Activists Rally at Trump Tower for Justice for Mahmoud Khalil
In a significant demonstration against what they describe as state repression, hundreds of supporters of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) convened at Trump Tower in New York City on Thursday. The rally aimed to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate who was recently detained by immigration authorities.
Demonstrators Highlight Concerns Over Authoritarianism
Among those attending, Sonya Meyerson-Knox, communications director for JVP, stated, “Three hundred Jews and friends in Trump Tower, because we know what happens when an autocratic regime starts taking away our rights and scapegoating, and we will not be silent.” This sentiment reverberated through the crowd, bolstered by chants of “Never again for anyone, never again is now!” and “Free Mahmoud, free them all!”
Details Surrounding Mahmoud Khalil’s Detention
Khalil was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last Saturday while returning home to his apartment with his wife, who is currently eight months pregnant. He has been a vocal leader in protests against Columbia University’s investments in companies linked to Israel’s policies in Gaza, which have intensified since the onset of hostilities in October 2023.
A legal U.S. resident from Algeria, Khalil is being held under the “catch and revoke” policy, which allows for green card revocation without any crime being charged. Despite the government’s acknowledgment that he has not violated any laws related to his activism, they argue that he poses a challenge to U.S. foreign policy and national security.
Public Figures Join the Cause
Notable attendees included actors Morgan Spector, Debra Winger, and Arliss Howard, as well as writer and artist Molly Crabapple, and New York City Council member Alexa Aviles. Their presence underscores the broad coalition united in opposition to Khalil’s detention and the systemic issues it reflects.
Legal Proceedings and Hopes for Release
A federal judge recently ruled against Khalil’s deportation, and the court convened on Wednesday to assess whether he should be returned to New York from the Louisiana detention center where he is currently held. Activists hope for a favorable outcome in the ongoing legal battle, viewing Khalil’s case as emblematic of wider concerns over civil liberties in the current political climate.
Reflection on History and Resistance
Jane Hirschmann, a New York resident and activist whose family suffered under Nazi rule, voiced her concerns, stating, “As Jews of conscience, we know our history and we know where this leads. This is what fascists do as they cement control. This moment requires all people of conscience to take bold action to resist state violence and repression. Free Mahmoud now.”
This movement, spurred by Khalil’s detention, continues to draw attention to issues of civil rights, immigration policy, and state authority in the United States. As developments unfold, the activists’ commitment persists, invoking a compelling call for justice and solidarity.
