A symbolic graduation ceremony took place at St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York City, where Noor Abdallah accepted a diploma on behalf of her husband, Mahmoud Khalil, a jailed Columbia University student and Palestinian activist. She attended the event with their newborn son, Deen, who was born just a month prior. The ceremony was part of an initiative called the ‘People’s Graduation,’ organized by the ‘People’s University for Palestine,’ which aims to support individuals affected by political struggles in various universities across the US, Canada, and the UK.
During the ceremony, which featured images of attendees such as Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon and Palestinian activist Mohammed El-Kurd, Abdallah took to the stage to read Khalil’s message. Khalil, still in federal custody in Louisiana while awaiting a judge’s decision on his release, thanked supporters for keeping him in their hearts during his detention, stating he has been held without charges for speaking out about Palestine. He expressed pride in his peers, who he said have shown strength through their integrity and compassion.
Khalil was arrested in March during a raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his home, and remains awaiting potential deportation. His case exemplifies the recent crackdown on pro-Palestine activism among students in the U.S., with other students like Mohsen Mahdawi and Badar Khan Suri facing similar challenges within the immigration system.
Mahdawi graduated just weeks after being released from detention and joined a vigil for Khalil, raising a photograph of his imprisoned friend as a show of solidarity. Suri, who was also detained due to perceived political connections, emphasized his hope for Khalil’s reunion with his family, highlighting the emotional impact of such separations on students and activists.
In the broader context, Harvard University has come under scrutiny for alleged antisemitism linked to pro-Palestinian protests on campus, resulting in the U.S. government terminating federal grants due to its failure to adequately address harassment claims. The atmosphere for Palestinian activists remains tense as they advocate for their rights and confront challenges from the federal government.
This story reflects both the personal struggles faced by individuals affected by political and immigration policies, as well as the ongoing discourse surrounding activism and academic freedom in the U.S. It illustrates resilience within a community dedicated to standing up for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity.