Palestinian Activists Detained at Airport While En Route to Speak at California Synagogue
On Wednesday, the 5th of September, two Palestinian activists, Eid and Awdah Hathaleen, were detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the airport in San Francisco. This shocking incident has left local organizers concerned and worried about the well-being of the two activists, as they have not been heard from since their detention.
The Hathaleen brothers were on their way to speak at a California synagogue, where they were invited to share their first-hand experiences of living under Israeli occupation in the West Bank. As Palestinian activists, they have been tirelessly advocating for the rights of their people and shedding light on the injustices faced by Palestinians on a daily basis.
However, their efforts to spread awareness and educate others about the Palestinian struggle have been met with a cruel and unjust response from the CBP. The brothers’ visas were revoked before their detention, leaving them vulnerable to deportation and unable to fulfill their speaking engagement.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of Palestinian activists at US airports, as well as the lack of respect for freedom of speech and expression. The fact that the Hathaleen brothers were invited to speak at a synagogue, a place of worship and community, only adds to the gravity of this situation.
The Intercept, an independent news outlet, reported on this incident and highlighted the injustice faced by the Hathaleen brothers. The article stated that the brothers’ detention is a clear violation of their rights and a blatant attempt to silence their voices.
It is disheartening to see that the CBP, an agency tasked with protecting the safety and security of the United States, is using its power to suppress the voices of those who are advocating for justice and equality. The Hathaleen brothers are not a threat to national security, but rather individuals who are using their platform to raise awareness about the plight of their people.
As the world continues to witness the ongoing violence and oppression faced by Palestinians, it is crucial to allow their voices to be heard. The Hathaleen brothers were not coming to the US to spread hate or incite violence, but rather to share their personal experiences and educate others about the reality of life under occupation.
The detention of Eid and Awdah Hathaleen is a clear violation of their rights and a violation of the principles of free speech and expression. It is a sad reality that even in a country that prides itself on democracy and freedom, individuals are being silenced for speaking their truth.
We urge the CBP to release the Hathaleen brothers and allow them to enter the US and fulfill their speaking engagement. We also call on the US government to respect the rights of Palestinian activists and allow them to freely express their opinions and share their stories.
In times like these, it is crucial for us to stand in solidarity with those who are fighting for justice and equality. The Hathaleen brothers’ detention is a reminder that the struggle for Palestinian rights is far from over, and we must continue to raise our voices and demand justice for all.
We stand with Eid and Awdah Hathaleen and all Palestinian activists who are facing similar challenges in their efforts to educate and advocate for their people. We hope for a swift resolution to this unjust situation and for the Hathaleen brothers to be able to share their powerful message with the world.
