NHS Doctor Behind 'Palestine Poppy' Also Authored Books Justifying Stoning
Abdul Qader Ismail, an Oxford-educated pediatrician, designed a controversial poppy pin and wrote books for teenagers that discuss Shariah punishments, drawing criticism from veterans and sparking debate.
The creator of a 'Palestine poppy' pin, intended as a symbol of solidarity, has been identified as an NHS pediatrician who has authored books for teenagers that discuss religiously sanctioned punishments, including stoning.
Abdul Qader Ismail, 41, from Birmingham, designed an enamel pin featuring a dodecagonal poppy intertwined with the colors of the Palestinian flag. He sells the pin on eBay for £1.78, describing it as a "symbol of unity with the beleaguered, oppressed and occupied people of Palestine." The accompanying website features a video with the slogan "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," which Jewish organizations have interpreted as a call for the destruction of Israel.
Dr. Ismail states that the badges are sold on a non-profit basis, with all proceeds directed to charities focused on Palestinian territories. However, veterans have accused him of exploiting the established symbol of remembrance and potentially diverting funds from the Royal British Legion, which holds the rights to the official poppy design.
His published works, a series titled "An Introduction to Challenging Topics for Muslim Teens," reportedly address concepts such as stoning as a deterrent for forbidden acts within Islam. In one passage, he recounts a tale where a man stoned to death for fornication is described as finding reward in paradise, suggesting such punishments, even when applied, are a blessing as they avert punishment in the hereafter.
In the second volume of the series, Dr. Ismail addresses homosexual feelings and gender dysphoria as "tests from Allah," advising sufferers to pray for assistance. The books also suggest that Muslims should adhere to the laws of their country of residence rather than attempting to enforce Shariah law domestically. He also notes that 12,000 Palestinians are believed to have fought against the Nazis in World War II and envisions the pin as an "anti-apartheid symbol."
One of the charities benefiting from the poppy pin sales is Friends of Al-Aqsa, an organization described in a 2024 Home Office report as "far-Left and Islamist." The founder of this organization, Ismail Patel, has reportedly been quoted as saying, "we are all Hamas."
The Royal British Legion, which maintains that its poppy is a "unifier of people and communities," has stated that individuals are free to wear different poppies. However, decorated Iraq veteran Trevor Coult MC criticized the Palestine poppy, telling LBC that it "adds no value" and is "just there, in my opinion, to cause hatred."
This controversy follows an incident where pro-Palestine protesters allegedly trampled on poppy wreaths at London's Battle of Britain monument. Dr. Ismail's academic background includes a degree in medicine from Oxford University and a PhD from the University of Leicester, with numerous publications in neonatal medicine.
Further reports indicate that Dr. Ismail is a member of the Green Party and has sponsored motions at party conferences, including one described as "Zionism is Racism," which was labeled "antisemitic" by some figures. He also reportedly sponsored motions calling for an end to sanctions on Iran and for BDS practices against Israeli businesses.
The Palestine Poppy website was reportedly established in late 2023, with pins appearing on eBay by summer 2024. The items are currently listed as "out of stock."