Accused of Antisemitism for Telling Students about Palestinian Life: Huwaida Arraf & Peter Beinart

Palestinian-American civil rights attorney Huwaida Arraf speaks with FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart about what happened since she was invited to address a high school diversity assembly in Michigan last month. After Arraf spoke to the students about her family and life experiences, the backlash began almost immediately, with prominent local leaders and the school district superintendent accusing Arraf of spreading "antisemitic rhetoric." This Middle East Eye article, "How a Palestinian activist's appearance at a US school triggered a smear campaign," offers a detailed overview of the incident and its aftermath. Jewish Voice for Peace led the effort to support Arraf and spearheaded this petition, which has gained wide support: "Bigotry Comes in Many Forms: We Oppose the Targeting of Huwaida Arraf & Silencing of the Palestinian Narrative with Bogus Charges of Antisemitism." As of this week, both the school principal and the district superintendent have resigned their posts.   Original Music by Jalal Yaquoub.