Two Palestinian speakers with ties to terrorism are set to appear at a conference in Detroit later this month. Hossam Shaheen and Omar Assaf will join other controversial figures at the People’s Conference for Palestine.
Hossam Shaheen was released by Israel in February as part of a prisoner exchange involving hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. He is described as a writer who shares his experiences of life in captivity. However, his past includes serious offenses. Shaheen was arrested in 2004 and sentenced to 22 years for his involvement in shooting attacks against Israeli vehicles and for throwing a grenade at a police jeep. Reports indicate he also helped recruit others for terrorist activities.
Omar Assaf is another speaker at the conference. He has been linked to the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), a group known for its violent history, including the Ma’alot massacre in 1974, where 21 children lost their lives. Assaf currently coordinates efforts for the Palestinian Popular Conference, which recently praised the actions of attackers in Gaza following the Hamas assaults.
The conference will also feature Abu-Bakr Abd, a journalist from Gaza associated with Iranian media and Hamas. Abd has openly supported Hamas leaders and has expressed regret for not participating in terrorist acts himself.
Adding to the controversy, Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is also scheduled to speak at the event. This gathering has raised concerns due to the backgrounds of its speakers and their connections to violence and anti-Israel sentiments.
The People’s Conference for Palestine aims to discuss Palestinian rights and issues, but the choice of speakers has sparked significant debate and criticism.
