Pro-Palestinian Activists Rally for Freed Columbia Protester

Leqaa Kordia returns to Paterson, New Jersey after over a year in jail.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:37am

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Palestinian activist Leqaa Kordia was welcomed back to her hometown of Paterson, New Jersey on Sunday by city leaders and pro-Palestinian supporters, celebrating her release after more than a year in jail for her role in protests at Columbia University.

Why it matters

The case of Leqaa Kordia has become a rallying cry for pro-Palestinian activists, who view her imprisonment as an attempt to silence dissent against Israel's policies. Her release is seen as a victory for the movement.

The details

Kordia was arrested in 2025 during a protest at Columbia University over the school's investments in companies that do business with the Israeli military. She was charged with trespassing and resisting arrest, and sentenced to 14 months in jail. After a sustained campaign by pro-Palestinian groups, Kordia was released earlier this month.

  • Kordia was arrested in 2025 during a protest at Columbia University.
  • Kordia was sentenced to 14 months in jail.
  • Kordia was released earlier this month.

The players

Leqaa Kordia

A Palestinian activist who was imprisoned for over a year for her role in protests at Columbia University.

Columbia University

The university where Kordia was arrested during a protest over its investments in companies that do business with the Israeli military.

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What they’re saying

“Leqaa's release is a victory for the pro-Palestinian movement. Her case showed the lengths authorities will go to silence dissent.”

— Amira Hasan, Activist

The takeaway

The case of Leqaa Kordia highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-Palestinian activists and institutions they view as complicit in Israel's policies. Her release is seen as a win for the movement, but the broader debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues.