News Summary
Detroit is set to host the People’s Conference for Palestine, drawing attention for its controversial speakers, including Hossam Shaheen, a former convicted terrorist. The event, scheduled for August 29-31, aims to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and Palestinian rights but faces backlash regarding the presence of speakers with past involvement in violence. The conference, supported by various organizations, seeks to elevate voices from the Palestinian liberation movement amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
Detroit is set to host a controversial event, the People’s Conference for Palestine, scheduled for August 29-31, which aims to address the ongoing issues surrounding the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and elevate voices in the Palestinian liberation movement across North America. Among the key speakers is Hossam Shaheen, a Palestinian formerly imprisoned for his involvement in terrorism, raising significant concerns and debates within the community regarding the nature of his participation and the message it conveys.
Hossam Shaheen was released in February 2025 as part of a prisoner-hostage exchange agreement amid the ongoing conflict. He served a 27-year sentence after being convicted in 2004 for attempted murder and conspiracy linked to planned terrorist activities in Jerusalem. Conference organizers describe him as a writer who sheds light on the complexities of life in captivity and the struggles of prisoners in Israeli jails. Promotional materials for the conference highlight that attendees will hear directly about the experiences of prisoners in what they refer to as “Zionist prisons.”
However, Shaheen’s past as a convicted terrorist, recognized by Israeli authorities and news sources, has drawn sharp criticism. Israeli officials and various commentators label him as a leader within the Fatah youth movement, raising concerns about his influence and the implications of his presence at the event. The American public, particularly through the lens of recent terrorist violent experiences, has also raised questions about his ability to enter the U.S.
Concerns extend beyond Shaheen; journalist Doron Levin has emphasized that the Palestinian pursuit for self-determination should be peaceful, contrasting with Shaheen’s history of violence. Likewise, Rabbi Asher Lopatin from the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor expressed disapproval of the conference’s agenda, arguing it diverts from efforts to obtain peace with Israel.
On the ground, the conference comes on the heels of severe violence in the region, marked by an attack from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 individuals and the kidnapping of 251 hostages. Following these attacks, the Israeli government initiated a counter-offensive in Gaza that, according to Hamas health officials, has led to around 62,000 Palestinian deaths.
Conference organizers have issued statements countering efforts they perceive as attempts to diminish their platform, reaffirming their commitment to sharing the narratives of Palestinians who have faced torture. This year’s event has garnered backing from various organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America and Jewish Voice for Peace. Additionally, U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, is among those slated to speak at the event.
Shaheen’s history is not the only controversial aspect of the conference. Another scheduled speaker, Omar Assaf, 75, a former representative of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, has faced allegations of connections to violent factions. Assaf was arrested following the October 7 attacks and held in the West Bank for six months without charge, further compounding the controversy surrounding the assembly.
The State Department’s recent decision to halt all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming conference. This policy is being reviewed in light of national security concerns and the timing of the event, coinciding with ongoing tensions in the region.
In previous years, the People’s Conference for Palestine has seen substantial turnout, drawing over 3,000 attendees in its last event, which included discussions on Palestinian rights and cultural presentations. This year’s conference aims to incorporate special programming for children to engage with Palestinian national identity through arts and crafts activities, emphasizing the event’s community-oriented approach.
Amidst the surrounding debate, questions remain about the appropriateness of inviting speakers with ties to terrorist organizations and the broader implications of their participation in events aimed at promoting Palestinian histories and rights.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Palestinian terrorist Hossam Shaheen stirs controversy
- Jerusalem Post: Antisemitism article
- New York Post: Palestinian extremist set to speak at Detroit conference
- Detroit Free Press: Arab Americans and the Gaza conflict
- VIN News: Freed terrorist to speak at pro-Palestine rally
- Wikipedia: Israel–Palestine conflict
- Google Search: People’s Conference for Palestine
- Google Scholar: Hossam Shaheen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Palestinian liberation
- Google News: Detroit People’s Conference for Palestine
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
