Statement of Support for Rasmea Odeh

The AntiWar Committee-Chicago extends our unconditional support to community icon Rasmea Odeh. On October 22nd, 2013, 65 year-old Rasmea Odeh was arrested in her home and charged with immigration fraud. The Department of Homeland Security alleges Rasmea did not disclose her arrest by an Israeli military court, which happened over 45 years ago, on her application for US citizenship. She could face up to ten years in prison and the revocation of her citizenship. We recognize that these charges are a political assault against her as well as the Palestinian community.

For over 40 years Rasmea has dedicated herself to serving and empowering the people, a fact not lost on the communities of Chicago when she was named the Chicago Cultural Alliance’s “Outstanding Community Leader” for 2013, nor has this been lost on the international community which promptly rallied to her cause, quickly disseminating the news of the struggle being waged far and wide amidst numerous calls for solidarity and demands charges be dropped.

This has demonstrated firstly that no legal assault can erase the revolutionizing effects of years of sacrifice and dedication for one’s community, and secondly that the heroes of the people never have to struggle alone; the Chicago Anti-War Committee calls for solidarity with Rasmea Odeh!