The Chilling Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil
The detention of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil is deeply disturbing. Khalil was a prominent figure in the Gaza solidarity encampment at Columbia last year and his arrest by US immigration enforcement appears to be politically motivated. This unlawful action occurs amidst ongoing attacks on those who protest against Israel’s operations in Gaza. The targeting of this Palestinian Green Card holder serves as a trial balloon, testing societal limits and signaling a potential for further actions against dissent. Alarmingly, this suppression of free speech is being conducted under the guise of protecting Jewish communities, with claims of combating antisemitism.
Misleading Narratives
These dire accusations against Khalil are easily challenged. A majority of American Jews did not support Trump and do not endorse his aggressive policies. Amy Spitalnick of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, one of several Jewish organizations denouncing Khalil’s detention, stated that the Trump administration is misusing genuine concerns about antisemitism to undermine democratic principles. It’s absurd to suggest that the Trump administration—known for its connections to antisemitic conspiracy theories and Holocaust denial—can genuinely champion the fight against antisemitism.
A Broader Context of Authoritarianism
While Khalil’s arrest is indicative of longstanding efforts to silence pro-Palestine activists, it also reflects a broader trend of global authoritarianism. US students advocating for Palestinian rights have faced bipartisan outrage over purported antisemitism within their ranks, and pro-Israel organizations have aggressively stoked these claims. To analyze Trump’s crackdown solely within this context is to underappreciate the full spectrum of far-right ideology and its operational elements.
Power Dynamics and Free Speech
The support from pro-Israel Jewish groups and the Israeli government for this infringement on free speech does not alter the underlying power dynamics. This situation is beyond the influence of wealthy pro-Israel donors or anti-Palestinian alumni. Criticism of these organizations and their moral shortcomings, particularly in aligning with Trump, is valid. However, it’s essential not to exaggerate their influence to imply that the current authoritarian actions are led by Jewish individuals in defense of their communities. Such a narrative reinforces divisive traps set by the far-right.
Wedge Politics of the Far-Right
A significant aspect to consider is that the far-right has adeptly leveraged the phony fight against antisemitism as a political tool to fracture progressives and suppress dissenting voices. This strategy is aimed not only at stifling criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, described by some experts as genocidal, but also at attacking broader movements like critical race theory and important social justice initiatives. This tactic is evident across Europe, where far-right leaders have gained political traction by proclaiming solidarity with Jewish communities while simultaneously harboring anti-Muslim sentiments.
Dangerous Scapegoating
The current narrative, which claims that authoritarian measures are necessary to combat antisemitism, risks scapegoating Jewish communities. The White House even announced Khalil’s detention with a disconcerting message that included Hebrew for goodbye: “Shalom, Mahmoud.” This narrative can foster resentment toward Jewish individuals, indicating that progressive movements must remain vigilant about who is orchestrating this crackdown and the dangers it poses.
Cohesion Among Allies
Jelena Subotić, a political science professor, noted that Khalil’s detention serves to split diverse groups along identity lines, potentially alienating allies. In the face of a broad-based attack on democracy, it is crucial for progressives to maintain solidarity with Palestinians while also defending all minorities. Subotić aptly observed: “Nobody wants to be the model minority for a fascist regime.” Progressives must navigate the complexities of antisemitism and the far-right’s manipulation of this issue while uniting against anti-Palestinian and anti-migrant hate, which is vital for creating an inclusive progressive coalition dedicated to combating fascism effectively.
