Nerdeen Kiswani is a Palestinian-American activist who has become one of the most talked-about voices in the pro-Palestine movement in the United States. Over the past decade, she has been at the centre of student protests, grassroots campaigns, and public debates about justice and freedom for Palestinians.
She is best known as the founder of Within Our Lifetime (WOL), a New York-based organisation that has organised some of the largest pro-Palestine marches in the city. Her speeches, slogans, and bold actions have drawn both admiration and criticism. While many see her as a fearless leader fighting for human rights, others accuse her of being too radical.
Nerdeen Kiswani Age, Profession, Spouse, Family, Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nerdeen Kiswani |
| Date of Birth | 1993/1994 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 31–32 years |
| Place of Birth | Jordan |
| Hometown | Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | Palestinian-American |
| Religion | Islam |
| Ethnicity | Palestinian (roots in Beit Iksa, near Jerusalem) |
| Profession | Activist, Organiser |
| Known For | Founder of Within Our Lifetime (WOL), Pro-Palestine activism |
| Education | College of Staten Island, Hunter College, CUNY School of Law |
| Height | Approx. 5’5” |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Feras Deek (married April 2024) |
| Children | 1 |
| Major Organisations | Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Within Our Lifetime (WOL) |
| Political Views | Opposes two-state solution; supports single Palestinian state; pro-resistance |
| Controversies | Arrests at Columbia University protests, CUNY Law graduation speech backlash |
| Threats Faced | Death threats (2025), Bomb plot foiled (2026) |
| Media Coverage | Featured in The New York Times, NBC News, The Forward |
| Wikipedia | @Nerdeen_Kiswani |
Early Life and Education
Nerdeen was born in Jordan but grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, a neighbourhood known for its large Arab and Muslim community. Her family roots trace back to Beit Iksa, a Palestinian village near Jerusalem. Her grandparents were among the thousands of Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Nakba, a historical event that continues to shape the identity of Palestinians worldwide.
She studied Human Rights and International Relations at the City University of New York (CUNY). During her undergraduate years, she attended the College of Staten Island and later Hunter College. She later joined the CUNY School of Law, where she continued her activism while studying law. At CUNY, she became president of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a student group that campaigns for Palestinian rights.
Physical Appearance
Nerdeen Kiswani is often seen at protests and public events, where her presence is strong and commanding. She is around 5 feet 5 inches tall, with black hair and black eyes. Her simple style reflects her identity as an activist rather than a celebrity. She often dresses modestly, in line with her cultural and religious background, and is usually seen wearing a hijab.
Her physical appearance has also become part of her public image. Photos of her leading marches or speaking at rallies show a young woman who is confident and determined. While height and looks may seem like small details, they matter in the way people connect with public figures.
Career Beginnings in Activism
Kiswani’s activism began during her student years. In 2015, she helped establish NYC Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a coalition of student groups across New York City. This was a turning point in her life, as it gave her a platform to organise protests and speak out against issues affecting Palestinians.
Her early activism was not limited to Palestine alone. She also joined campaigns against tuition hikes at CUNY, showing her concern for broader social justice issues. In 2015, she faced her first major challenge when Israeli authorities banned her from entering Palestine during a trip.
Rise of Within Our Lifetime (WOL)
In 2018, Kiswani transformed NYC SJP into a new organisation called Within Our Lifetime (WOL). The name reflected her belief that freedom for Palestine could be achieved within her lifetime. WOL quickly became one of the most active pro-Palestine groups in New York City.
The group organised large marches, especially on Nakba Day, which marks the displacement of Palestinians in 1948. These marches often drew thousands of people and gained national attention. WOL also became known for its bold slogans, such as “Globalize the Intifada”, which called for worldwide resistance against oppression.
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Major Protests and Controversies
Kiswani’s activism has often been controversial. In 2022, she delivered a speech at the CUNY School of Law graduation ceremony, where she criticised Israel and US policies. Her speech drew sharp criticism from pro-Israel groups, but it also won support from many students and activists.
In 2024, she was arrested during protests at Columbia University, where students had set up a camp to demand divestment from companies linked to Israel. Kiswani and other activists were accused of disrupting campus activities, and Columbia later banned her from entering the campus.
Personal Life: Husband and Family
In April 2024, Nerdeen married Feras Deek, a fellow activist. Their wedding became symbolic when Kiswani visited the Columbia protest camp in her wedding dress, showing that activism was deeply tied to her personal life. This act was widely shared on social media and became a symbol of her commitment to the cause.
Kiswani later welcomed her first child, balancing motherhood with her activism. Her family life has added another dimension to her public image. While she continues to lead protests and campaigns, she also speaks about the importance of family and the challenges of raising a child while being an activist. This balance between personal and public life makes her story relatable to many readers.
Political Views and Ideology
Kiswani’s political views are clear and uncompromising. She rejects the idea of a two-state solution, arguing instead for a single Palestinian state. She believes that peace cannot be achieved without justice and that Palestinians must resist occupation in every possible way.
She has also criticised US politicians, including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump, for their support of Israel. Kiswani often speaks about the role of the US in funding and backing Israeli policies. She has also commented on global issues, such as the war in Ukraine, which she described as a “Western-backed project.”
Threats, Harassment, and Legal Battles
Nerdeen Kiswani’s activism has not come without risks. Over the years, she has faced harassment, threats, and even legal challenges. In 2025, she reported receiving death threats from far-right Zionist groups such as Betar. These threats were serious enough to draw attention from law enforcement and human rights organisations.
Her organisation, Within Our Lifetime (WOL), also faced restrictions. In 2024, Instagram banned WOL’s accounts, claiming violations of platform rules. Kiswani and her supporters argued that this was an attempt to silence pro-Palestine voices. One of the most alarming incidents came in 2026, when a bomb plot targeting her Staten Island home was foiled by the FBI and NYPD.
Recognition and Media Coverage
Kiswani’s activism has been widely covered in the media. Outlets such as The New York Times, NBC News, and The Forward have reported on her protests and speeches. She is often described as one of the most visible faces of the pro-Palestine movement in New York.
At the same time, she has faced criticism from pro-Israel organisations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Canary Mission, which accuse her of promoting extremism. These groups have published reports about her activities, adding to the controversy surrounding her.
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