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Rep. Ilhan Omar’s activist daughter unemployed, selling used clothes 15 months after anti-Israel protest suspension, drawing renewed attention to the personal and professional fallout of campus activism in a politically charged climate. Isra Hirsi, the 22-year-old daughter of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, revealed this week that she remains jobless and is relying on selling secondhand clothing online to make ends meet.
Hirsi, a 2025 graduate of Barnard College, was suspended in April 2024 following her arrest during a pro-Palestine demonstration at Columbia University’s Gaza Solidarity Encampment. The protest, which disrupted campus operations and drew national headlines, led to her being zip-tied by police and temporarily banned from campus. Though she was later reinstated and allowed to graduate, Hirsi’s post-college journey has been anything but smooth.
In a candid Instagram story shared with her 82,000 followers, Hirsi posted a selfie captioned “Unemployment got me,” linking to her Depop profile where she’s selling items like Dr. Martens boots for $50 and a multicolored cardigan for $16. Her online storefront reflects a mix of thrift fashion and necessity, as she navigates a job market that appears reluctant to embrace outspoken activists.
Hirsi’s activism, which mirrors her mother’s vocal pro-Palestine stance, made her a prominent figure in student-led protests. At her graduation, she walked across the stage holding a Palestinian flag, declaring her achievement came “despite what Barnard, Columbia and the internet wanted.” Her mother, Rep. Omar, expressed pride in her daughter’s resilience, calling her activism a “righteous fight” against institutional complicity.
However, Hirsi’s political visibility may be complicating her employment prospects. Several major corporations and law firms, including ExxonMobil and Sullivan & Cromwell, have publicly stated they will not hire graduates involved in campus protests deemed discriminatory or disruptive. While Hirsi has not directly linked her unemployment to her activism, the timing and context suggest a correlation that’s hard to ignore.
Her situation also reflects broader challenges facing young activists in the U.S. today. With student debt soaring and job markets tightening, many graduates are finding that political engagement—especially on polarizing issues—can come at a steep cost. Hirsi’s case has sparked debate online, with some praising her courage and others questioning the long-term impact of radical protest tactics.
In April 2024, Hirsi claimed she was homeless and starving following her suspension, though later reports clarified she had advance notice and access to support. Still, her experience highlights the emotional and financial toll of activism, especially when institutional backlash is swift and public.
Hirsi has also promoted fundraisers for fellow activists, including Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil, who faced deportation after being detained for over 100 days. Her continued advocacy underscores a commitment to the cause, even as she grapples with personal setbacks.
As the political climate remains deeply polarized, Hirsi’s story serves as a case study in the intersection of youth activism, public scrutiny, and economic survival. It raises questions about how society treats dissenting voices and whether employers should factor political expression into hiring decisions.
For now, Hirsi is making do with what she has—selling clothes, staying vocal, and navigating a world that often punishes conviction. Her journey is a reminder that activism doesn’t end at graduation, and that the cost of standing up can linger long after the chants fade.