Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and legal U.S. resident married to Noor Abdalla, was recently arrested as part of a federal crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests. Originally from a Syrian refugee camp, Khalil has worked extensively in social services and completed his master’s degree at Columbia University. He faces potential deportation as he and his wife expect their first child.
Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist at Columbia University, was recently arrested by federal agents under the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil, a legal resident of the United States and married to American dentist Noor Abdalla, faces potential deportation despite his ongoing contributions to social activism. The former president criticized the protests as antisemitic and antithetical to American values, indicating Khalil’s arrest is part of a larger trend against student activists nationwide.
Born and raised in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, Khalil moved to the United States in 2022 on a student visa and gained permanent residency in 2023. Prior to his arrival, he had worked as a social worker and was pursuing a degree in aviation engineering; however, the Syrian civil war disrupted his academic goals. In an essay written for an educational charity, he reflected on the dire situation of many Syrian refugees, expressing gratitude for his opportunities.
Khalil later relocated to Beirut, where he worked with a non-profit aiding Syrian children in education and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from a Lebanese university. It was during this period that he met Noor Abdalla while she volunteered at the same non-profit; their long-distance relationship flourished for seven years before their marriage in 2023 in New York.
He also served as a program manager at the British embassy’s Syria Office, where he administered the Syria Chevening Program. Former colleagues describe Khalil as exceptionally kind and capable, with his intellect and work ethic being highly praised. Khalil recently concluded his master’s studies in International and Public Affairs at Columbia University and is currently awaiting the birth of his first child, expected in April.
Mahmoud Khalil’s narrative underscores the complexities faced by activists advocating for Palestinian rights, particularly within the context of the recent crackdown in the U.S. His journey from a refugee camp to activism at Columbia exemplifies resilience amidst turmoil. Khalil’s current legal battles raise questions about immigration policies and the safety of voices in advocacy for marginalized communities.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
