News | Student Life

‘A battle between fear and love’: Mohsen Mahdawi, GS ’25, SIPA ’27, on his detention, pro-Palestinian advocacy, and dialogue

Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist at Columbia, sat down with Spectator ahead of a high-stakes Tuesday hearing.

By Stella Ragas / Photo Editor

“It’s not only me who is in danger,” Mahdawi said. “It’s the rest of America.”

By Tulasi Cherukuri and Daksha Pillai • September 30, 2025 at 7:45 PM

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Photo by Elliot Heath / Columbia Daily Spectator

Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA ’24, and Mahdawi delivered speeches outside the Broadway and 116th Street gates on Monday afternoon following a “silent vigil.”

Photo by Heather Chen / Columbia Daily Spectator

At his class day, Mahdawi wore a cap that had the scales of justice emblazoned on it.