Mahmoud Khalil, recently released from ICE custody after 104 days, addressed media and supporters outside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, discussing his detention and criticizing Columbia University. Khalil, a Palestinian human rights advocate and graduate student, expressed his identity and the hardships he faced while detained. He highlighted the lack of privacy in detention, where emotional stories echoed among the hundreds confined with him, all uncertain about their fates.
Khalil’s case gained attention against the backdrop of escalating tensions following the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, which led to a war in Gaza and repressive measures against pro-Palestinian activists. He condemned Columbia University for its hypocrisy, as he had sought to hold a news conference on campus but was denied support despite the university’s professed commitment to protecting international students.
His wife, Noor Abdalla, emphasized their resilience, saying that although he missed the birth of their son, they remained undeterred in spirit. Khalil reiterated that his release is just a preliminary victory, as the Trump administration is appealing the court’s decision to release him, claiming he poses a risk to national security. He signaled a broader struggle for justice, asserting that his detention aimed to suppress the movement for Palestinian liberation.
In response to students wary of speaking out, he encouraged activism, recalling the historical roles of student movements during critical periods like the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa. Khalil concluded by affirming the moral imperative for students to advocate for what is right, stating, “we are literally winning.” After his address, Khalil joined supporters in a march through the city.
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