Here in New York, the wife and newborn child of abducted Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil accepted a diploma on Khalil’s behalf during an alternative graduation ceremony held by the People’s University for Palestine. This is Dr. Noor Abdalla, who gave birth to the couple’s first child Deen last month.

Dr. Noor Abdalla: “Every day since Deen was born, I understand more and more why the struggle matters. I hope he grows up to be as brave as his father and as brave as every single student here who has risked so much — your education, your safety, even your futures — to speak up for Palestine. Today we honor not only Mahmoud, but all of the students who were wrongfully expelled and suspended for standing up in support of Palestinian rights.”

A whistleblower reported last week the Department of Homeland Security’s civil rights division had just opened a probe into Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest, when Trump moved to dissolve the office in March, putting officials on leave and halting ongoing investigations.