Activism Under Fire: The Case of Mohsen Mahdawi and the Fight for Palestinian Voices

In a striking turn of events, Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and vocal advocate for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, found himself detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a day he had anticipated would mark a significant step toward his citizenship. Instead, he was met with the grim reality of deportation orders, a move that has ignited discussions about the implications of activism and the perceived threats it poses to U.S. foreign policy.

Mahdawi’s green card was revoked under a controversial provision of immigration law, which allows for the deportation of individuals deemed a threat to U.S. interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed, without presenting evidence, that Mahdawi’s activism contributed to antisemitism and undermined efforts to achieve peace in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This assertion has raised eyebrows, particularly among those who know Mahdawi personally. His associate, Mikey Baratz, an Israeli former student at Columbia, emphasized the irony of targeting someone who has consistently denounced violence and sought to build bridges between communities. “The irony of him, of all people, being someone they target is so funny to me — this person who has denounced violence,” Baratz remarked.

Mahdawi’s activism has been characterized by a commitment to peaceful dialogue, a stance that has often put him at odds with both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli factions. He stepped back from the protest movement in early 2024 to focus on fostering relationships with Israeli and Jewish students, demonstrating a desire for coexistence rather than conflict. His efforts culminated in a meeting with Baratz, where they found common ground despite their differing perspectives. “He has every reason to be angry and want violence. And he doesn’t,” Baratz noted, highlighting Mahdawi’s remarkable capacity for empathy and understanding.

The backdrop of Mahdawi’s activism is a complex and often painful personal history. Born in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, he has lost family members to violence and has witnessed the harsh realities of life under occupation. His experiences have shaped his worldview, driving him to advocate for peace rather than vengeance. In a powerful interview on “60 Minutes,” Mahdawi articulated the intertwined nature of the fight for Palestinian freedom and the battle against antisemitism, stating, “To be antisemitic is unjust… because injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

The broader implications of Mahdawi’s detention reflect a troubling trend in the U.S. and Israel, where pro-Palestinian activism is often conflated with support for terrorism. This narrative has been perpetuated by various factions, including some Zionist groups on college campuses that have publicly named students for their activism and called for their deportation. Baratz criticized this approach, arguing that it does more harm than good and fails to recognize the humanity of individuals like Mahdawi. “How can I take anyone seriously talking about Mohsen being antisemitic? They don’t know Mohsen. They don’t talk to him,” he said.

The response to pro-Palestinian protests has ranged from absurd to violent, with accusations of assault against students and counter-protesters resorting to chemical sprays. Such reactions not only undermine the principles of free speech and peaceful assembly but also highlight the pervasive climate of fear and hostility surrounding discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Baratz’s reflections on Mahdawi’s situation serve as a poignant reminder of the shared values that should guide humanity. “If there’s anything we as Jews should know, it’s that this is familiar to us. We see ourselves in the other, we see ourselves in the stranger,” he said, urging a return to empathy and understanding in a world increasingly divided by conflict.

As Mahdawi’s case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the nature of activism, the boundaries of acceptable discourse, and the consequences of labeling dissent as a threat. In a time when dialogue is desperately needed, the targeting of individuals like Mahdawi may only serve to deepen divisions rather than foster the peace and understanding that so many yearn for.