Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar took to social media on Friday to express her pride in her daughter, Isra Hirsi, following her arrest during an anti-Israel protest in New York City.
The incident occurred at Columbia University, where Hirsi, a student at Barnard College, was participating in demonstrations against Israel’s actions.
The daughter of U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has been arrested for her role in the illegal Colombia University protests.
Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Somali-born Ilhan Omar, has been photographed in handcuffs after ignoring a police dispersal order.
She was also just… pic.twitter.com/aA8e16aQ2Q
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 18, 2024
In a tweet, Rep. Omar praised her daughter’s history of activism, stating, “I am enormously proud of my daughter @israhirsi.” She highlighted Hirsi’s previous engagements, including organizing school walkouts and leading youth climate rallies, emphasizing her commitment to social justice causes.
I am enormously proud of my daughter @israhirsi.
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…— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) April 19, 2024
Hirsi was among more than 100 individuals arrested and issued summonses for trespassing during the protest at Columbia University. Earlier that day, she revealed that she had been suspended from Barnard College for her involvement in the demonstration, which she described as a show of solidarity with Palestinians.
Hirsi affirmed her dedication to the cause, stating, “Those of us in Gaza Solidarity Encampment will not be intimidated.” She outlined demands for divestment from companies allegedly complicit in what she termed as “genocide,” transparency in Columbia University’s investments, and amnesty for all students facing disciplinary action.
The protests at Columbia University began on Wednesday, with activists setting up an encampment on the campus lawn to denounce Israel’s military actions against Hamas. The university administration, citing violations of campus rules and policies, requested assistance from the New York Police Department to dismantle the encampment.
Columbia President Minouche Shafik characterized the measures taken to address the protests as “extraordinary steps” warranted by the circumstances. During a hearing in Washington earlier in the week, Rep. Omar had questioned Shafik about issues of antisemitism on college campuses, signaling her ongoing engagement with the topic.
