National Convention Program

Panels & Events

IHRA PANEL

“Palestinian Activism Under Attack: IHRA and Academic Freedom”

This panel will examine the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism and its impact on academic freedom, particularly for Palestinian students and scholars. The panelists will establish a clear narrative about IHRA, its stakeholders, and its implications for human rights and civil liberties. This panel aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the impact of IHRA on Palestinian activism and the broader struggle for justice and equality.

  • Moderator: Will Youmans, Professor, George Washington University
  • Panelists:
    • Huwaida Arraf, Attorney and Human Rights Activist
    • Lara Sheehi, Professor, George Washington University
    • Omar Baddar, Political Analyst, Digital Producer, and Human Rights Advocate
    • Dima Khalidi, Founder and Director, Palestine Legal

FOREIGN POLICY PANEL

“Foreign Policy Conversation: U.S. Influence in the Middle East”

This panel will explore the changing geopolitical landscape of the Middle East through an examination of the reasons behind the declining American influence in the region and the factors that have contributed to the growing presence of China and Russia.

  • Confirmed Panelists:
    • Jim Moran, Founder, Moran Global Strategies
    • Jon Alterman, Senior Vice President, Center for Strategic and International Studies
    • Yasmine Amin-Zaki, Chair, Middle East Policy Council

MEDIA PANEL

“Remixing the Script: Telling the Arab American Story”

This panel will discuss the importance of authentic Arab-American representation in the media, focusing on what it means to tell an authentic, nuanced story that reflects the complexity and beauty of the Arab-American experience. The panelists will discuss the challenges Arab American creatives face, the opportunities that exist for them to break through, and the impact of authentic representation in challenging stereotypes and building empathy across cultures.

  • Conversation Led by: Jasmine Hawamdeh, Communications Manager, ADC

Conference Schedule

Friday, June 16th


4:00 PM - Registration Desk Opens
5:00 PM - Exhibition Hall Opens
6:00 PM - Opening Reception with Amer Zahr

Saturday, June 17th


8:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Zait + Za’atar Happy Hour
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Communication and Advocacy Training
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Media Panel
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM – Lecture
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Civil Rights Luncheon
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM – IHRA Panel
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM – Foreign Policy Panel

6:30 PM – 7:15 PM – Gala Pre-Dinner Receptions
7:15 PM – Doors Open
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM – Gala

Sunday, June 18th


8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – ADC Member General Assembly
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Palestine Training
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Keynote + Opening for Brunch
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Brunch Under the Olive Tree

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