Jewish Americans split over Palestinian student’s arrest
The arrest of former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil has divided American Jews.
Some support the move, while others fear it threatens civil liberties.
Some Jewish groups, such as the Anti-Defamation League or ADL, praised the arrest, citing concerns over campus protests supporting Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
The ADL praised the Trump administration for cracking down on antisemitism with Khalil’s arrest.
But others, including Jewish academics and activists, condemned the raid.
They argue that it sets a dangerous precedent, potentially targeting free speech and minority communities.
Head of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs Amy Spitalnick has warned that using Jewish safety as a pretext for crackdowns could undermine democracy.
At a news conference near Columbia University, Jewish speakers criticized the Trump administration for weaponizing antisemitism to push deportation policies.
They see their security as inextricably bound up with that of other minority groups.
Observers say the case highlights tensions within the Jewish community, balancing support for Israel with concerns over civil rights.
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