Voices of Cleveland's Palestinian Community 6.25.2024

Groups of activists in Cleveland have been supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank since long before this current round of hostilities, but the ongoing violence has put their cause front and center. This chapter in the decades-long conflict began October 7, 2023, with a surprise attack by Hamas against military and civilian targets in Israel, killing around 1,200 and taking 240 hostages, more than 100 of which are still being held captive. The Israeli response has targeted major cities in Gaza where bombs, missiles, and raids have taken the lives of more than 36,000 Palestinians - more than half of which were women and children - according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Locally, activists have called for a ceasefire, pressuring Cleveland City Council and the Mayor's office to adopt a ceasefire resolution, which they won in March. A diverse group of supporters have demonstrated on local college campuses and disrupted public events in efforts to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. At the heart of it all, is the local Palestinian community, who are grappling with grief and worry of losing family and loved ones; as well as navigating a documented increase in anti-Arab hate and sentiment across the country.

In the last six months, we have heard from representatives of the Jewish Federations of North America, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Forward. Now, we invite you to hear from three leaders in Cleveland’s Arab-American community, two of whom are Palestinian Americans.

Panelists
Awatef Assad, Esq
Public Sector Attorney

Omar Kurdi, MPA
President, Arab Americans of Cleveland - Young Professionals Network

Shereen Naser, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology, Cleveland State University

Moderator
Nadeen Abusada
Reporter, News 5 Cleveland

[fatimakarriem]

The panel's delivery, insight, sharing of lived experiences, and authenticity were phenomenal. Im glad Prof Shereen pushed back on the ADL and "uncomfortable conversations". Nothing ever grows in the comfort zone!!

[tanks]

Thank you for elevating the voices of these incredible people!