A lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court on Monday accuses pro-Palestinian organizers at Columbia University of operating as Hamas’s “in-house public relations firm” in the United States. The case, brought forward by victims and families affected by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, alleges that the protesters coordinated efforts to advance the terrorist group’s objectives.
Plaintiffs Claim Coordinated Efforts with Hamas
Nine plaintiffs, consisting of both U.S. and Israeli citizens, filed the lawsuit. Among them are individuals who lost loved ones or had family members taken hostage during the brutal Hamas onslaught. Two of the plaintiffs are also affiliated with Columbia University, reporting mistreatment on campus amid the protests.
The core of the lawsuit hinges on allegations that the organizers collaborated with Hamas — which the U.S. State Department officially designates as a terrorist organization — to amplify its message and bolster its actions against Israel.
The complaint specifically names Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure in the demonstrations who acted as a liaison between Columbia administrators and the student protest coalition. The suit also targets the group Columbia University Apartheid Divest, accusing it of endorsing “armed resistance” against Israel and promoting rhetoric calling for “the total eradication of Western civilization.”
Who’s Named in the Lawsuit?
Several student organizations and their leaders were included as defendants, reflecting the lawsuit’s wide scope. Among them:
- Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (CSJP)
- Columbia-Barnard Jewish Voice for Peace
- Within Our Lifetime-United for Palestine
The plaintiffs argue that these groups not only promoted Hamas’s narrative but also actively coordinated with the organization to disrupt campus life and influence public opinion.
Khalil, one of the key figures named, reportedly led negotiations with university officials while simultaneously encouraging protests. His role, according to the complaint, blurred the lines between student activism and external coordination with a designated terrorist group.
Columbia’s Response and Legal Battle Ahead
Columbia University has yet to issue a formal response to the lawsuit. However, university administrators previously acknowledged the protests, stating they uphold free speech rights while condemning any expressions of violence or antisemitism on campus.
The legal case adds fuel to an already volatile campus climate. Columbia, like many U.S. universities, has seen escalating tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with student activism on both sides becoming increasingly intense.
Adding to the controversy, a U.S. judge recently blocked an effort by immigration officials to detain a Columbia student involved in the protests. The student is fighting deportation, further entangling the university in a broader legal and political battle.
Broader Implications for Campus Free Speech
This lawsuit isn’t just about Columbia. It underscores a larger, nationwide debate about the limits of free speech, the responsibilities of academic institutions, and the line between activism and alleged support for terrorism.
Universities have long been arenas for protest and political discourse. But the intensity of the Israel-Gaza war, combined with the deep scars left by Hamas’s October 7 attack, has pushed these debates into legally uncharted waters.
Critics argue the lawsuit is an attack on free speech and protest rights, pointing out that supporting Palestinian rights doesn’t equate to endorsing terrorism. Others insist the allegations reflect a dangerous reality — that extremist rhetoric has infiltrated student movements under the guise of activism.
Whatever the outcome, this lawsuit is poised to draw national attention and may set a precedent for how universities handle politically charged protests moving forward.
