Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Returns to Columbia for First Time Since Arrest

Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has returned to Columbia University for the first time since his arrest in 2025, describing his return as a “victory.”

Khalil used the occasion to criticize the university, accusing it of suppressing student protests and seeking to silence Palestinian voices.

His remarks framed the return as more than a personal milestone, linking it to his criticism of how Columbia handles Palestinian activism on campus.

The visit marked Khalil’s first appearance back at the university since his arrest, with his message focused on both the significance of his return and his objections to the university’s approach to protests.