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The Take

Another Take: Behind Columbia University’s months of tension

May 3, 2025
Mohsen Mahdawi, Co-President of the Columbia Palestinian Students Union and a pro-Palestine activist, shares his powerful journey from experiencing the Israeli occupation as a child to activism at Columbia University. He discusses the rising tensions on campus, detailing incidents of intimidation faced by pro-Palestinian students. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of loss and trauma, the contrasting realities of life in America versus Palestine, and the crucial role of student journalists in capturing these narratives during a time of division.
24:14

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The ongoing tensions at Columbia University highlight the challenges pro-Palestinian students face in advocating for their rights amidst a hostile environment.
  • Activists' personal narratives reveal the emotional impact of speaking out on campus, reflecting broader societal issues concerning the treatment of Palestinian voices.

Deep dives

The Rise of Tse Chi Lop: Asia's Drug Lord

Tse Chi Lop, a Chinese-Canadian, has been identified as one of Asia's most influential drug lords, managing to build a vast empire while remaining largely undetected until recent years. His operation reportedly utilized sophisticated logistics and networks, allowing him to move large quantities of drugs across borders seamlessly. The podcast delves into how Tse established his empire amid a landscape of intense competition and law enforcement efforts, shedding light on the mechanics behind his success. Insights reveal that Tse’s ability to operate under the radar for so long can be attributed to a mix of strategic planning and an understanding of the intricacies of the drug trade.

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