How are we to understand the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil and the stated intent of the federal government to deport him?

It is good. He is an Israel hater. Finally the federal government is cracking down on Israel hate and Jew hate that have been running rampant on college campuses, leading to the intimidation and harassment of Jewish students and supporters of Israel. Columbia has been the capital of Jew hate and Israel hate. It is about time.

It is bad. It changes the fundamental character of our country if somebody can be arrested and possibly deported for expressing opinions, however distasteful they may be to some. Deporting somebody for the exercise of free speech means we are in scary times in a scary country. Though some in the pro-Israel community may cheer this development, how can we be sure that we are not next? See Pastor Marin Niemoller’s iconic words about Nazi Germany:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

It is good. The intimidation and harassment of Jewish students have gone on too long. Our children who go to Columbia walk past signs, posters, and placards that say: “Jews go back to Europe.” How can we not see and combat that kind of hatred, which is real, throbbing, urgent, and getting worse? The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil will deter ugly hate directed against Jews and against Israel that has gone on for too long. Thank you, President Trump.

It is bad. The administration is weaponizing antisemitism to try to achieve its immigration objectives. It does not actually care about antisemitism. And it is going to come back to haunt the Jewish and pro-Israel community by deepening divisions and hatred.

Deepening hatred? How could it be worse than it is today, signs in New York City telling Jewish students and professors: “Jews go back to Europe.” The thing we fear may happen next is here. Now.

On and on. How do we process such a complicated conundrum and negative energy sink hole? Tomorrow I want to offer an unexpected lens: the documentary hypothesis. Unlike our headlines, the documentary hypothesis is dry, a little boring, and safe to talk about in public. It will offend nobody. Also, and most importantly: At its heart is an insight that, whatever your view on the painful headlines, we all need to hear.