Palestinian Activist Sparks Backlash Over 'Un-Islamic' Dog Comments

Nerdeen Kiswani faces criticism for suggesting dogs should be banned as indoor pets in New York City

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A prominent Palestinian activist in New York City, Nerdeen Kiswani, is facing backlash after posting on social media that dogs should not be kept as indoor pets, calling the practice 'un-Islamic'. Kiswani later claimed the post was meant as satire, but her comments have sparked criticism online.

Why it matters

Kiswani is known for her advocacy work through the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime (WOL), and her comments about dogs being 'unclean' have raised concerns about religious intolerance and potential discrimination against pet owners in the city.

The details

In her original post on X, Kiswani wrote that dogs have a 'place in society' but 'not as indoor pets,' adding, 'Like we've said all along, they are unclean.' She later said the post was intended as satire, explaining that she was referencing complaints about dog waste in snow-covered city streets. However, her initial comments sparked significant criticism online.

  • On February 13, 2026, Kiswani made the controversial social media post.

The players

Nerdeen Kiswani

A prominent Palestinian activist in New York City who organizes pro-Palestinian demonstrations through her group Within Our Lifetime (WOL).

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What they’re saying

“It's obviously a joke I don't care if you have a dog, I do care if your dog is s***ting everywhere and you're not cleaning it.”

— Nerdeen Kiswani (X)

The takeaway

Kiswani's comments have sparked concerns about religious intolerance and potential discrimination against pet owners in New York City, highlighting the need for greater understanding and dialogue around diverse cultural and religious perspectives.