In Context Briefing on Defending Dissent: Palestine, Freedom of Speech and the Future of Protest

As we approach November's historic election and the new semester begins on college campuses, all eyes are on the precarious state of American democracy. Top of mind for many are urgent questions about free speech, dissent and growing concerns surrounding the U.S.'s role in Israel-Palestine. Over the past year, those who criticize Israel's conduct in Gaza have faced extreme repression, including expulsions from their universities, dismissal from employment, doxing and, at times, arrest and violence from police.
Join us on Tuesday, Sept 17 at 11:00 am ET / 6:00 pm Jerusalem time to learn more about growing repression of dissent on Israel-Palestine, a trend that has built over decades and escalated in the past year. From anti-boycott legislation to the recent arrests of student protestors, leading experts will examine how these actions impact American democracy and our right to collectively organize on a range of issues – from Palestinian rights to the environment, racial justice, reproductive rights and beyond – at such a critical juncture.
The briefing will feature the following speakers:
Fadi Abu Shammalah, Journalist from Gaza and Outreach Associate, Just Vision
Sabiya Ahamed, Staff Attorney, Palestine Legal
Maria LaHood, Deputy Legal Director, Center for Constitutional Rights
Simone Zimmerman, Director of Strategic Communications & Outreach, Diaspora Alliance and co-founder, IfNotNow
Lara Friedman, President, Foundation for Middle East Peace
Suhad Babaa (Moderator), President and Executive Director, Just Vision
This event is sponsored by Just Vision, the Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU), Jewish Currents, Palestine Legal, the Foundation for Middle East Peace (FMEP), the Diaspora Alliance and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR).