Mahmoud Khalil: Columbia University Activist Arrested Amid Political Tensions
Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and legal U.S. resident, was arrested amid protests at Columbia University, facing possible deportation. Originally from a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, he moved to the U.S. in 2022 and holds a master’s degree from Columbia. Married to Noor Abdallah, they are expecting their first child in April, raising concerns over his arrest’s impact on their family.
Mahmoud Khalil is a prominent Palestinian activist residing in the United States, married to American citizen Noor Abdallah, a dentist based in New York. Recently, he became a focal point in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, leading to his arrest by authorities under the Trump administration, which described his activism as antisemitic and contrary to American values.
Mahmoud Khalil’s background includes his upbringing in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria. He moved to the U.S. in 2022 on a student visa and achieved permanent residency in the previous year. His aspirations to pursue aviation engineering were disrupted by the Syrian civil war, which prompted him to work as a social worker in Syria prior to his move.
While in Beirut, Khalil contributed to a non-profit organization focused on educating Syrian children and attended university, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science. It was during this period that he met Noor Abdallah; they maintained a long-distance relationship before marrying in New York in 2023.
His impressive career includes working as a program manager at the Syria Office of the British embassy in Beirut, where he oversaw the Syria Chevening Program, a notable UK government scholarship initiative. Colleague Andrew Waller lauded him, stating, “You couldn’t meet a kinder or nicer person to work with. He’s thoughtful. He’s intelligent. He’s conscientious.”
Khalil recently completed his master’s degree in International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. As he awaits the birth of his child in April, the implications of his arrest could affect his ability to celebrate this milestone. Noor Abdallah expressed her distress about the situation, noting, “I think it would be very devastating for me and for him to meet his first child behind a glass screen…I’ve always been so excited to have my first baby with the person I love.”
Mahmoud Khalil’s case illustrates the intersection of activism and immigration in the U.S., highlighting the challenges faced by international students and activists amidst political tensions. His background and commitment to social causes reveal a complex narrative that extends beyond his recent arrest. As he and his wife anticipate the arrival of their first child, the potential impact of this experience on their family offers a poignant glimpse into the realities faced by those advocating for their beliefs.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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