Palestinian Activists Revoked Visas and Detained at Airport, Despite Invitation to Speak at California Synagogue
On Wednesday, CBP revoked the visas of Palestinian activists Eid and Awdah Hathaleen, just before detaining them at the airport. The two activists were invited to speak at a California synagogue, but instead of being welcomed with open arms, they were met with deportation.
This shocking turn of events has left local organizers and the Palestinian community in disbelief. The Hathaleen brothers were invited to speak at the synagogue by the local Jewish Voice for Peace chapter, as part of a series of events to promote dialogue and understanding between the Palestinian and Jewish communities.
Eid and Awdah Hathaleen are well-known activists in their community, advocating for Palestinian rights and speaking out against the injustices faced by their people. They were set to share their experiences and perspectives at the synagogue, in the hopes of building bridges and promoting peace.
However, their visas were abruptly revoked by CBP, leaving them stranded at the airport with no explanation. Despite multiple attempts by organizers and lawyers to reach CBP officials, no one has been able to provide any information on the status of the brothers.
This blatant disregard for the rights of the Hathaleen brothers is not only a violation of their human rights, but also a clear attack on the freedom of speech and expression. It is deeply concerning that individuals who have been invited to speak at a peaceful event are being treated as criminals and denied entry into the country.
This incident is just one of many examples of the discriminatory and unjust treatment faced by Palestinian activists and individuals at US borders. The Hathaleen brothers are not the first and unfortunately, will not be the last to face such mistreatment.
The fact that this is happening at a time when the world is witnessing the ongoing human rights violations and violence against Palestinians by the Israeli government is even more alarming. It is a clear indication that the US government is actively silencing and suppressing the voices of those who are speaking out against injustice and oppression.
The decision to revoke the visas of Eid and Awdah Hathaleen is not only a disservice to the Palestinian community, but also to the American people who were eagerly waiting to hear their perspective. It is a missed opportunity for dialogue and understanding, and a blow to the values of inclusivity and diversity that the US claims to uphold.
The organizers of the event and the local Jewish community have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the actions of CBP. They have also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the Hathaleen brothers, as there has been no communication from them since their detention.
It is imperative that CBP and the US government take immediate action to rectify this situation and allow Eid and Awdah Hathaleen to enter the country. The voices of Palestinian activists should not be silenced, and their rights should not be violated.
As a nation that prides itself on freedom of speech and diversity, it is crucial that the US government upholds these values and ensures that individuals are not discriminated against based on their nationality or beliefs.
The Hathaleen brothers were invited to speak at the synagogue as a step towards building understanding and promoting peace. It is time for the US government to take a similar step and allow them to enter the country and share their message.
In the words of the organizers, “We will not be silent in the face of injustice and oppression. We stand in solidarity with the Hathaleen brothers and all those whose voices are being silenced. We will continue to fight for justice and equality for all.”
