DETROIT – Thousands gathered at the TCF Center in Detroit on Saturday, September 21, 2024, for the People’s Conference for Palestine, where multiple speakers reportedly advocated for violent actions against Israelis. The event, drawing an estimated crowd of over 10,000 attendees, featured a series of presentations and discussions focused on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The conference arrives amid heightened global tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent military response in Gaza.The calls for violence, documented by multiple sources including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and reported by media outlets, have sparked condemnation from pro-Israel groups and raised concerns about rising antisemitism. The event’s rhetoric underscores the deep divisions surrounding the conflict and the potential for escalation both domestically and internationally.
According to reports and recordings of speeches, speakers at the conference utilized phrases such as “neutralize” Israelis and called for an end to the “Zionist project.” Tarek Ismail,a speaker identified as a representative of the Palestinian Youth Movement,reportedly stated,”We have to neutralize those who are trying to colonize our land.” Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, framing resistance to Israeli policies as a legitimate struggle requiring forceful action.
The People’s Conference for Palestine was organized by the U.S. palestinian Community Network (USPCN) and a coalition of other pro-Palestinian organizations. Organizers stated the event aimed to mobilize support for palestinian rights and raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The ADL released a statement condemning the conference, stating that the rhetoric employed by speakers “crosses the line into incitement to violence” and contributes to a hostile environment for Jewish communities. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office has not yet issued a public statement regarding the event,but is reportedly monitoring the situation.Law enforcement officials were present at the TCF Center during the conference to maintain order and ensure public safety.
