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A Life of Resilience, Vision, and Peace
A Life of Resilience, Vision, and Peace
A Resilient Seeker
A Resilient Seeker
Born in the Al-Far’a refugee camp in the West Bank, Mohsen Mahdawi’s life has been a testament to the power of resilience and hope. At 24, he immigrated to the United States, where he quickly established himself as a brilliant student and compassionate community leader. After beginning his studies in computer science at Lehigh University, Mohsen transferred to Columbia University to pursue philosophy—a reflection of his deep commitment to understanding the human condition and building bridges between people.
A Community Member
A Community Member
Mohsen Mahdawi has been an active and beloved member of the Vermont community since moving there in 2014. He worked in local shops, banks, and coffee shops. He made dear friends where ever he went. Mohsen is known in Vermont not only for his leadership and activism, but also for his deep commitment to service, empathy, and building a more just and inclusive society.
A Student For Life
A Student For Life
At Columbia, Mohsen co-founded Dar, a cultural space for Palestinian students, and helped organize peaceful protests that emphasized justice, empathy, and nonviolence. A practicing Buddhist, he has long advocated for dialogue between communities, including open conversations with Israeli students and others with differing views. His vision for peace is grounded in action—whether that’s mentoring fellow students, organizing cultural events, or dreaming of a retreat center dedicated to healing and understanding.
From the Al-Far’a refugee camp in the West Bank to the ivy-covered walls of Columbia University, Mohsen Mahdawi's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
From the Al-Far’a refugee camp in the West Bank to the ivy-covered walls of Columbia University, Mohsen Mahdawi's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born into military occupation and raised amid checkpoints and curfews, Mohsen grew up without the luxuries of safety or certainty—but somehow, he found something even more rare: inner peace.
Born into military occupation and raised amid checkpoints and curfews, Mohsen grew up without the luxuries of safety or certainty—but somehow, he found something even more rare: inner peace.
While others his age were forced to choose between silence and resistance, Mohsen chose presence.
While others his age were forced to choose between silence and resistance, Mohsen chose presence.
Guided by a deep belief that true liberation must include everyone, he turned to the teachings of Buddhism and nonviolence, cultivating empathy even for those seen as enemies.
Guided by a deep belief that true liberation must include everyone, he turned to the teachings of Buddhism and nonviolence, cultivating empathy even for those seen as enemies.
At Columbia, he emerged not just as a scholar, but as a bridge—calling for a future where healing replaces hatred and love becomes the language of peace for all who call the Middle East home.
At Columbia, he emerged not just as a scholar, but as a bridge—calling for a future where healing replaces hatred and love becomes the language of peace for all who call the Middle East home.
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