Day 1: Report from the political trial of Rasmea Odeh

4 November 2014

First Day of Rasmea Odeh Trial (Report from the Rasmea Defense Committee)

Ninety supporters of Palestinian community leader Rasmea Odeh filled an overflow courtroom today for the beginning of her trial in Detroit, MI. They came from Chicago, Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, Ohio, Milwaukee, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Detroit, and were barred from the main courtroom because dozens of potential jurors were seated there. The proceedings began with defense attorney Michael Deutsch asking Judge Gershwin Drain to reconsider his decision not to allow Rasmea to testify about the vicious physical and sexual torture she experienced at the hands of the Israeli military. Judge Drain refused to change his mind, guaranteeing that when she takes the stand Rasmea will not be free to tell her full story.

The jury selection followed, with 32 potential jurors taking seats in front of the attorneys for questioning. Supporters were surprised to notice that an overwhelming majority of potential jurors were white, even in a downtown Detroit courthouse in Wayne County, where local residents are mostly Black and Arab. Many of the jurors stated that they were from Oakland County, where the population is over 77% white. Judge Drain asked questions of all the potential jurors, including some that were submitted by the prosecution and defense, respectively. They were asked if they had heard about the case the news, and also screened for potential bias, with questions posed as to whether they held any negative beliefs about Palestinians or Muslims.

After the jury was selected, Rasmea’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse for a rally and march to the federal building. Chanting “DOJ Let’s Be Clear, Rasmea is Welcome Here!” the supporters also heard statements from Frank Chapman of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Jess Sundin of the Rasmea Defense Committee, and representatives of Students for Justice in Palestine from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee and Kenyon College in Gambier, OH.

Supporters of Rasmea recommitted to rally outside the courthouse at 8am and enter together every day this week. Tomorrow, after opening statements, the prosecution will begin to call its witnesses, including agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of the Homeland Security, and the State Department. In response to this we continue our call to all supporters of Rasmea to pack the Courtroom every day of her trial!

Come to Detroit for the trial!

Angela Davis OpEd says, “Free Rasmea Odeh!”

Article in The Nation by Charlotte Silver

Jess Sundin of Rasmea Defense Committee interviewed in Detroit Metro Times

November 4, San Jose: Justice for Rasmea Odeh

3 November 2014

SOUTH BAY ACTIVISTS DEMAND: JUSTICE FOR RASMEA ODEH
Join the South Bay Committee Against Political Repression in protes against attempted railroading of respected Palestinian-America activist Rasmea Odeh

WHERE: MLK Library, 150 E San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 9511

WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th, 5-6 pm

WHY: On October 22nd, 2013, Rasmea was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security and charged with Unlawful Procurement of Naturalization, for allegedly failing to disclose that she had been imprisoned by the Israelis in Palestine over 45 years ago. The wrongful conviction in Palestine was the result of vicious physical and sexual torture by the Israelis, so Rasmea is fighting this Israeli charge in a Detroit courtroom.

Judge Gershwin Drain handed down a series of outrageous and unjust decisions on Oct 27th and 28th. Judge Drain agreed that Rasmea’s assertion that she faced torture and sexual abuse at the hands of her Israeli captors is “credible,” but then contradicted himself and ruled it cannot be brought up in the course of her trial—even though this was at the heart of her defense. Her attorneys had planned to call an expert witness to the stand, but now will not be allowed to. Clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Fabri, who has decades of experience working with torture survivors, would have testified that an error Rasmea allegedly made in filling out immigration forms (the basis for the charge against her) was the result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Instead, Judge Drain will allow the prosecution to use documents provided by the Israelis as evidence in the case, even though these documents are the products of Israeli military courts and a “legal” system that routinely uses torture. He has even gone so far as to rule that when Rasmea testifies, she can only address issues that the prosecution agrees to allow.

No fair minded person can accept any of this. There was nothing fair about her being indicted on trumped up immigration charges in the first place. The recent rulings by Judge Drain indicate that there will be nothing fair about Rasmea’s trial either. Determined and collective action by those of us who yearn for justice, and civil and human rights, is imperative.

For more information, email coordinator@sanjosepeace.org or call 408-297-2299. On the web at http://www.stopfbi.net

November 4, Gainesville: Solidarity with Rasmea Odeh

3 November 2014

Tuesday, November 4
1:30 PM
Turlington Plaza – University of Florida
Gainesville
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1517128785211554/

University of Florida Students for Justice in Palestine and Students for a Democratic Society will be hosting a demonstration in solidarity with Rasmea Odeh on the date of her trial this Tuesday, November 4th, in Turlington Plaza.

Rasmea Odeh is a Palestinian-American humanitarian, a human rights advocate, a teacher and a leading member of Chicago’s Arab and Muslim communities has been arrested and indicted based on political motives on October 22, 2013.

