The United Kingdom has prohibited Dr. Shadee Elmasry, a prominent American Muslim scholar, from entering the country following an official review of his social media commentary regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revoked Elmasry’s travel authorization shortly before his scheduled speaking tour across multiple British cities.
The decision emerged after pro-Israel activists circulated Elmasry’s social media posts from October 2023, including one stating that Gazans had “finally punched back after 50 years” following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. In other posts, Elmasry contextualized the conflict by referencing historical Zionist militias and suggested that resistance movements might occasionally “go to excesses” without diminishing their moral standing.
A government source close to Mahmood stated: “There is no place in the UK for foreign nationals who spread hate or push extremist ideas. Those seeking to divide our communities will not be allowed to enter.”
Elmasry, who serves as education director at the New Brunswick Islamic Center in New Jersey, responded that his message has “always been about compassion and connection.” He expressed affection for England and indicated expectations that the decision would be overturned.
The banning process gained momentum after Conservative MP Nick Timothy publicly urged the Home Secretary to exercise her exclusion powers, characterizing Elmasry’s views as “incitement and violent extremism” rather than rational debate. This followed an anonymous social media campaign alleging Elmasry supported extremist positions.
In a recent livestream, Elmasry clarified that describing Gazans as “punched back” didn’t constitute endorsement of Hamas, noting he cannot support organizations he doesn’t fully know. He referenced United Nations provisions regarding resistance to illegal occupation while distancing himself from specific militant groups.
Hamas remains designated as a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom, adding legal context to the government’s decision to exclude individuals perceived as supporting or justifying its actions.