

Yezen Saadah, News Editor
All content by Yezen Saadah






The Soapbox: No-confidence motion in Spain, judicial changes in Israel, potential ban in EU
The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Mar 24, 2023


Off the Radar: ‘Where Is My Friend’s House?’ and the importance of empathy
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Where Is My Friend’s House?” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Mar 24, 2023


NYU Latinx Project to create research center with $1.3 million donation
The university’s Latinx Project will use a recent $1.3 million grant to establish a new research center for Latinx studies with support from the Office of the Provost.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Mar 21, 2023




The Soapbox: Ghana’s economic crisis, Czech president leaves office, French protests
The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Mar 10, 2023




The Soapbox: Shipwreck in Italy, outcry after Australian murder, Germany’s feminist foreign policy
The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Mar 3, 2023


What the NYU community is doing to help Turkey and Syria
In the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, NYU students and faculty have taken the initiative to organize relief efforts. The student-led Turkish Culture Association alone has raised more than $80,000.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Mar 2, 2023


NYU Langone sued for disability discrimination
A former physician’s assistant filed a complaint against NYU Langone, accusing the institution of disability discrimination after the hospital terminated her employment last year.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Mar 1, 2023


Review: Don’t waste your time with ‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey’
Gratuitous gore and pretentious attempts at subversion fail to impress in this abomination of a film. “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” is now playing in select theaters, but certainly don’t go out of your way to see it.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Mar 1, 2023






The Soapbox: Airstrikes in Gaza, shortages in the UK, a coal mine collapse in China
The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Feb 24, 2023


Columbia RAs take to president’s mansion, demand union recognition
Dozens of students and resident assistants gathered at Columbia University on Monday, Feb. 20 in protest of the university’s refusal to recognize the RAs’ union.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Feb 22, 2023




The Soapbox: UAE climate talks, drought in Argentina, Australia’s pledge
The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Feb 17, 2023


NYU to announce next president on Wednesday
After a monthslong search process, NYU’s Presidential Search Committee has chosen the university’s next president. An announcement will be made on the morning of Feb. 15.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Feb 14, 2023


Coursicle co-founder to students: ‘I am sorry for everything’
The co-founder of Coursicle, a popular course scheduling app, recently apologized for a manic episode last year during which he sent multiple controversial push notifications to students.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Feb 14, 2023


Review: ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ is a surprisingly ambitious spinoff sequel
Computer animation and an unexpectedly heartwarming narrative go hand in hand in DreamWorks Animation’s latest “Shrek” franchise installment. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is now playing in theaters.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Feb 13, 2023



What to do this week: Valentine’s Day card-making, a puppet show and more
The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Feb. 13-19.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor
• Feb 12, 2023


Off the Radar: ‘Charulata’ and the conflict between old and the new
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Charulata” is available to stream on Kanopy and HBO Max.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Feb 10, 2023






The Soapbox: Barcelona cuts ties with Israel, France-Algeria relations, African extremist groups
The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Feb 10, 2023


Students and faculty mourn Palestinian deaths at vigil
NYU’s Student Government Assembly and Students for Justice in Palestine held a vigil on Thursday to honor Palestinian lives lost in an Israeli military raid.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Feb 10, 2023






The Soapbox: Afghan refugees uprooted, Australian banknotes, German mask mandate
The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN’s news desk analyzing major developments in world news and rounding up the stories we think are worth the read this week. Global consciousness for a global university.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Feb 3, 2023


NYU grad student accused of antisemitism for writing on discarded mailbag
After a graduate student wrote on an Israeli mailbag that had already been thrown in the trash, NYU fired her from her on-campus job and charged her with counts of vandalism and antisemitism.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Feb 1, 2023


Review: Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ depicts heartbreak and existential despair hilariously
“The Banshees of Inisherin” is undoubtedly one of the best films of the year.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Feb 1, 2023


Top lawyer named next chair of NYU board of trustees
Acclaimed lawyer, NYU alum and trustee Evan Chesler — who recently represented Elon Musk — will replace William Berkley as chair of NYU’s board of trustees at the end of his term in August.
Carmo Moniz and Yezen Saadah
• Jan 31, 2023


Demonstrators march across Manhattan to protest Tyre Nichols killing
New Yorkers marched through the streets after Memphis authorities released footage of Nichols being fatally beaten by police.
Adrianna Nehme, Tori Morales, and Yezen Saadah
• Jan 29, 2023






The Soapbox: A raid at a refugee camp, African democracies, tanks for Ukraine
The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN’s news desk analyzing major developments in world news and rounding up the stories we think are worth the read this week. Global consciousness for a global university.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Jan 27, 2023


Hamilton bids new students farewell at final presidential welcome
At his final welcome address before he leaves his role, NYU president Andrew Hamilton greeted hundreds of incoming and returning students just before hosting the university’s biannual “Reality Show.”
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Jan 26, 2023


