University of Pennsylvania student Layla Sayed faces scrutiny for supporting Hamas war crimes, raising questions about her activism.

Who is Layla Sayed?

Layla Sayed, a University of Pennsylvania student, is under scrutiny for her participation in a rally supporting Hamas war crimes against Israeli civilians. The rally, titled “Collective Walkout for Palestine,” occurred on October 16, 2023, where Sayed walked behind a Palestinian flag, chanting in support.

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The event gained attention as it coincided with Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, involving mass murder, torture, rape, beheadings, and kidnappings of Israeli civilians. Sayed’s association with the rally supporting Hamas, accused of executing war crimes, has sparked concerns about her stance on the conflict.

Penn professors and students participated in the rally, with some expressing controversial views. The protest, organized by Penn Against the Occupation (PAO), aimed to “protest the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza and stand in solidarity with Palestine.”

The October 7 attacks by Hamas resulted in over 1,400 reported deaths, the majority being civilians. Sayed’s involvement in supporting a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., Canada, European Union, Israel, and other countries has raised questions about her activism and stance on the ongoing conflict.

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As scrutiny continues, Sayed’s LinkedIn profile indicates her role as a “PURM Undergraduate Researcher” at Penn since May 2023, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies, expected to graduate in 2026. The controversy surrounding Sayed highlights the complex nature of discussions on international conflicts within academic settings.