SJP Chicago to host fundraiser for Rasmea Odeh

Rasmea Odeh, Palestinian-American icon, hugs one of her supporters.

The following press release was originally published by the SJP Chicago Network and was republished with its permission.

CHICAGO, IL — Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) Chicago Network is hosting a fundraiser to celebrate the resilience of Rasmea Odeh this Tuesday, February 3rd at 8:00 pm at DePaul University. The event will include dinner, a comedy performance from Amer Zahr, spoken word and dance performances, and a speech from Rasmea’s defense committee. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Odeh’s legal defense fund.

Odeh is a 67-year-old Palestinian community leader in Chicago. In October 2013, Rasmea was indicted for allegedly falsifying information on her immigration papers. The accusations made against her were based on information that was obtained via torture nearly twenty years prior. The attack on Odeh is an effort by the government to silence those who advocate for Palestinian self-determination and human rights.

This past November, Odeh was served a guilty verdict after an unfair trial, in which the core of her defense was not allowed to be presented in court, including evidence of her rape, torture, and PTSD. The judge chose to send Odeh to jail on the same day she was found guilty until her sentencing hearing.

After being imprisoned for one month, and spending a significant amount of that time in solitary confinement, Odeh was released on a $50,000 cash bond on December 11th. Her tentative sentence hearing date is March 12th.

Throughout her case, Odeh has exemplified resilience. On the day of her verdict, she told the crowd to keep their search on for justice. In spite of all odds and obstacles put in her way, Odeh has shown the community the meaning of strength. It is in the spirit of honoring her strength and resilience that the SJP Chicago Network is hosting this fundraising dinner.

Contact: Nader Ihmoud

Tel.: 773-540-3034

Email: naderihmoud@gmail.com