November 4, Oakland: All Out for Rasmea!

2 November 2014

Drop the Charges against Rasmea Odeh!

Demand an end to the unjust and unfair trial of a torture survivor.

On Tuesday, November 4th, a judge is starting a trial that threatens to charge human rights activist Rasmea Odeh with a 10-year sentence and deportation.

JOIN US TO EXPRESS OUR SOLIDARITY WITH RASMEA.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 @ 5pm (Election Day)

WHERE: Lake Merritt farmer’s market
(Lake Park Avenue between Grand and Lakeshore)

WHAT: Rally, speak out, and flyering

Today, on November 4th, when American democracy will be practiced at the polls, a federal trial will get underway, whose very premise calls into question American democratic values, including the right to a fair trial. That’s when beloved and longtime women’s rights advocate Rasmea Odeh will face those who accuse her of procuring her citizenship unlawfully by allegedly omitting an answer on her citizenship application10 years ago.

As stated above, on Tuesday, November 4th, Rasmea Odeh’s trial will begin and dozens of people will be heading to Detroit to stand by her side in the courtroom, and to demand that the charges against Rasmea be dropped. Rasmea Odeh is a 67 year old Palestinian American community leader who was jailed by the Israeli occupiers of Palestine, and was tortured and raped.

Judge Drain, the judge presiding over the case, agreed that Rasmea’s assertion that she faced torture and sexual abuse at the hands of her Israeli captors is “credible,” then contradicted himself and ruled it cannot be brought up in the course of her trial—even though this was at the heart of her defense. Her attorneys had planned to call an expert witness to the stand, but now will not be allowed to. Clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Fabri, who has decades of experience working with torture survivors, would have testified that an error Rasmea allegedly made in filling out immigration forms the basis for the charge against her) was the result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Rasmea has spent the past 20 years in the U.S., making huge contributions to not only the Arab communities across the U.S. but also the immigrant rights, racial justice, women’s rights, and many other movements. She is known for caring approach in organizing and has been recognized for her work by many national and local organizations.

Click here for everything you need to know about Rasmea’s trial in Detroit.

Click here to sign the petition demanding the US government drop the charges against Rasmea.
Click here to donate. Your support ensures that Rasmea has the best legal defense, and funds the moblization effort to fill the courtroom with Rasmea ‘s supporters.

Sponsors: Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC), US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN), Middle East Children Alliance (MECA), BAYAN, All of Us or None, Palestinian Youth Movement, Global Women’s Strike, Haiti Action Committee, ANSWER.

November 7, Montreal: Launch of “Captive Revolution” book on Palestinian women prisoners

2 November 2014

Launch of Nahla Abdo’s new book, “Captive Revolution: Palestinian Women’s Anti-Colonial Struggle Within the Israeli Prison System”
Friday November 7th, 4 – 6PM
McGill University – Institute of Islamic Studies
3485 McTavish Street, 017 Morrice Hall (the “TNC”)
Venue is wheelchair accessible
Free admission and open to the public
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/717650841638278/

The Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling presents the launch of Nahla Abdo’s latest book “Captive Revolution: Palestinian Women’s Anti-Colonial Struggle Within the Israeli Prison System.”

Join us for a book launch and discussion with Nahla Abdo.

Co-sponsored by Qpirg McGill, Culture Shock, the Centre for Gender Advocacy, the Simone de Beauvoir Institute, Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights Concordia, and McGill’s Institute of Islamic Studies.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Nahla Abdo’s Captive Revolution seeks to break the silence on Palestinian women political detainees, providing a vital contribution to research on women, revolution, national liberation and anti-colonial resistance. The book examines Israel’s racism and settler colonial policies against Palestinian women political detainees in Israeli prisons and highlights the state’s specific targeting of women. Based on the stories of the women themselves, Abdo draws on a wealth of oral history and primary research to analyse Palestinian women’s anti-colonial struggle, their agency and their treatment as political detainees.

Books will be available for purchase at the event through the Concordia Co-op Bookstore. Sales can be made with cash or credit (VISA or MasterCard) only.

‘With Captive Revolution, Nahla Abdo reveals just how much of the history of anti-imperialist struggles is absent when women – especially Palestinian women freedom fighters – are overlooked. In the process of reconstructing this history through testimonies of Palestinian women political detainees, Abdo offers us incisive critiques of orientalist feminisms and of the persistence of racism in the Israeli occupation of Palestine.’ – Angela Davis, Distinguished Professor Emerita, History of Consciousness and Feminist Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nahla Abdo is an Arab feminist activist and Professor of Sociology at Carleton University. She has published extensively on women, racism, nationalism, and the State in the Middle East, with a special focus on Palestinian women.

