Isra Hirsi, the 21-year-old daughter of Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, has reported experiencing homelessness following her suspension from Barnard College, where she was enrolled in a program costing approximately $90,000 per year. This situation arose after Hirsi participated in anti-Israel protests on the campus of Columbia University, which led to her arrest alongside over 100 other demonstrators.
Following the protest, Hirsi and several other students received suspensions, which included being banned from campus housing and dining services. She expressed her distress, stating uncertainty about where she would live or how she would manage without access to her belongings or school facilities.
Isra Hirsi’s involvement in the protests was part of a larger student group initiative known as Apartheid Divest. The protest that led to her arrest and subsequent suspension was part of a broader action at Columbia University, calling attention to issues around Israel and Palestine.
Her mother, Ilhan Omar, who is known for her progressive stance in Congress and is part of the “Squad,” has publicly supported her daughter’s activism. Despite earning a significant salary as a congresswoman, Representative Omar’s financial disclosures suggest limited assets, which complicates the family’s ability to navigate this crisis. Additionally, Ilhan Omar has been scrutinized for channeling substantial funds to her husband’s consulting firm, which has drawn attention and criticism.
This incident at Barnard has not only impacted Hirsi personally but also raised questions about the administration’s handling of student protests compared to its peer institutions.