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Susan's avatar

Mahmoud Khalil is a proud Palestinian, which does not automatically equate to him supporting hamas, anymore than my being a proud Jew means I automatically support the JDL. Nor do I support trump’s fellow criminal leader, netanyahu, and his cruel and inhumane treatment of innocent Palestinians. We are reliving a historic tragedy, and our lame democratic leaders are doing nothing to stop it.

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Kimberly Wiley's avatar

This was a powerful, heartfelt piece by Ben-Menachem. Thank you, Zeteo, for publishing it. I hope that more platforms will do the same. Whether or not one agrees with Khalid’s pov, he has an absolute right to express it. I think that one of the most important points that Ben-Menachem makes is that it is false that deporting or silencing those that abhor what the Israeli government is doing to Gaza and the West Bank will somehow make people safer. It’s a lie thar being against the actions of Netanyahu means that one is anti-Semitic. Anti-Zionism is NOT anti-Semitism, and it is also a lie that trading our civil liberties for greater “safety” is a sound course of action. I hope that Ben-Menachem will try to get his piece published in more places and/or give permission to others to send it in to their local newspapers. I think it’s so important to get the work out.

As for me, Columbia’s actions are despicable and I will never again give them even one thing dime.

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Wizarat Rizvi's avatar

Thank you Jonathan Ben-Menachem for articulating what we have been feeling and Zeteo for having the nerve to publish it.

Yes, very indeed when everyone else who happens to be of differing ideas is picked up, guess who the fascist will come after and there may be no one left to hear your scream for help.

The university is being short-sighted in its response, We should remember it all started with Minouche Shafik bowing down to the Fascists of the US Congress, Where is she now? the same fate would happen with Dr Armstrong as soon as they are done having her do all the dirty work for them.

Shame on these so-called intellectuals to understand so little and no spine at all.

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Steve Woodward's avatar

First, they came for the students...

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Valerie Howell's avatar

Thank you to Jonathan for your wonderful piece supporting Mahmoud and calling out the fascism at play at Columbia and in our government. Thank you for your courage and commitment in the face of danger to you and those around you in this moment. I hope you can feel the solidarity that so many of us have with you, Mahmoud, and all the students who are standing up for our freedom and human rights. You are the true leaders. Bless you.

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Joanne's avatar

While I don't know all the background about the protests Mahmoud Khalil was involved in, I have been unable to find anything that factually ties him to Hamas except innuendo. Schumer can abhor Mahmoud's "opinions and policies" all he wants. People have a right to speak up about Gaza and the Palestinian people. Thank you for adding your perspective. Our First Amendment rights are eroding before our eyes. We need to fight against that.

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mary M keymer's avatar

This is the most frightening time in our country. I have lived through a lot but this is the worst.

I am ready, and willing to help .. It is despicable for them to send that young man to Louisanna.

His wife is eight months pregnant .. Remember dissent is patriotic.

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Andrea Brecker's avatar

As a Jew who does not ascribe to

the definition of antisemitism to include disagreement with Israel’s government. Antisemitism is real and gaining strength and the Republicans have been a contributor to that. Republicans are NOT protecting Jews; they have made Jews a scapegoat. A too familiar trope. I live in the neighborhood surrounding Columbia. For too long it has felt like a community under siege. My heart breaks each day as hate grows stronger.

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Phyllis S's avatar

100%.

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Kelly Eggers's avatar

Thank you Johnathan. Your essay is a show of strength and of character. You are a hero. Bless you.♥️

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Joel Sommers's avatar

If we apply our free speech ethos selectively, then we are not actually supporting free speech at all. It is only when we are forced to defend those with whom we most fervently disagree that we can be sure we are being ethical ourselves. (To be clear, I stand with Mahmoud easily; the cause is a righteous one that should present little difficulty to support). Thanks for this passionate essay.

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Ami Ghazala's avatar

This is such an important piece. Jews are risking their own lives and careers to stand against zionism and for humanity.

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Baz's avatar

Thank you for your bravery when the chickens (D) in the congress are more worried about their donors than protecting their constituents and the constitution.

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Isabel's avatar

"I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of defending Mahmoud with the full strength that we can muster. Beyond Mahmoud, we must defend all people subjected to ICE enforcement – even if some appear to be imperfect victims."

an important, powerful piece in these chaotic political times. jon effectively outlines why we need to fight back, not just for palestinian liberation, but for the injustices against all who might be targeted by this fascist regime. well done!

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Lisa's avatar

Well said, Jonathan ❣️

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luxe's avatar

Great article by Jon

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SueJ's avatar

Your last paragraph says it all. I need everyone to wake up and fight what is happening!

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