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Portrait of Huwaida Arraf

Huwaida Arraf

Renowned Activist-Lawyer, Palestinian Rights Defender.

Born
1976
Born in
Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Why Huwaida is here

Arraf's leadership in founding the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), her involvement in legal and grassroots initiatives, and her instrumental role in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla have made her a key figure in advocating for Palestinian rights and challenging injustices.

Their story

Huwaida Arraf, born to Palestinian parents in Detroit, Michigan, has become a prominent figure in advocating for Palestinian rights through legal and non-violent means. A co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement, she has utilized international law and solidarity to draw attention to the Palestinian struggle. Arraf's activism, combined with her legal expertise, has placed her at the forefront of significant movements and actions aimed at challenging and confronting Israeli policies and blockades impacting Palestinian lives.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Huwaida’s path.

  1. Co-Founding the International Solidarity Movement (ISM)

    Arraf helped establish the ISM in 2001, focusing on non-violent resistance and drawing international attention to the Palestinian cause.

  2. Involvement in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla

    She played a crucial role in the 2008 and 2010 attempts to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, notably during the lethal attack by Israeli forces on the flotilla in 2010.

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  3. Building Legal Education Programs

    Arraf contributed to the development of the first accredited clinical legal education program in the Arab world at Al-Quds University.

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  4. Participation in Palestinian Freedom Riders

    In 2011, inspired by the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, Arraf was one of six activists who attempted to ride segregated Israeli settler public transport, leading to their violent arrest.

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  5. Running for U.S. Congress

    Arraf campaigned as a candidate for Michigan's 10th congressional district in the 2022 elections, marking her involvement in American politics.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Promoting Non-Violent Resistance

    Through the ISM, Arraf has emphasized non-violent protest and international solidarity as means to support the Palestinian struggle.

  2. Advocacy Against Israeli Blockades

    Her leadership roles in the Free Gaza Movement and the Gaza Freedom Flotilla challenged the Israeli blockade on Gaza, seeking to bring international attention to the humanitarian crisis.

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  3. Legal Advocacy and Education

    Arraf's work in legal education and representing clients in human rights cases has contributed to advancing the legal framework supporting Palestinian rights.

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  4. Political Engagement

    By running for Congress, Arraf has sought to bring her advocacy for human rights and Palestinian rights into the American political sphere, showcasing the importance of political engagement in activism.

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  5. Co-authoring Reports on Human Rights Violations

    Arraf co-authored the report "Onslaught: Israel's Attack on Gaza and the Rule of Law," which details findings from the first delegation of lawyers to enter Gaza following Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009).

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