Mahmoud Khalil, a 29-year-old Palestinian refugee and master’s student in public affairs at Columbia University, has emerged as a key figure in organizing and leading controversial protests on campus. As a prominent member of Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), Khalil has been instrumental in coordinating demonstrations that have been widely criticized for their displays of antisemitic rhetoric, incitement to violence, and support for extremist ideologies.

Mahmoud Khalil’s Role as a Disruptive Figure

Khalil served as one of the lead negotiators during the encampments held on Columbia’s campus in April 2024, events that disrupted campus life and drew backlash from university officials, students, and faculty. These encampments, marked by their illegal nature and incendiary rhetoric, created an unsafe environment for Jewish students and faculty. Khalil defended the protests in public statements, claiming they were student-led despite widespread reports of external influences and extremist affiliations. His actions and remarks during these events have contributed to a hostile climate on campus.

Hatred and “Activism”

Before attending Columbia, Khalil worked as a political affairs officer with UNRWA, an organization with a history of association with extremist elements. His leadership in the encampments has drawn attention to his broader advocacy efforts, which include justifying protests that resulted in clashes with police and arrests. Khalil’s rhetoric has amplified narratives of hatred and incitement under the guise of activism, raising concerns about the normalization of extremism within academic institutions.

Highlighting His Activity:

• Leadership in Extremist Protests: Played a central role in organizing and negotiating during controversial encampments at Columbia University.
• Promotion of Antisemitic Rhetoric: Supported protests that featured hateful language and incitement to violence against Jewish communities.
• Connection to Extremist Organizations: Former political affairs officer with UNRWA, an organization linked to extremist activity.
• Defense of Illegal Actions: Publicly justified disruptive protests that created a hostile environment and led to arrests and clashes with law enforcement.