Koh Choon Hwee is an assistant professor of Ottoman history at UCLA. Beyond her academic work, she has repeatedly aligned herself with anti-Israel activism on campus and on social media. Koh has openly supported student encampments, reposted material from terrorist-linked figures and organizations, and shared content glorifying groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah—both of which are designated terrorist organizations by the United States and many other countries.
Support for Encampments and Amnesty for Protesters
On May 2, 2024, Koh shared on her X account a statement by UCLA’s Department of History after police dismantled a pro-Palestine encampment. On June 4, 2024, she was among faculty who supported a statement calling for amnesty for all students arrested at the encampment. Koh also reposted material about the student takeover of a UCLA hall, which protesters renamed “Bassel Al-Araj Hall.” Al-Araj was a Palestinian terrorist commander tied to weapons supply and armed attacks.
Endorsement of Terror-Linked Figures and Groups
Koh has reposted content from Hezbollah and Hamas sources, including Al-Jazeera reports and posts from Husam Shabat, an Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades sniper. After the September 27, 2024 Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Koh reshared tributes praising him as the “Master of resistance” and commemorating his “martyr’s death.” She also reposted material glorifying Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar, who orchestrated the October 7, 2023 terror attacks, even comparing his elimination to a video of a baby burning.
Social Media Activity
Since May 2024, Koh has used her X account to share a steady stream of anti-Israel and antisemitic content. This includes:
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Posts accusing the IDF of “terrorizing the world.”
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A reference to Hitler.
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Memes demonizing Israelis.
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Calls for sanctions and boycotts of Israel.
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A post urging Microsoft to fire an Israeli employee because of IDF service.
Earlier Activities
In July 2018, Koh participated in a dialogue event with The Timeless Compass, where she used a Palestinian rap song titled Who’s the Terrorist by the group DAM. The track contains openly anti-Israel and anti-Zionist rhetoric.
Conclusion
Koh Choon Hwee’s record shows an assistant professor at UCLA who has moved far beyond academic critique. By defending encampments, reposting propaganda from Hamas and Hezbollah, and glorifying terror leaders, she has positioned herself as a faculty member who fuels antisemitic hostility on campus and helps legitimize designated terrorist organizations. Her activity contributes to an environment where Jewish and pro-Israel students face harassment and intimidation under the cover of academic freedom.
