Columbia activist defends Hamas by claiming empathy for their actions

In the United States, on April 22, 2025, Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont, visited detained Columbia University activist Mohsen Mahdawi, where he referred to him as a "friend". This meeting came amid heightened tensions following the October 7 attack by Hamas, after which Mahdawi controversially stated that he could empathize with Hamas's actions. His remarks have sparked significant backlash, especially his use of a siren to drown out pro-Israel student protests at the campus. Reports indicate that Mahdawi's activism has evolved from positive relations with Jewish students to a more confrontational stance against Israel, marking a significant shift in his campus engagement. The media has taken note of Mahdawi's situation, particularly following his reported connections with pro-Israel students years before. His recent statements and actions, including criticism of Columbia for allowing Israeli military veterans to attend, indicate a considerable transformation in his political and social stance. Mahdawi's involvement with anti-Israel campus groups and his reflections on violence against Palestinians have also complicated his image on campus. Critics argue that while he claims to work towards peacemaking, his statements have increasingly aligned with those who justify violence against Israel. In tandem, Mahmoud Khalil, another Columbia University student and activist, has been highlighted for his advocacy that led to his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Khalil, facing deportation, reportedly missed the birth of his child while detained, sparking discussions about the humanitarian aspects of immigration enforcement during such personal crises. Legal representatives of Khalil allege that the basis for his deportation was unfounded accusations of antisemitism related to his activism, further complicating the narrative surrounding pro-Palestinian advocates on university campuses. This convergence of Mahdawi's empathy for Hamas and Khalil’s deportation illustrates the tense atmosphere surrounding debates on Palestinian rights and anti-Israel sentiments within educational institutions. As congressional members express outrage over Mahdawi’s detention and call it inhumane, the broader implications of such activism raise questions about the boundaries of free expression, political activism, and the safety of students engaged in controversial discourse.