By Dearborn Staff, August 2025
A wave of controversy has erupted over the People’s Conference for Palestine, set to take place in Detroit from August 29–31 under the theme “Gaza Is the Compass.” This year’s lineup features high-profile, divisive figures—raising questions about political optics and civic responsibility.
Who’s Speaking—and Why It Matters
- Hussam Shaheen, a Palestinian released in February as part of a hostage exchange, will speak about the “prisoners’ struggle in Zionist prisons.” Shaheen served two decades in Israeli custody for attempted murder and militant recruitment.New York Post
- Omar Assaf, a former Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) official, faces his own controversy as a former detainee, currently a coordinator for Palestinian organizing efforts.New York Post
Why This Matters Locally
- Dearborn’s robust Arab American community often organizes around Palestinian rights—yet the inclusion of convicted militants raises concerns about legitimacy and public ethics.
- The conference disclaims responsibility for the views of its speakers, emphasizing an open platform.People’s Conference for Palestine • 2025
- Meanwhile, Michigan GOP lawmakers, including Rep. John Moolenaar, have urged the Trump administration to block visa issuance for speakers deemed “terrorists.”Quiver Quantitative
What’s at Stake
Whether seen as an essential platform for Palestinian voices or a fringe event courting controversy, the conference spotlights the tension between solidarity and state accountability. Dearborners and allies would benefit from constructive dialogue on how public gatherings shape—and reflect—community values.
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