- Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old pro-Palestinian student, was born in 1995 in a refugee camp in Damascus, Syria, to Palestinian refugees from Tiberias.
- It seems likely that he fled to Lebanon in 2012 due to the Syrian civil war and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Lebanese American University in Beirut.
- Research suggests he worked with Syrian refugees through Junsoor, taught himself English, and later managed the Chevening Scholarship at the British embassy in Beirut.
- The evidence leans toward him immigrating to the US in 2022 on a student visa to study at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where he graduated with a master’s in December 2024.
- He was a key figure in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia in 2024, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and divestment from companies linked to Israel’s military operations.
- Khalil is married to Noor Abdallah, a US citizen and dentist in New York, which adds complexity to his immigration status amid his recent ICE arrest on March 8, 2025, and potential deportation.
Background and Early Life
Mahmoud Khalil’s life began in a refugee camp in Damascus, Syria, where he was born in 1995 to Palestinian parents originally from Tiberias. His family faced displacement again in 2012 due to the Syrian civil war, moving to Lebanon, where he experienced life as a “double refugee.” Despite these challenges, Khalil pursued education, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Lebanese American University in Beirut.
Education and Work in Lebanon
In Lebanon, Khalil worked with Syrian refugees through the nonprofit Junsoor, teaching himself English to better assist them. His skills led to a role at the British embassy in Beirut, managing the Chevening Scholarship program, which provided him with insights into international diplomacy.
Immigration and Studies in the US
Khalil immigrated to the US in 2022 on a student visa to attend Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). He completed his master’s degree in December 2024 and interned with UNRWA, supporting Palestinian refugees. His marriage to Noor Abdallah, a US citizen and dentist in New York, occurred in 2023 after a seven-year long-distance relationship, adding a layer to his immigration status.
Activism and Recent Events
At Columbia, Khalil became a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests in 2024, leading efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and university divestment from companies linked to Israel’s military operations. His role as a negotiator earned him praise for de-escalation skills. However, on March 8, 2025, he was arrested by ICE, facing potential deportation despite his green card status, sparking controversy over free speech and immigrant rights.
Comprehensive Biography of Mahmoud Khalil
Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old Palestinian-American student and activist, has emerged as a significant figure in recent pro-Palestinian movements, particularly at Columbia University. His life story, marked by displacement, resilience, and activism, offers a detailed narrative of personal and political struggle. This report compiles information from various sources to provide a thorough account of his background, education, activism, and current legal challenges.
Early Life and Family Background
Mahmoud Khalil was born in 1995 in a refugee camp in Damascus, Syria, to Palestinian parents who had fled from Tiberias during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. His early life was shaped by the challenges of refugee existence, including limited access to resources and opportunities. In 2012, the outbreak of the Syrian civil war forced his family to flee again, this time to Lebanon, where he became what he described as a “double refugee” – a Palestinian in Syria and then a Syrian refugee in Lebanon. This dual displacement underscores the complex identity and hardships he faced, which likely fueled his later activism.
Education and Early Career in Lebanon
Despite these adversities, Khalil pursued higher education, enrolling at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. His time in Lebanon was not only academic but also deeply community-oriented. He worked with Syrian refugees through the Syrian-American education nonprofit Junsoor, teaching himself English to better communicate and assist them. This role highlighted his commitment to supporting displaced communities, a theme that would continue in his later work.
His linguistic and cultural skills led to a position with the British government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, where he managed the Chevening Scholarship program from the British embassy in Beirut. This role provided him with valuable experience in international diplomacy and educational outreach, enhancing his understanding of global networks and opportunities.
Immigration to the United States and Academic Pursuits
In 2022, Khalil immigrated to the United States on a student visa to attend Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), pursuing a master’s degree with a focus on international affairs, conflict resolution, and human rights. His academic journey at SIPA was marked by active engagement in campus life, culminating in his completion of the degree in December 2024, with graduation scheduled for May 2025. During his studies, he interned with the United Nations relief agency UNRWA, working on programs to support Palestinian refugees, which reinforced his dedication to his community’s welfare.
An unexpected personal detail is his marriage to Noor Abdallah, a US citizen and dentist in New York, which took place in 2023 after a seven-year long-distance relationship. This marriage adds complexity to his immigration status, especially given his recent legal challenges, as it ties him to a US citizen, potentially influencing his case against deportation.
Activism at Columbia University
Khalil’s time at Columbia was marked by significant involvement in pro-Palestinian activism, particularly during the 2024 campus protests. These protests, part of a broader movement across US universities, demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and university divestment from companies linked to Israel’s military operations. Khalil emerged as a key leader and negotiator, mediating between student protesters and university administrators. His ability to de-escalate tense situations earned him praise from peers, with fellow organizers describing him as “one of the kindest and bravest people I’ve ever met” .
The protests included setting up tent encampments and occupying academic buildings, actions that drew both support and criticism. Khalil was not among those who occupied buildings but played a crucial role in negotiations, advocating for the protesters’ demands, which included criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
Recent Arrest and Legal Challenges
On March 8, 2025, Khalil’s activism led to his arrest by ICE agents at his university residence, despite his status as a legal permanent resident with a green card. This arrest, part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on student protesters, accused Khalil of “un-American activity” and supporting terrorist organizations, specifically Hamas. His lawyers, however, argue that his actions were peaceful exercises of free speech, focused on raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and opposing US support for Israel.
Following his arrest, Khalil was transported to LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana, where he remains in custody. His wife and supporters have organized protests and rallies, demanding his release, with events in New York City drawing significant attention . A federal judge has temporarily blocked his deportation, allowing time for legal challenges, but the outcome remains uncertain as of March 16, 2025.
Impact and Controversy
Khalil’s case has sparked widespread debate, with civil rights groups and free speech advocates condemning the arrest as an attack on immigrant rights and constitutional freedoms . Conversely, supporters of the Trump administration argue it is necessary for national security, highlighting the controversy surrounding pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses. This polarization reflects broader tensions over immigration, free speech, and political activism in the US, with Khalil’s story becoming a symbol of these conflicts.
Detailed Timeline and Key Milestones
To organize the information effectively, the following table summarizes key milestones in Mahmoud Khalil’s life:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1995 | Born in a refugee camp in Damascus, Syria, to Palestinian refugees from Tiberias. |
| 2012 | Fled to Lebanon due to Syrian civil war, became a “double refugee.” |
| ~2017 | Earned bachelor’s degree in computer science from Lebanese American University in Beirut. |
| ~2018-2022 | Worked with Junsoor, taught himself English, and managed Chevening Scholarship at British embassy in Beirut. |
| 2022 | Immigrated to US on student visa, began master’s at Columbia University’s SIPA. |
| 2023 | Married Noor Abdallah, a US citizen and dentist in New York. |
| 2024 | Completed master’s degree in December, interned with UNRWA, led pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia. |
| 2025 | Arrested by ICE on March 8, facing potential deportation, case ongoing. |
This table provides a chronological overview, highlighting the progression of his life and the significant events leading to his current situation.
Conclusion
Mahmoud Khalil’s biography is a narrative of resilience against the backdrop of displacement and activism. From his early life in a Syrian refugee camp to his leadership in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia, his journey reflects both personal achievement and political engagement. His recent arrest and legal battle underscore the complexities of immigration and free speech in the US, making his story a focal point for national and international discourse.