JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli commended Rabbi Ami Hirsch, senior rabbi at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in Manhattan and a prominent voice among liberal American rabbis, for what he described as a courageous speech distinguishing between freedom of speech and support for terrorism.

In a statement shared on social media, Chikli highlighted Hirsch’s remarks lambasting New York City Comptroller Brad Lander for hosting Mahmoud Khalil in his office. Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student and a leader in pro-Palestinian protests on campus following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, has faced U.S. government efforts to deport him.

Chikli referred to Khalil as having “led the pro-Hamas protests following October 7” and noted that he “is expected to be deported from the U.S. due to his support for terrorism.”

Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian who held lawful permanent resident status in the U.S., emerged as a key negotiator and spokesperson during the 2024 Gaza Solidarity Encampment and related pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. He was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in March 2025 in his university housing, marking one of the first high-profile deportation cases tied to campus activism under the Trump administration.

The government has sought to revoke his status and deport him, citing national security concerns and alleging his activities aligned with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Khalil has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and arguing his actions constituted protected speech advocating for Palestinian rights. An immigration judge ruled in April 2025 that he could be deported as a potential threat to foreign policy interests, though subsequent court battles—including a temporary release on bail in June 2025 and a January 2026 appeals court decision—have kept the case ongoing without immediate removal.

Hirsch’s speech, as referenced by Chikli, drew a line between legitimate free expression and what the rabbi reportedly viewed as problematic support for terrorism in the context of Lander’s meeting with Khalil. Lander, a Democrat who has served as city comptroller, has faced criticism from some Jewish community leaders and pro-Israel advocates over engagements with figures involved in anti-Israel protests.

Chikli’s praise underscores ongoing tensions between segments of the American Jewish community and pro-Palestinian activism, particularly amid heightened concerns about antisemitism following the Oct. 7 attacks and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war. The minister’s comments reflect Israel’s broader efforts to combat what it sees as rising antisemitism and support for terrorism in diaspora communities.

Neither Hirsch nor Lander’s office immediately responded to requests for comment on the matter. Khalil’s legal team has maintained that the deportation proceedings represent an infringement on First Amendment rights.