Most people wouldn't celebrate their child's arrest and suspension from school. Then again, Ilhan Omar isn't most people.
The congresswoman, who refused to condemn Iran following its attack on Israel, praised her daughter's anti-Zionist disruptions at Columbia University. The fracas led to Isra Hirsi's arrest and interim suspension from Barnard College.
Nevertheless, Omar posted to X, “I am enormously proud of my daughter.”
“She has always led with courage and compassion, from organizing a statewide school walk out on the 20th anniversary of Columbine at the age of 15, to leading the biggest youth climate rally at our nation's Capitol at 16, and now pushing her school to stand against genocide.” (RELATED: Anti-Israel Protests Gain Momentum, Spread To Golden Gate Bridge And Other Locations)
Besides Hirisi, police officers arrested and issued summonses for trespassing to 107 activists while clearing out Columbia's “Gaza Solidarity Encampment.”
“Those of us in Gaza Solidarity Encampment will not be intimidated,” Hirisi wrote before Thursday's confrontation. “We will stand resolute until our demands are met. our [sic] demands include divestment from companies complicit in genocide, transparency of @Columbia's investments and FULL amnesty for all students facing repression.” (RELATED: Chicago School Board Members Unanimously Support Removal Of School Resource Officers)
Dozens of anti-Israel activists began protesting at Columbia University Wednesday morning, creating an encampment on the main lawn in protest of Israel's war against Hamas.
The school asked the New York Police Department to help clear out the encampment.
In a message to students, Columbia President Minouche Shafik said these “extraordinary steps” were necessary “because these are extraordinary circumstances,” adding that protesters “violated a long list of rules and policies.”
Omar questioned Shafik this week during a hearing in Washington about antisemitism on college campuses.
Shafik requested the NYPD's help in a letter accusing the demonstrators of interfering with university activities and damaging campus property. The NYPD reported that some students called officers “baby killers,” “the KKK” and taunted them to take their own lives.
An organizer with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Hirsi plays a significant role in pressuring the university to divest from “companies complicit in genocide.”
“I just received notice that I am 1 of 3 students suspended for standing in solidarity with Palestinians facing a genocide,” she posted to X Thursday morning.
In a memo, Barnard College Senior Staff explained the justification for the suspensions.
“Now and always, we prioritize our students' learning and living in an inclusive environment free from harassment. Given the evolving circumstances at Columbia and in the area, we are working to ensure the safety and well-being of the entire Barnard community.”
Please allow time before your comment appears, as all comments are reviewed and subject to moderation. View our Comment Policy here.