This Sunday’s Town Hall will build upon a very special event hosted by PDA Arizona on Friday, a talk by Rep. Rashida Tlaib entitled “Palestine is an American Issue.” Rashida Tlaib is, of course, one of the original members of the Squad, one of the most progressive members of Congress, where she represents a district in Metro Detroit, and a friend of PDA. Rashida is the only Palestinian American in Congress.  

In this moment, one of the darkest in recent history, Rashida Tlaib is a beacon of hope for millions of people. Fully committed to peace and the human rights, security, and self-determination of all people—and never failing to prioritize the sanctity of every human life—Rashida could not contrast more with the established leadership of Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel. 

Alan Minsky, PDA’s Executive Director, will also be at the event in Arizona, offering some opening remarks and introducing Rashida. After Friday’s event, Alan will choose clips from Rashida’s speech to play on Sunday’s Town Hall. So, Sunday’s attendees will be among the first to hear Rashida’s words. This is an event you don’t want to miss. RSVP now!

Also, joining us on Sunday is Wesam Shahed to provide his thoughts on the Israel/Gaza crisis, its impact on Arab American communities, and their relationship with the Democratic Party.  

Wesam Shahed is a first-generation Palestinian American from Chicago, Illinois. He serves as an policy advisor—Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO), the second-largest prosecutor’s office in the U.S. Wesam has not only been recognized as one of the most promising young talents in the CCSAO, but he has also been internationally recognized in the Arab American Foundation’s “30 Under 30.” 

RSVP Now for this Sunday’s PDA Town Hall.

NB: 1) We are planning an upcoming Town Hall featuring Jewish American progressives on the crisis, the rise of real antisemitism, AIPAC’s campaign to defeat progressives (often by weaponizing phony antisemitism), and the importance of working through differences on the left. 2) PDA is fully committed to creating a safe space of inclusion, respect, and solidarity on the progressive left, where everyone working for a better world is welcome.