Douglas Murray’s New Book Addresses Campus Support for Terrorism

NEW YORK, April 6, 2025 — Writer Douglas Murray is launching his new book, “On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization,” at Columbia University this Friday. The book, which hits shelves on April 8, explores the troubling trend of college students siding with perpetrators of violence rather than their victims, particularly in light of events following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel.

Murray expressed his astonishment that, in the wake of horrific acts of violence, including gang rape and murder, young people would choose to express solidarity with terrorists. “One told me of seeing a young woman on her knees in front of a gang of armed men. Her best friend had just been killed in front of her,” he recounted. Murray argues that this support for violence, which he describes as a form of moral insanity, has emerged as a significant issue at institutions of higher learning.

“It seems incomprehensible that anyone could side with those who commit such acts of cruelty,” Murray stated during a recent interview. “Yet there exists an alarming number of people, particularly the younger generation, who appear to prefer aligning with the aggressors. This is not merely a crisis of morality; it is indicative of a broader failure in our educational institutions to teach the values of human decency and ethical warfare.”

The author reflects on the protests and rallies that erupted across the United States following the October attacks, noting that some demonstrators openly celebrated the acts of terrorism rather than condemning them. “This reaction has raised serious questions about the state of our society and the values being instilled in our youth,” he added.

Murray’s book seeks to provide answers to these pressing questions, especially as they relate to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. “We have individuals in our midst who openly support actions that amount to murder, rape, and other atrocities. We need to ask ourselves what must be done to reinstate basic societal values that uphold life and reject death,” he asserted.

As part of the controversy surrounding his book, Murray cites numerous instances where activists have utilized their platforms to promote anti-Israel sentiments. Reports emerged recently that Labour Members of Parliament, Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang, were denied entry into Israel, having been accused of planning to document activities aimed at spreading anti-Israel hatred.

“It is crucial that parliamentarians can witness firsthand the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory,” the MPs stated following their detention. “We are outraged that our ability to conduct our work has been obstructed in this way.”

In contrast, Murray argues that the escalating violence and protests are not solely Israel’s problem; they are reflective of a larger issue in Western society. He attributes this to a generational conflict, where privileged young individuals may not fully grasp the implications of siding with hate instead of justice.

Addressing the motivations behind these protests, Murray stated, “At the core, these movements often reflect a deep-seated hatred toward not just Israel, but also America. They seek the destruction of Western ideals while exploiting the very freedoms these countries provide. It is a complex civilizational struggle, and we need to be clear about where we stand.”

Murray’s discussion on moral clarity and the need for action spans across various platforms, and his book aims to shape the discourse surrounding these urgent sociopolitical issues. With a publication date set for April 8, the book is expected to ignite conversation about the responsibilities of both individuals and institutions in fostering a respectful and ethical society.