This event featured a compelling presentation by Jesse Morton, a former jihadist propagandist who shared his personal journey and offered valuable insights into the pathways to radicalization, disengagement, and the broader societal challenges that contribute to these processes. Known by his former alias, Younes Abdullah Muhammad, Jesse was the leader of Revolution Muslim, a New York City-based organization active in the 2000s and linked to several terrorism cases. He played a key role in adapting al-Qaeda’s ideology for American audiences by creating influential English-language propaganda.

In 2011, after his arrest in Casablanca and subsequent incarceration in the U.S., Jesse deradicalized, becoming a leading voice in countering violent extremism, consulting on international projects and offering unique perspectives on strategies for prevention. He co-founded Parallel Networks, an organization created with a former NYPD official who had been instrumental in monitoring and ultimately incarcerating him.

Jesse also leads Light Upon Light, an online initiative that employs network theory and a transdisciplinary approach to combat polarization, hate, and violent extremism in the U.S. The discussion touched on critical themes such as trauma, the use of social media and technology to recruit and manipulate vulnerable youth, and the reintegration of those impacted by radical ideologies.