Qais Dana

State: Pennsylvania
City: Philadelphia
Campus: University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

Qais Dana is an anti-Zionist campus activist in the Philadelphia area who has repeatedly appeared at protests and rallies that praised Hamas and called for the elimination of the Jewish state. Dana uses social media and public demonstrations to amplify chants and symbols tied to Palestinian “resistance,” and has openly adopted slogans and iconography that are widely recognized as supportive of terrorism. His activity places him among the on-the-ground organizers who helped normalize violent, eliminationist rhetoric in local protest movements after October 7, 2023.

Organizational Affiliations / Associations

Frequently appears at events organized or promoted by Philly Palestine Coalition (PPC).
Linked publicly with Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) activities at Temple University and other area campuses.

Documented Actions & Behavior (selected)

Dec 2023 — “End the Siege on Gaza” / Harrisburg rally: Participated in a rally at the Pennsylvania State Capitol where chants called for Israel’s destruction and explicitly praised or celebrated Hamas leaders; footage shows participants using “resistance” euphemisms for support of terror.
Dec 2023 — Pro-Hamas rally, Philadelphia: Reported to have taken part in demonstrations praising Hamas two months after the October 7, 2023 terror attacks that killed ~1,200 Israelis and kidnapped hundreds.
Apr 25, 2024 — Penn / Philly protests: Reported by The Temple News to have led chants at an anti-Israel protest organized by Temple SJP, carrying a Palestinian flag and standing with organizers.
Apr 2024 onward: Active at multiple local events (Penn encampment, Temple die-ins, Norris Square demonstrations) tied to BDS and allied groups.

Social Media & Symbolism

Instagram (Dec 2024 / reported): Username displayed as “Qais ☭🔻.” Bio included the chant “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free 🇵🇸.”
- Symbols used:
  - ☭ (hammer & sickle) — signals far-left revolutionary alignment.
  - 🔻 (inverted red triangle) — reported as a marker used by some to signify Hamas targets/support after Oct 7, 2023.
- Use of “From the River to the Sea” — an eliminationist chant widely interpreted as calling for the end of the State of Israel.

Assessment / Risk Profile

Risk Level: Elevated — Organizing / Amplifying Support for Terrorism
Qais Dana has repeatedly participated in rallies where chants and iconography explicitly endorse Hamas and call for Israel’s destruction. His leadership role in leading chants and his visible presence with organizers indicate active participation (not merely attendance). His social media symbolism and public conduct identify him as an emerging local organizer who helps normalize violent, eliminationist rhetoric under the banner of “resistance.”

Timeline Snapshot (quick)