Last Updated on: 15th April 2025, 03:30 pm
Who is Mohsen Mahdawi (Columbia Student)? Biography, Wiki
Mohsen Mahdawi is a Palestinian student at Columbia University whose name has become synonymous with pro-Palestinian activism and the immigration struggles tied to it. Born in a refugee camp in the West Bank, he moved to the United States in 2014 and has been a green card holder for a decade.
His life took a sharp turn on April 8, 2025, when he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during what he thought was a routine citizenship interview in Colchester, Vermont. Instead of becoming a U.S. citizen, he now faces deportation under a rarely used national security provision, a move his lawyers call retaliation for his advocacy. Here’s a closer look at who Mohsen Mahdawi is, from his roots to his current fight.
Early Life and Background
The story of Mohsen Mahdawi begins in a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, where he was born and raised amid conflict. The violence there shaped him deeply—he witnessed the killing of his childhood best friend by an Israeli soldier and was shot in the leg himself at age 15.
Since October 2023, he’s lost two cousins to the ongoing violence, and his father’s store in Jenin was destroyed. This backdrop of hardship and loss fueled his passion for speaking out, a drive that followed him when he relocated to the U.S. in 2014.
Short Bio And Some Quick Facts
| Complete Real Name | Mohsen Mahdawi |
| DOB | 1995 |
| Age | 30 years |
| Place of Birth | West Bank, Refugee Camp |
| Zodiac Sign | Update Soon |
| Parents | Update Soon |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Philosophy (In Progress) |
| College | Columbia University |
| Occupation | Student |
| Status | Arrested by ICE |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Nationality | American (Permanent Resident) |
| Wife | Update Soon |
| Children | Update Soon |
| Ethnicity | Palestinian |
| Religion | Buddhist |
| Height | Update Soon |
| Weight | Update Soon |
| Eye color | Black |
| Hair color | Black |
| Category | Biography |
Education and Activism at Columbia
Mahdawi’s education at Columbia University has been a blend of academic pursuit and activism. He’s finishing his undergraduate degree in philosophy at Columbia’s School of General Studies, with plans to start a master’s in international affairs at the School of International and Public Affairs in fall 2025—plans now in jeopardy due to his detention. On campus, he’s been a powerhouse, co-founding Dar: the Palestinian Student Society with Mahmoud Khalil after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and Israel’s response in Gaza. He also helped launch Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a coalition pushing the university to divest from Israel.
His activism didn’t stop there. Mahdawi served as president of the Columbia University Buddhist Association for two years, reflecting his unique spiritual lens as a practicing Buddhist. He stepped back from organizing protests by March 2024, citing his immigration status and a shift toward bridge-building with Jewish and Israeli students, like his friend Mikey Baratz, who praised his empathy despite their peoples’ conflict.
Arrest and Deportation Threat
The arrest of Mahdawi by ICE came as a shock. A green card holder since 2015, he arrived at the USCIS office in Vermont expecting to complete his citizenship process. Instead, federal agents detained him, citing a provision that allows the U.S. Secretary of State to deport individuals deemed threats to foreign policy. No criminal charges have been filed, but his legal team argues this is punishment for his pro-Palestinian stance and Palestinian identity. A Vermont federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to keep him in the state, where he remains in custody as his lawyers fight what they call an unconstitutional move.
Pro-Israel groups like Betar USA and Canary Mission had targeted him since January 2024, labeling him “pro-Hamas” and calling for his deportation. His visibility grew after a 60 Minutes interview in December 2023, where he spoke of fighting injustice with love, not hate. Now, amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists—evidenced by the earlier detention of fellow Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil—Mahdawi fears deportation could mean a “death sentence” given the violence in the West Bank.
Personal Life
Details about Mohsen Mahdawi’s personal life are scarce. There’s no public word on a girlfriend or spouse, suggesting he’s either single or keeps romance private. He has no known children, with his energy focused on studies and advocacy. His family ties remain in the West Bank, where the conflict continues to claim lives and livelihoods, including his own relatives.
Religion and Values
The religion of Mahdawi stands out—he’s a practicing Buddhist, an unexpected thread in his Palestinian tapestry. He credits these values with guiding his activism, telling 60 Minutes, “My motivation comes out of love now, not out of anger, not out of hate.” This philosophy has driven his efforts to connect with Jewish and Israeli peers, even as he’s vilified by some for his pro-Palestinian work.
Ethnicity and Nationality
Ethnically, Mohsen Mahdawi is Palestinian, rooted in the West Bank’s struggles. His nationality is murkier—he’s a U.S. lawful permanent resident, but his citizenship bid has stalled with this arrest. Facing deportation, his status hangs in the balance, a legal and personal limbo that underscores his complex identity.
What’s Next?
Despite the danger, Mahdawi holds onto hope. He told The Intercept, “I have faith in the people living in this country. The government is not the people.” Vermont lawmakers like Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint, have condemned his arrest as “immoral, inhumane, and illegal,” demanding his release. As his legal battle unfolds, Mohsen Mahdawi remains a figure of resilience—a student, activist, and Buddhist caught in a storm of politics and principle.
His story isn’t just about one man; it’s a window into the broader clash of free speech, immigration, and global conflict.
Also Check, Dr. Tariq Hilal (California) Age, Family, Posted Antisemitic Remarks, Ethnicity, Biography & More
Mohsen Mahdawi’s Social Media Handles
All the mentioned below are the social media handles of the Palestinian Columbia Activist Mohsen Mahdawi:
| Homepage | www.theeducationisthub.com |
| TikTok | Update Soon |
| Update Soon | |
| www.instagram.com/mohsen.of.palestine |
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