox was photographed in March 2016 standing next to Students for Justice in Palestine’s (SJP) mock “apartheid wall,” a symbol of antisemitic campus activism. After graduating, he remained active, co-hosting a May 2018 protest accusing Israel of massacres during Gaza border riots and appearing at events organized by JVP and DC Socialists that advanced antisemitic narratives.
