WATCH: Authorities investigate disruption of OCTOBER 7 play. 1:25 PM on wednesday, October 28. Jim talamonti. (The Center Square) - The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern University has called on multiple levels of government to investigate the disruption of a play called "OCTOBER 7" at Cahn Auditorium on the school's Evanston campus. The performance on the evening of Oct. 6 was hosted by Northwestern Hillel and dramatized verbatim testimony from survivors of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. Producer Phelim McAleer, said someone pulled the fire alarm with about 20 minutes left in the play. "Some demon, some absolute demon decided he didn't like Jewish people and he didn't like Israeli people telling the truth of October 7th, so they pulled the fire alarm," McAleer told The Center Square. McAleer said people first thought the alarm was part of the play, but then believed they were in danger. "People actually thought something was happening. They were terrified that there was going to be a shooting or a bombing. They were ordered to evacuate the building," McAleer said. Danielle Pearl attended the play and said it was intense and very powerful. "Many of us just sort of sat in our seats and froze, looking at the cast for, you know, maybe visual cues on their faces or what they were doing and how they were reacting because we couldn't tell right away if it was part of the play or not," Pearl told The Center Square. Pearl said she chose not to return after the alarm sounded. "People were leaving from various exit points, and so there wasn't any sort of direction being given as to what this was and the nature of it or anything. I just think we felt, sadly, like we just didn't have enough information to know," Pearl said. University police referred The Center Square to Northwestern's media relations department, which did not immediately respond to a request for an update or statement. McAleer said he didn't know who pulled the alarm, but he knew their motive. "I've spoken to police. They've asked for our footage of the night, etc., so they are taking it seriously," McAleer said. McAleer said the play ran off Broadway at Princeton, UCLA and other schools, but Northwestern is the only place where the performance was disrupted. CAAN referred the case to the U.S. Departments of Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services. The group also submitted a complaint to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office Hate Crimes Unit. Pearl said she believes a full investigation is deserved. As reported by The Center Square in August, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law asked the DOJ to investigate whether Northwestern's relationship with Qatar violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act. In a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Brandeis Center general counsel Evan Slavitt wrote that the Qatari government-controlled Qatar Foundation paid Northwestern $737 million in connection with its satellite campus in the Qatari capital, Doha, including annual operating support ranging from $25 million to $35 million, annual management fees which are used in part to support the university's communications and journalism schools in Evanston, and a $15 million capital investment.

Check out qf's Ladies Sport Night at oxygen park. X October, 2026 Qatar Foundation's Ladies Sport Night, in partnership with ORYX GTL, returns to Oxygen Park in Education City this fall, with a diverse programme of sports, fitness, and community activities for women and girls aged eight and above. Running every Tuesday between October 13 and December 15, from 5pm to 9pm, the programme will bring together Qatar Foundation (QF) entities, Qatar Sports For All Federation (QFSA), and local gyms to offer a broad range of activities throughout the season. Weekly offerings will include team sports, running sessions, fitness classes, tournaments, challenges, and community activities. Participants can register through the Education City App. The fall edition will also introduce a series of monthly themes focused on key areas of women's health, wellbeing, and participation in sport. October will focus on Breast Cancer Awareness, followed by Women's Wellness in November. "Through our exciting Ladies Sport Night programme, we aim to create more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in fitness and sport, while bringing together sports organisations, community partners, and fitness providers to create a welcoming and inclusive environment," said Leena A. Al-Musalmani, Director of Community Engagement at Qatar Foundation. "With everything from competitive tournaments and running activities to fitness classes, challenges, and community sessions, Ladies Sport Night offers a range of ways for participants to stay active, discover new activities, and connect with others. "We hope it will encourage more women and girls to make physical activity a part of their regular routine, while strengthening their connection with the wider sporting community." According to Abdullah Al Dosari, Executive Director of the Qatar Sports For All Federation, the organisation of a weekly Ladies Sport Night reflects QSFA's commitment to building on previous successes and encouraging greater women's participation in sports and community activities. Al Dosari noted that the programme offers fitness classes, sports activities, competitions, and community events led by specialised female coaches, providing a safe and motivating environment that encourages regular physical activity and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Those interested in being part of Ladies Sport Night are encouraged to pre-register in advance at Education City App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. GO: Follow @qatarfoundation on Instagram for more information. No Comments 2 minutes read