This event has been endorsed by Qpirg Concordia, Tadamon!, McGill Student’s in Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights, Independent Jewish Voices Canada, and Independent Jewish Voices Montreal.

For the entire Culture Shock Schedule, please visit qpirgmcgill.org/culture-shock. Culture Shock is an annual event series dedicated to exploring the myths surrounding immigrants, refugees, Indigenous peoples and communities of colour.

Vicious, unjust rulings in case of Rasmea Odeh – Come to Detroit November 4 and Stand Up for Justice!

1 November 2014

Statement of Rasmea Defense Committee

Register here to make your plans to attend the trial.

Judge Gershwin Drain handed down a series of outrageous and unjust decisions, Oct 27 – 28, in the case of revered Palestinian American leader Rasmea Odeh. The government is going all out to railroad Rasmea, to jail and deport her. There was nothing fair about her being indicted on trumped up immigration charges in the first place. The recent rulings by Judge Drain indicate that there will be nothing fair about Rasmea’s trial either.

Determined and collective action by those of us who yearn for justice, and civil and human rights, is imperative. We must fill the streets around the courthouse in Detroit, pack the courtroom during the trial, and organize demonstrations around the country. If there is to be a measure of justice in this case, we are the ones who must provide it.

In the late 60s, Rasmea Odeh was jailed by the Israeli occupiers of Palestine, where she was tortured and raped. She has spent the past 20 years in the U.S., making huge contributions to not only the Arab community of Chicagoland, but also the immigrant rights, racial justice, women’s rights, and many other movements. She is being victimized for a second time in Detroit.

Judge Drain agreed that Rasmea’s assertion that she faced torture and sexual abuse at the hands of her Israeli captors is “credible,” then contradicted himself and ruled it cannot be brought up in the course of her trial—even though this was at the heart of her defense. Her attorneys had planned to call an expert witness to the stand, but now will not be allowed to. Clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Fabri, who has decades of experience working with torture survivors, would have testified that an error Rasmea allegedly made in filling out immigration forms (the basis for the charge against her) was the result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Instead, Judge Drain will allow the prosecution to use documents provided by the Israelis as evidence in the case, even though these documents are the products of Israeli military courts and a “legal” system that routinely uses torture. He has even gone so far as to rule that when Rasmea testifies, she can only address issues that the prosecution agrees to allow.

No fair minded person can accept any of this. That is why we have to go all out for Tuesday, November 4^th, in Detroit.

Rasmea Odeh has devoted her entire life to making this world a better place. The U.S. government wants to criminalize those that stand up for Palestine. We cannot allow this to happen. We do not know how long Rasmea’s trial will last, but due to the extreme limits that Judge Drain has placed on the scope of the trial, we are urging supporters to prioritize attending the first week—Tuesday, Nov 4^th, through Friday, November 7^th.

Pack the courtroom! Don’t let them win!

Detroit, November 4: All Out to Defend Rasmea Odeh!

1 November 2014

Register for a spot

Please join us on Nov. 4 as we travel with Rasmea Odeh to Detroit on the first day of her trial. Rasmea is the 67-year-old Palestinian American leader who was tortured by the Israelis in 1969, and is now being unjustly prosecuted by the U.S. government.

Stand with Rasmea and fill the federal courthouse in Detroit!

Our work is not merely an act of solidarity with Rasmea Odeh, but also serves as a challenge to the unjust prosecution of a beloved Palestinian icon, as well as a refusal to accept the criminalization of an entire community. Her trial is set to begin on Tuesday, November 4th, at the Federal Courthouse at 231 W. Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, Michigan. We are committed to filling the courtroom every day of the trial, which is expected to last up to three weeks. To be successful in helping her win the case, we need you there!

1. Fill the courtroom, starting Tuesday, November 4 (for up to 3 weeks).

Weekdays from 8am to 1pm
at 231 W. Lafayette Blvd., downtown Detroit.
Click here to register.

For those coming to Detroit from out of town: The Rasmea Defense Committee is working hard to support your housing and transportation needs. When you register, let us know how we can help. General logistical information will be posted soon.

For people in Chicago: Buses for Rasmea’s trial in Detroit will be leaving from the Chicago area on Monday night, November 3rd, at 11:30 PM, from the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview at 7360 W. 93rd Street. Those who want to ride the bus MUST reserve a space by filling out this online web form. We are calling on supporters to try to make a commitment for the whole week. On the form, you MUST tell us how many days of the trial you can attend.

If you have any questions, email them to justice4rasmea@uspcn.org. See you on the bus and in the courts!

2. Sign the petition demanding the US government drop the charges against Rasmea Odeh.

3. Donate here. Your support ensures that Rasmea Odeh has the best legal defense, and funds the mobilization to fill the courtroom with Rasmea Odeh supporters.