Winter break recap: What happened at NYU while you were gone
The fibs of a Congressman, a former NYU administrator commits fraud, the new billion-dollar building, and all the other news you missed.
Adrianna Nehme, Bruna Horvath, Carmo Moniz, Tori Morales, and Yezen Saadah
• Jan 25, 2023


Review: ‘Living’ is a remarkably pointless rendition of an all-time classic
“Living,” the British remake of Akira Kurosawa’s “Ikiru,” excels in being just that, but unfortunately offers nothing new.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 15, 2022


‘Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio,’ a look at the stop-motion behind Netflix’s new adaptation
Following the release of Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio,” the Museum of Modern Art has staged an exhibition composed of the film’s sets, puppets and other behind-the-scenes looks.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 14, 2022


Bill Clinton, John Sexton visit NYU to receive degrees from Israeli university
Former U.S. president Bill Clinton and ex-NYU president John Sexton were awarded honorary degrees from the Israeli University of Haifa for achievements in their respective fields.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 13, 2022


Review: Stop-motion animation in ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ emotionally captures life’s transience
Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson’s adaptation of the classic fairytale reaffirms why animation matters with a profound, heartful and incredibly moving narrative. The film is now playing at the IFC Center and available to stream on Netflix.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 12, 2022


Review: ‘Tantura’ ambitiously examines the Israeli massacre of a Palestinian village
Alon Schwarz confronts Israeli denial of the 1948 massacre of Palestinian villages in his new chilling and revealing documentary. “Tantura” is currently playing at the IFC Center.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 12, 2022


Iranian American writer speaks on Iran human rights movement
Roya Hakakian, an Iranian American writer, spoke about the current political climate of Iran during a conversation held at the NYU Abu Dhabi New York City headquarters on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 8, 2022


Iranian students from NYU, Columbia refute New York Times reporting
Students from NYU and Columbia University protested the publication’s recent coverage of the Iranian human rights movement on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 8, 2022


Review: ‘Closed Circuit’ fails to examine human condition through its provocative filmmaking
Tal Inbar’s “Closed Circuit,” an international selection at DOC NYC, undermines cinema’s humanist value in exploiting trauma for insincerity and shock value.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 7, 2022


Palestinian professor discusses colonialism, higher education at SJP event
A Birzeit University professor spoke to NYU students and faculty about the history and issue of higher education in Palestine under colonial rule.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 6, 2022



What to do this week: The Washington Square Christmas tree and holiday cabaret
The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Dec. 5-Dec. 11.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 4, 2022


NYU commits to Tandon expansion with new billion-dollar investment
NYU announced that it will spend $1 billion on the Tandon School of Engineering in an effort to compete with top engineering schools nationwide.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Dec 2, 2022


Hamilton orders security review after spate of dorm intrusions
NYU president Andrew Hamilton requested that Campus Safety conduct an extensive review of dorm security following a series of intruder incidents last month.
Carmo Moniz, Lauren Ashe, and Yezen Saadah
• Dec 1, 2022


NYU to make dorms more accessible after Justice Dept. complaint
After reaching an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, NYU will expand the accessibility of its student housing within the next five years.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Nov 30, 2022


At Times Square, NYU students join thousands to demand Iran regime change
NYU’s Persian Cultural Society took part in the largest Iranian protest in New York City on Saturday.
Yezen Saadah, Deputy News Editor
• Nov 21, 2022


Off the Radar: ‘Ikiru’ is a profound and timeless masterpiece
Akira Kurosawa’s “Ikiru,” the 1952 Japanese film about a dying old man searching for the meaning of life, is currently available on Kanopy and NYU Stream.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Nov 18, 2022


Russian journalist Yevgenia Albats, New Yorker editor David Remnick on Ukraine, US midterms
NYU’s Distinguished Journalist in Residence Yevgenia Albats spoke with special guest David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, on the war in Ukraine and U.S. politics at the Jordan Center on Nov. 17.
Yezen Saadah, Senior Staff Writer
• Nov 18, 2022


Q&A: Anvita Gattani on college apps and filming for new HBO documentary
NYU Tisch student Anvita Gattani spoke with WSN about her role in “My So-Called High School Rank,” which was shown at DOC NYC on Saturday, Nov. 12. The film will premiere on HBO and HBO MAX on Nov. 29.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Nov 16, 2022


Hamilton discusses student safety at town hall
University president Andrew Hamilton and NYU administrators addressed student questions during a virtual town hall hosted by the university’s Student Government Assembly on Monday, Nov. 14.
Yezen Saadah, Senior Staff Writer
• Nov 15, 2022


Review: ‘Is That Black Enough for You?!?’ reappraises Black filmmaking
“Is That Black Enough for You?!?” documents the forgotten chapter in American film history when Black directors drove the industry. The film is currently playing in select theaters and is available to stream on Netflix.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Nov 14, 2022



