Who is Mahmoud Khalil? Activist Arrested Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist at Columbia University and American resident, was recently arrested amid pro-Palestinian protests. He has faced potential deportation. Khalil was born in a Syrian refugee camp and has a background in social work and education. He is married and expecting a child, yet his activism has brought challenges to his family life.

Mahmoud Khalil is a legal resident of the United States and is married to Noor Abdalla, a dentist based in New York. He has recently gained attention as a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, leading to his arrest by U.S. agents associated with the Trump administration, who have labeled such protests as anti-Semitic and contrary to American values.

Born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, Khalil moved to the United States in 2022 on a student visa, subsequently obtaining permanent residency. Prior to his arrival in the U.S., he worked as a social worker and later pursued further education, initially focusing on aviation engineering. However, the ongoing Syrian civil war disrupted these plans, prompting his eventual relocation.

In 2016, Khalil met his future wife, Noor Abdalla, while she volunteered at a non-profit organization in Beirut supporting Syrian children’s education. After a long-distance relationship that lasted seven years, they married in New York in 2023, and are currently expecting their first child in April.

Professionally, Khalil has held a role as a programme manager for the Syria Office at the British Embassy in Beirut, overseeing the prestigious Syria Chevening Program. His colleagues have noted his exceptional character, with a former British diplomat describing him as “thoughtful,” “intelligent,” and “conscientious.” Khalil recently completed his master’s degree at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, although he has yet to formally receive the degree.

As a result of his activism, Khalil faces the threat of deportation, raising concerns for his future and that of his family. His wife, Noor Abdalla, has expressed the emotional toll this could have, stating her devastation at the prospect of Khalil meeting their child under restrictive circumstances.

Mahmoud Khalil is an accomplished Palestinian activist whose recent arrest has spotlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian protests in the United States. Despite his achievements and contributions to humanitarian efforts, he now faces possible deportation, impacting his growing family. The situation highlights complex issues regarding freedom of speech, immigration status, and the consequences faced by student activists.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com