Mohsen Mahdawi

Mohsen Mahdawi is a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student who faced arrest by ICE after a citizenship interview. He discusses his traumatic childhood in a West Bank refugee camp and how witnessing injustice has shaped his activism. Mohsen shares his experiences of fear and anxiety surrounding immigration policies, as well as the emotional turmoil of his detainment. He emphasizes the need for solidarity and support for pro-Palestinian activism at universities, shedding light on the challenges confronting students in the current political climate.

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.