5-4 Rhiannon Interviews Mahmoud Khalil
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Oct 18, 2025 
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist, shares his powerful journey after being detained by ICE for over 100 days. He discusses the importance of refusing silence and how his experience connects with the broader Palestinian struggle. Mahmoud reflects on the poignant stories of fellow detainees and the need for solidarity beyond individual movements. He emphasizes sustaining activism beyond immediate crises and the inspiration he draws from literature and collective liberation.
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Palestine As The Strategic Compass
- Mahmoud Khalil frames "Palestine is the compass" as a guiding principle that must shape strategy and organizing, not just a slogan.
- He argues the movement must build long-term infrastructure rooted in Palestinian voices to outlast individuals and momentary attention.
Refugee Camp Roots
- Mahmoud recounts growing up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria where daily survival and collective memory shaped his political identity.
- He describes seeing family hardship and learning early that "our lives were tied to something bigger than" ourselves.
Refuse Silence Under Repression
- Do refuse silence: Mahmoud chose to speak from detention rather than focus only on his legal survival or personal case.
- Use targeted repression as an opportunity to expose larger injustices rather than retreat.