(CHICAGO, IL 12/3/2019)—During Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 28 – 30, 2019), 3,500 people from all over the country gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for AMP’s 12th Annual Convention for Palestine in what has proven to be our largest conference yet! Attendees heard from a variety of prominent speakers including Palestinian American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Marc Lamont Hill, and Linda Sarsour.
At this year’s conference, panelists and participants made it clear that in this upcoming election year, Palestine is a foreign policy priority! The theme of conference was the 2020 elections and ways to continue building a strong movement in the U.S. for justice in Palestine. AMP Executive Director Dr. Osama Abuirshaid spoke on various panels focused on the political situation in Palestine and setting a clear agenda for the 2020 elections.
Other speakers included AMP Chairman Dr. Hatem Bazian, Nihad Awad of CAIR, and Othman Atta who contextualized the discussion of Zionism by connecting it to racism, Islamophobia and colonialism. Relatedly, Dr. Hafsa Kanjwal and Azad Essa spoke about other occupations in the Muslim world including the situation in Kashmir and its people’s struggle for self-determination.
Events throughout the packed weekend included workshops, panel discussions, a ladies-only entertainment session, riveting entertainment, and, of course, a high-flying debka performance! The College Activism Track (CAT) was also bigger than ever with hundreds of students in attendance and actively engaged in each session. Sessions organized by AMP-Chicago president Nida Sahouri combined the study of history, key terms, and events related to the Palestinian struggle with workshops and discussions. Topics ranged from normalization and faithwashing to combatting Zionist myths that pervade our media discourse.
The Youth Track also provided young people with inspirational and informative lectures focusing on issues of social justice, activism, and intersectionality in the movement for justice. Younger children created beautiful arts & crafts inspired by Palestinian tradition. Finally, AMP chapter leaders from around the country presented on various workshops dedicated to the education and empowerment of our communities.
For more than a decade, AMP has been a leader in the work for Palestine, investing in campus activism, challenging anti-BDS legislation in courts, educating communities, and engaging elected officials. [PLEASE DONATE]
AMP continues to be the only American Muslim organization whose sole focus is the noble cause of Palestine. Our work spans across the United States with chapters in 10 states and a national office in Washington, D.C.
In this pivotal moment, let's do our part in the fight for justice in Palestine and support AMP!
American Muslims for Palestine
6404 Seven Corners Place, Ste. N
Falls Church, VA 22044
703.534.3032 / 703.534.1904
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