Columbia activist freed from US jail now speaks in public

Post by : Monika

Photo:Reuters

Mahmoud Khalil a young Palestinian-American student and human rights activist, has been released from jail after being arrested during a protest at Columbia University. His release is being seen as a powerful moment for student activists across the United States. Now, Khalil is using his voice to speak out not just about what happened to him, but also about the cause he continues to fight for — justice and freedom for the Palestinian people.

Khalil’s case has become an important part of a larger national conversation about student activism, freedom of speech, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Who Is Mahmoud Khalil?

Mahmoud Khalil is a student at Columbia University in New York City. He is also a Palestinian-American, which means he has family roots in Palestine but lives in the United States. Known among classmates as a thoughtful and passionate speaker, Khalil became a key figure in campus protests that began earlier this year. These protests were part of a larger student-led movement at dozens of American colleges, calling for an end to U.S. support for the war in Gaza and urging universities to cut financial ties with companies connected to Israel’s military operations.

The Protest and Arrest

In April 2025, students at Columbia University set up a protest encampment on campus grounds. They demanded that the university stop investing money in companies that they say are helping or profiting from the conflict in Gaza. Many students held signs, gave speeches, and slept outside in tents to raise awareness about what was happening in Palestine.

But after several days, the university called the police to clear the area, saying the protest violated campus rules. Dozens of students were arrested, including Mahmoud Khalil. He was charged with trespassing, resisting removal, and other minor non-violent offenses. Videos of the arrests were widely shared online, sparking debates about how universities and police were treating student protestors.

A Voice Grows Stronger After Jail

Now that Khalil has been released, he has chosen not to stay silent. Instead, he is speaking out even louder than before. At a recent public gathering in New York, Khalil shared his experience in jail and thanked the people who supported him while he was behind bars.

"Being in jail was difficult," Khalil said. "But it also gave me time to think, and it made me more determined to keep speaking the truth about Palestine and human rights.”

He described the emotional and mental stress he faced in jail. He said that he stayed strong by thinking of the people in Gaza who are suffering under war conditions people who have no shelter, food, or safety.

“What I went through was hard, but it is nothing compared to what children and families are going through every day in Gaza,” Khalil told the crowd.

Support from Students and Communities

At the event, hundreds of students, community members, and activists gathered to listen to Khalil. They cheered when he spoke about unity and the power of young people. Many held banners that said, “We Stand with Mahmoud” and “Students for Palestine.”

People across the country — and even around the world — have been following Khalil’s story. His arrest has helped shine a brighter light on the student protest movement, and he is now being seen as one of its main voices.

“We must not stop,” he said. “This is not the end. This is only the beginning.”

The Larger Movement on U.S. Campuses

Columbia University was one of the first schools to see large protests for Palestine this year, but soon the movement spread to Harvard, UCLA, the University of Michigan, and many others. Students are calling for “divestment,” which means that universities should stop spending or investing their money in companies that support Israel’s military or make weapons.

Many of these student protests have remained peaceful. However, some schools responded with police force, which led to more arrests and national attention. Critics say universities should support freedom of speech and not punish students for standing up for human rights.

What Columbia University Says

Columbia University has said it supports peaceful protest, but also stated that students must follow campus rules. After the protest camp was cleared, the school released a short statement saying that it had to protect safety and order on campus.

Since then, the university has not commented on Khalil’s release or on whether it plans to change any of its rules or investment policies.

Why This Matters

Mahmoud Khalil’s story is about more than one student. It is about a growing voice among young people who want to speak out against war, injustice, and inequality. It also raises big questions: Should universities punish students for peaceful protests? How should schools respond to political actions on campus? And what role should young people play in shaping the world?

Khalil says that he will continue to fight — not just for Palestine, but for all people whose voices are being silenced.

“I am proud to be Palestinian-American,” he said. “I believe in justice for all, and I believe students have the power to make real change.”

What’s Next for Khalil?

Although his legal case is still open, Khalil has promised to keep working on human rights issues. He says he will speak at events, meet with student leaders, and help others understand why this cause matters.

He is also calling for peaceful action and urges students to remain non-violent and respectful, even when they face pressure or punishment.

“We are peaceful. We are strong. And we are not alone,” he said.

The release of Mahmoud Khalil marks a turning point in the student movement for Palestine in the U.S. His courage and clear voice are inspiring others to join the conversation, ask hard questions, and demand better from their institutions.

As more young people like Khalil speak up, the movement for human rights and justice continues to grow — on campuses, in communities, and across the world

Columbia University protests