Sign Language Interpreter's Reaction Reveals Surprise at Hateful Islamic Verses

The interpreter appeared uncomfortable signing a passage calling for the killing of Jews during an anti-prison activist group's video call.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A sign language interpreter assisting a video call hosted by the anti-prison activist group Believers Bail Out was caught off guard when one of the speakers read an Islamic passage containing a violent prophecy calling for the killing of Jews. The interpreter's expression suggested she was unaware of such hateful beliefs within Islam.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the disconnect between the common Western perception of Islam as a 'religion of peace' and the reality of some of the religion's more extremist teachings. It raises questions about how well-informed many Westerners are about the full spectrum of Islamic beliefs and practices.

The details

During the Believers Bail Out video call, a speaker identified as 'veteran activist' Dhoruba bin Wahad read a passage stating 'Every living thing … would speak out and say … every bush, every tree, would say that 'There's a Jew behind me. Slay him.'' This same passage was previously quoted in the 1988 founding charter of the terrorist group Hamas. The sign language interpreter, identified as 'Grace, language facilitator,' appeared visibly uncomfortable as she continued signing the hateful words.

  • The video call took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Dhoruba bin Wahad

A veteran activist who spoke during the Believers Bail Out video call and read the hateful Islamic passage.

Grace

The sign language interpreter assisting with the Believers Bail Out video call who appeared uncomfortable signing the violent Islamic prophecy.

Believers Bail Out (BBO)

A community-led effort based in Chicago that aims to bail out Muslims in pretrial incarceration and ICE custody, and raise awareness about the injustices of the bail bond system.

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What they’re saying

“Every living thing … would speak out and say … every bush, every tree, would say that 'There's a Jew behind me. Slay him.'”

— Dhoruba bin Wahad, Veteran activist

The takeaway

This incident highlights the disconnect between the common Western perception of Islam as a 'religion of peace' and the reality of some of the religion's more extremist teachings. It raises questions about how well-informed many Westerners are about the full spectrum of Islamic beliefs and practices, and whether the narrative of religious pluralism and tolerance truly reflects the views of the Muslim world.