Student gov’t deliberates Swipe it Forward, temporary visas and ICE event
NYU’s Student Government Assembly provided Swipe it Forward updates, debated temporary student visas and more at its meeting on Thursday, Nov. 3.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Nov 7, 2022


NYU profs, local politicians address sudden resignation of chief NY judge
The Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at the NYU School of Law hosted a teach-in about the vacancy of the New York Court of Appeals chief judge position at D’Agostino Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Nov 4, 2022


‘Holy Spider’ is a striking work of Iranian social commentary
"Holy Spider” opened at the IFC Center on Friday, Oct. 27.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 31, 2022


Review: Suad Amiry’s ‘Mother of Strangers’ powerfully portrays Palestinian life
Based on a true story, “Mother of Strangers” tells the devastating love tale of Subhi and Shams in Jaffa during the end of British rule in Palestine.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 31, 2022


Muslim student orgs raise thousands for Pakistan flood relief
Several Muslim student organizations at NYU hosted Charity Week, an international initiative geared toward assisting children in need around the world, from Monday, Oct. 25 to Sunday, Oct. 30.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 31, 2022


NYU celebrates student films at First Run Film Festival
The Kanbar Institute of Film & Television presented the NYU First Run Film Festival from Oct. 21 to Oct. 23, with an awards ceremony at Regal Union Square on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 31, 2022



Swipe it Forward meal donation returns, undeterred by red tape
The student-led initiative seeks to combat food insecurity, but its launch has seen NYU Eats struggle to cooperate with the student government.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 28, 2022


Former Black Panthers discuss party history at book launch
Former members of the Black Panther Party reflected on their time with the party at an NYU panel and book launch on Monday, Oct. 24.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 26, 2022


NYU Shanghai students ask to graduate elsewhere due to COVID cancellations
The Student Government Assembly convened to address graduation concerns from NYU Shanghai students, Swipe it Forward’s relaunch and more at its biweekly meeting on Thursday, Oct. 13.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 19, 2022


NYFF 60 Review: ‘Beirut the Encounter’ is pure cinematic poetry
Lebanese director Borhane Alaouié questions the human condition through his powerful visual language and his instilling of a lingering sense of melancholy. "Beirut the Encounter" will screen at the 60th New York Film Festival on Oct. 16 at Lincoln Center.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 14, 2022


Students demand more from Hamilton on Iran demonstrations
Members of the Persian Cultural Society urged NYU to do more to recognize the human rights demonstrations in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini on Oct. 12.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 14, 2022


NYFF 60 Review: ‘Triangle of Sadness’ is an outrageous and heavy-handed work of brilliance
Ruben Östlund’s newest social satire comments on class warfare, socioeconomic inequities and contemporary politics in a ridiculously heightened and often hilarious way. “Triangle of Sadness” recently screened at the 60th New York Film Festival and is playing in select theaters across the city.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 12, 2022


Graduate students raise concerns about housing, employment availability at town hall
NYU administrators addressed the financial and academic difficulties that graduate students face during a town hall hosted by the Graduate School of Arts & Science Student Council on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 6, 2022


At vigil for Mahsa Amini, Persian Society urges NYU to issue statement
Students and community members mourned the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini and protested against the Iranian government during a vigil held in Washington Square Park on Sept. 29.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Oct 3, 2022


Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro joins NYU Reads panel
Kazuo Ishiguro, who authored this year’s NYU Reads selection “Klara and the Sun,” discussed his novel and creative writing process during a panel with NYU students and faculty.
Yezen Saadah, Contributing Writer
• Sep 30, 2022


Little Amal captures the heart of NYC during first US visit
After traveling 6,000 miles across 12 countries, puppet Little Amal — an international symbol for human rights — will visit Washington Square Park on Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Sep 28, 2022


‘Better Call Saul’ is one of the greatest television series of the last decade
Despite being pit against the sky-high expectations following ‘Breaking Bad’, its prequel, ‘Better Call Saul’, has undoubtedly made its mark as one of the best TV series of the 2010s.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Sep 26, 2022


Hamilton begins his final year at NYU
In the final welcome address of his NYU presidency, Andrew Hamilton greeted new and returning students before hosting the university’s annual “Reality Show” performance.
Yezen Saadah, Contributing Writer
• Sep 22, 2022


Review: Mohammed Amer deconstructs the Palestinian American experience in Netflix’s ‘Mo’
Mohammed Amer stars in his own semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy about struggling to balance his Palestinian culture and traditions in America.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer
• Sep 9, 2022


Bruna Horvath, Deputy News Editor • Mar 30, 2023


John Kim, Staff Writer • Mar 30, 2023




Madeline Carpinelli, Staff Writer • Mar 30, 2023


Olivia Condell, Contributing Writer • Mar 30, 2023


Ania Keenan, Features Editor • Feb 6, 2023


Ania Keenan, Staff Writer • Nov 3, 2022