Escalation Against Pro-Palestinian Activists in U.S. Universities
In a recent development, Betar—a far-right, pro-Israel organization—has claimed responsibility for encouraging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain activists defending Palestinian rights in the United States. This follows the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and a prominent figure in the Columbia University Apartheid Divest movement.
Targeting Activists
Betar publicly announced on social media that it had provided thousands of names of individuals it deems “Palestine defenders” to officials within the Trump administration. The group’s statement reflected a strong stance against what it terms “jihadis,” indicating that it supports the deportation of individuals labeled as supporters of jihad and intifada from the U.S.
Arrests and Legal Actions
Following Khalil’s arrest, immigration officials also apprehended Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student from the occupied West Bank, for an expired student visa. In another incident, Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral candidate with linkages to pro-Palestinian protests, reportedly used a self-deportation app after having her visa revoked for alleged Hamas affiliations.
The arrests are seen as part of a broader strategy employed by the Trump administration, which has intensified scrutiny of Columbia University and similar institutions that host pro-Palestinian demonstrations. President Trump had previously indicated that Khalil’s arrest heralded “the first of many arrests” of activists at these institutions.
Political Backing and Surveillance Technology
Betar has expressed confidence in its connections within Congress, claiming support from bipartisan members, including Senators Ted Cruz and John Fetterman. The group has also revealed plans to utilize artificial intelligence and facial recognition technologies to identify activists, as the U.S. State Department is preparing to implement a visa-revocation initiative targeting students perceived to support Hamas.
Increased Tension and Doxxing Campaigns
Organizations such as Canary Mission have taken aggressive measures against individuals involved in pro-Palestinian activities, including compiling doxxing databases that expose personal details of such activists. Recently, professors and students associated with Columbia University have led targeted campaigns against Khalil and his peers, which some see as systematic harassment.
Responses and Protests
In response to the administration’s actions and the atmosphere of fear among students, numerous advocates have rallied for Khalil’s release and defended the rights to protest under the First Amendment. A significant demonstration occurred at Trump Tower, where around 100 protesters were arrested, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for civil rights amidst an increasingly repressive environment.
Historical Context and Organizational Background
Founded in 1923 by Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Betar has a longstanding history of extremism, having been associated with notable political figures like former Israeli Prime Ministers Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir. The group currently espouses Kahanism, which promotes a controversial agenda of ethnic supremacy, and has made statements that appear to call for violence against Palestinian populations.
Conclusion
The crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism in the U.S. raises critical concerns about civil liberties and the potential for government overreach in regulating university activities. As Betar and affiliated groups continue to target activists, the protection of constitutional rights becomes an increasingly pressing issue for many Americans.
