DEARBORN — Commemorating the Nabka is never easy, but for the peace and justice activists who organize somber and rallying observances every year, the importance of marking the anniversary can’t be overstated.

Palestine Office Michigan head Hasan Newash

The Palestine Office of Michigan commemorated the 61st anniversary at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn last Saturday, May 16.
The Nabka, which means “Day of Catastrophe,” represents the May 15th creation of Israel that resulted in the dispossession of hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

The Dearborn-based advocacy office trumpeted the message of perseverance and faith at the dinner in regards to Palestine’s ongoing struggle in the region.

“We are indeed a resilient people,” said Hasan Newash, director of the Palestine Office. “Nothing will make us stop.”

Activist Kathy Kelly

Kathy Kelly of Chicago, who helped initiate the Voices in the Wilderness Campaign to end the U.N./U.S. sanctions against Iraq was a featured speaker. Kelly also has visited Palestine and was a direct eyewitness to the massacre in Gaza. She talked about the importance of the Palestine Office.
“The notion of a statement office for Palestine is a tremendous accomplishment that should be a model for other states,” she said.

Kelly also bemoaned the passage of the new $97 billion bill for more war funding for the Afghanistan and Iraq wars as well, noting that there are too many problems in America for the U.S. to continue spending on wars.

Activist Phyllis Bennis

Dr. Phyllis Bennis, a Jewish activist and advocate for Palestinian rights, also was an honored speaker who encouraged continued efforts in advocacy.
“There’s been a huge change in the discourse globally in the past ten years; the work that the Palestine Office does is so important.”

Publisher and founder of The Arab American News Osama Siblani was honored as well for his service to the Arab community and coordination of opposition efforts to the Iraq war and the massacre in Gaza in 2009, among other efforts.

Siblani emphasized the importance of helping the Palestine Office in these trying times with donations, while also expressing confidence in the highly-educated and passionate Arab American youth at local universities, who he said work hard with the rest of the community to change the discourse in America on the subject.

Publisher of The Arab American News Osama Siblani

Also announced at the dinner by Siblani were tentative plans to create a convoy of Arab leaders and Palestine supporters of vehicles to go to Egypt, where plans to drive through to “break the siege” on Gaza will commence.
The night also included a fashion show of tradition Palestinian garb and closed with a performance by the Baladi Dabkeh Troupe, as a reminder of the cultural contributions Palestine has made to the world and the importance of preserving its heritage.