On the latest CNN Newsnight hosted by Abby Phillip, Rayan Girdusky, a pro-Israeli commentator threatened Mehdi Hasan, the founder of Zeteo for being pro-Palestine saying, “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off”.
Mehdi Hasan is a British-American broadcaster known for his charismatic debating ability. He is also an outspoken critic of the Israeli genocide in Gaza that has been unfolding for more than one year, if not since 1948.
On the other hand, Rayan Girdusky is a pro-Israeli or pro-genocide commentator who is known for his conservative position. Girdusky has co-authored a book called They’re Not Listening: How the Elites Created the National Populist Revolution.
On the CNN News Night by Abby Phillipe on October 29th, the panellists engaged in a heated debate about the Gaza Genocide. Girdusky tried to label Mehdi as an antisemite because he supported Palestine.
Mehdi said, “I’m a supporter of the Palestinians. I am used to it”. Following that remark, the Pro-Israeli commentator replied: “Well I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.” Hasan along with all the other panelists was shocked. In response, Mehdi asked, “Did you just say I should die? You just said I should be killed.”
The vile remarks were a reference to the September 17 Israeli Beeper Terror Attack which killed at least 37 people, including some children, and civilians. They injured nearly 3,000 people across Lebanon and Syria.
After the Pro-Israeli threat, Mehdi Hasan left in the middle of the show and Ryan Girdusky was banned from appearing on the CNN network.