Ilhan Omar, a trailblazing US Congresswoman and refugee, has applauded her daughter Isra Hirsi’s activism at Columbia University, even though it led to her suspension. Hirsi, a 21-year-old student at Barnard College, organized a student coalition that has been leading campaigns to urge the university to cut ties with companies that support Israel. On April 18, Hirsi was among the over 100 students arrested during a pro-Palestine protest at Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus. Despite having no prior disciplinary warnings, Hirsi was suspended, leaving her effectively homeless after her belongings were haphazardly disposed of. Omar, a vocal advocate for her daughter and her cause, has denounced the conflation of anti-war protests with anti-Semitism. She also highlighted the harassment faced by pro-Palestinian students at Columbia, including an incident where they were sprayed with a foul-smelling chemical. Hirsi, undeterred by her suspension, has vowed to continue fighting for her beliefs, while Omar has called for a ceasefire in Israel’s military operation in Gaza. Omar’s comments on Israel and Palestine have sparked controversy, resulting in her removal from the House Foreign Affairs Committee in 2022 due to alleged anti-Semitic remarks. Despite the backlash, Omar remains a steadfast supporter of her daughter’s activism and the broader fight for justice in Palestine. Hirsi’s suspension and Omar’s unwavering support have ignited discussions about the intersection of politics, activism, and the experiences of immigrant families in the US.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s Daughter Suspended for Pro-Palestine Protest at Columbia University
