Pro-Palestinian Conference in Detroit Sparks Controversy
The upcoming “Palestine People’s Assembly” in Detroit has ignited debate, especially with the participation of two former Israeli prisoners released as part of a Hamas deal. Organized by a coalition of twelve pro-Palestinian groups, this conference marks its second annual gathering.
Representative Rashida Tlaib is among those attending, having faced accusations regarding her associations with individuals who have made anti-Semitic remarks. Notably, a professor was criticized for comparing Jews to Nazis, which has fueled further controversy surrounding the event.
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Palestinian Hamas terrorists have maintained security in Gaza following hostage extraditions since October 7, 2023. (Reuters)
Tlaib, who has consistently faced backlash for her criticisms of Israel, found herself condemned by Congressional colleagues in 2023 due to her comments related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. These comments included the controversial slogan “from river to sea,” which some perceive as a call for the destruction of Israel.
As of 2023, Tlaib was also dismissed after being discovered in a secret Facebook group that praised terrorists following a significant attack on Israel.
Tlaib during a demonstration advocating for a Gaza ceasefire near the Capitol on October 18, 2023. (AP Photo)
Among the attendees of the Detroit meeting are two former prisoners released by Israel, one of whom, Hussam Shaheen, was sentenced to nearly 30 years for conspiracy to commit murder. The other, Omar Asaf, held a position within the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), a group not designated as terrorist by the U.S. but still under sanctions.
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Other notable speakers include Raja Abdulhaq, co-founder of QUDS News Network (QNN), which has faced restrictions on major social media platforms. Additionally, Wesam Ahmed, described as a “human rights advocate” for the organization Al-Haq, is also expected to speak, despite accusations linking Al-Haq to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
Huwaida Arraf, a Michigan activist known for her co-founding role with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), will also present at the conference. She previously faced FBI scrutiny over potential extremist ties and had incited debate with her calls for both non-violent and violent Palestinian resistance.
In a statement, Arraf asserted her commitment to fighting discrimination in any form and dismissed accusations of anti-Semitism as attempts to silence Palestinian voices.
Notably, a Michigan high school principal had to apologize in 2023 after Arraf reportedly spoke against Israel during a “Diversity Congress.”
Controversy Continues
Meanwhile, various university professors accused of anti-Semitism are expected to join Tlaib at the event. Hatem Bazian, for one, was fired from the University of California, Berkeley, for promoting anti-Israel sentiments.
Others, like journalist Eugene Puria, made headlines for remarks related to the events of October 7, 2023, and have faced backlash for their comments.
Linda Sarsour, another speaker, previously lost her position on the women’s march committee amid similar accusations, which she has consistently denied.
Speakers at the event will also address themes of racial and class-based opposition to the state of Israel, accompanied by programming directed at younger attendees to educate them on Palestinian history and culture.
Fox News Digital reached out for comments regarding the speaker list but did not receive immediate responses.