The national Rasmea Defense Committee includes United States Palestinian Community Network, Committee to Stop FBI Repression (CSFR), Coalition to Protect People’s Rights (CPPR), 8th Day Center for Justice, Al-Awda NY: the Palestine Right to Return Coalition, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)-Chicago, American Muslims for Palestine, Anti-War Committee (AWC)-Chicago, AWC-Minneapolis, Arab Jewish Partnership for Peace and Justice in the Middle East, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Chicago Light Brigade, Committee Against Political Repression, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)-Chicago, CAIR-Michigan, Friends of Sabeel-North America, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, International League of Peoples’ Struggle-U.S., Jewish Voice for Peace, Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS), Lifta Society, Middle East Crisis Committee (CT), National Boricua Human Rights Network, National Lawyers Guild (NLG), National Students for Justice in Palestine, Palestine Solidarity Group-Chicago, Palestine Solidarity Legal Support, Palestinian Youth Movement-USA Branch, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, St. Louis Palestine SolidarityCommittee, United African Organization, United National Antiwar Coalition, US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, Voces de la Frontera, Women Against Military Madness, and Z Collective.

November 4, Fort Lauderdale: Solidarity Protest with Rasmea Odeh

1 November 2014

Rally for Rasmea Odeh: Drop the Charges Now!
Tuesday, November 4
5:00pm – 7:00pm
299 E Broward Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/635273279927459/

On Tuesday, November 4th, Rasmea Odeh’s trial will begin and we want to continue to show her support from south Florida! We ask the pro-Palestinian, pro-peace, and pro-justice community of south Florida to join us in demanding, Stop the Repression! Drop the Charges!

Sixty-six year old Rasmea Odeh is a Palestinian-American feminist, activist, educator and community leader. She has served as the associate director of the Arab American Action Network (AAAN) in Chicago since 2004.

On October 22, 2013 the Department of Homeland Security arrested Rasmea in her home for alleged immigration fraud as part of an ongoing witch-hunt that targets Arabs and Muslims who criticize U.S. and Israeli policy and labels them “terrorists.”

The national Drop The Charges Against Rasmea Now Campaign is working hard to ensure that Rasmea is free to fight for justice, and we want to show solidarity and keep up the pressure! Join us to rally in support, and continue to call-in and share the petition with your family and friends.

November 2, Dearborn: Community Fundraiser – Stand with Palestine! Stand with Rasmea!

1 November 2014

Stand with Palestine! Stand with Rasmea!
Sunday, November 2
6:00pm
Beit Hanina Outreach Community Center – 4045 Maple Street, Dearborn Michigan
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/566318793469128/

Come join the Rasmea Defense Committee for a celebration of Palestine and hear updates and latest developments on Palestinian community leader Rasmea Odeh’s case. Light refreshments will be provided and all donations will fund Rasmea’s legal defense and the community-based defense campaign.

Rasmea Odeh is a leading member of Chicago’s Arab and Muslim communities. She has dedicated over 40 years of her life to the empowerment of Arab women, first in her homes of Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon, where she was an activist and attorney, and then the past 10 years in Chicago. After giving so much to others, Rasmea now needs our support.

Rasmea was brutally tortured into a confession by the Israelis 45 years ago, and now the U.S. is trying to brutalize her once again, claiming that she lied on an immigration application 20 years ago. If found guilty, she could face up to ten years in federal prison, an immediate revocation of her citizenship, and then deportation from the United States.

The charge against Rasmea is a political attack by the U.S. government, its not only an attack on Rasmea, it is attack on Palestinians and those who work for Palestine. We know through community-wide support we can help keep Rasmea free and defeat another attack on our community.

This is why we are asking you to join us Sunday November 2, 2014 at the Beit Hanini Outreach Community Center for an evening celebrating Palestine and Palestinian community leader Rasmea Odeh.

Rasmea’s trial is set to begin in Detroit on November 4. Come to learn more.

November 14, Oakland: Fundraiser for Rasmea Odeh featuring Addameer’s Sahar Francis

1 November 2014

Pelican2Palestine and US Palestinian Community Network Present

Fundraiser for Rasmea Odeh

Military Occupation of Our Communities in the US & Palestine:

Prisoner Resistance to Popular Rebellion

Friday, November 14th

7pm

Oakstop

1721 Broadway, Oakland

Accessible by elevator and Bart

$10-20 donation

Featuring from Palestine:

Sahar Francis, Deputy Director of Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association

Presentations by:

Malcolm X Grassroots Movement

Critical Resistance

AROC: Arab Resource & Organizing Center

Catering by

Reem’s: Arab street food with California love
Arabic music by Wael Buhaissy and Fatima Lahlou Lahlou

1. Fill the courtroom, starting Tuesday, November 4 (for up to 3 weeks).

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