Israa Jaabis, a Palestinian woman born July 22, 1986, has been imprisoned in Israeli custody since 2015. She is currently the subject of a legal dispute highlighted by campus debates over Jewish safety amid broader tensions.
Since April and into May 2026, multiple US universities have faced commencement and campus controversies over invited speakers and events related to Israel, free speech and protest. NYU is keeping Jonathan Haidt as its Yankee Stadium commencement speaker despite student government opposition; Rutgers has rescinded an invitation to alumnus Rami Elghandour; Georgetown Law replaced Morton Schapiro after student objections; and campus groups are clashing over guest appearances and platforming.