California Congressman Ro Khanna emphasized the growing bipartisan recognition that US policy on Israel needs reevaluation in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He urged Congress to acknowledge Palestinian aspirations and stressed that moral clarity must guide US foreign policy. Khanna noted that global consensus supports Palestinian statehood, while the US continues to lag behind international calls for justice.

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II spoke passionately about protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian support reaches those in need. He vowed not to accept campaign contributions from organizations funding ongoing violence and highlighted the local connection, noting that many families in Michigan’s Greater Detroit area have relatives affected by the conflict.

“Everyone deserves the right to safety, food, shelter, and a future free from violence,” Gilchrist said, earning a standing ovation. “These rights must be upheld both here in Michigan and around the world.”

The ADC honored activists and medical professionals, including Drs. Mohammed Mustafa and Mohammed Tahir, for their tireless efforts to save lives in Gaza under challenging conditions. Their stories underscored the urgent need for global attention, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for Palestinian civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly.

Panels at the convention explored the influence of social media on public opinion, challenges posed by algorithm-driven content moderation, and strategies to ensure accurate reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussions also covered student activism and campaigns supporting economic and diplomatic measures, including the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, highlighting the power of civic engagement in shaping US policy.

Former Wayne County Health Director Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a US Senate candidate, emphasized the role of citizens in promoting justice, human rights, and public accountability. He encouraged attendees to use advocacy and informed engagement to influence political decision-making and uphold the principles of equity and humanitarian responsibility.

The ADC convention underscored a growing commitment among American leaders and communities to defend human dignity, advocate for justice, and foster international dialogue. By combining activism, humanitarian action, and principled policymaking, the event demonstrated the power of the Arab-American community and its allies to drive meaningful change in US foreign policy and global awareness.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the ADC highlighted decades of advocacy and civil rights work, showcasing the organization’s ongoing dedication to amplifying critical voices and promoting solidarity, equity, and human rights worldwide.

Sheikh Abdullah, who also serves as the UAE’s deputy prime minister, underscored the importance of halting hostilities, securing the release of hostages, and preventing further escalation in the Middle East. The meeting, attended by UAE Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri and UAE Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja, marked a rare diplomatic engagement between the two nations since the Gaza war began in October 2023.

The UAE and Israel normalized relations in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, but bilateral interactions have been limited amid the ongoing conflict sparked by Hamas-led attacks on Israel. Saar noted on X that this was his second meeting with Sheikh Abdullah, signaling a cautious resumption of dialogue.

During the talks, Sheikh Abdullah called for a “serious political horizon” to restart negotiations for a two-state solution, reaffirming the UAE’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. He also stressed the need to curb extremism, tensions, and violence across the region, the ministry statement said.

The meeting coincided with Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza, which resumed last month after the collapse of a US-mediated truce. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 1,330 Palestinians have been killed since the offensive restarted, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 50,695 — numbers cannot be independently verified. The war erupted when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, of whom 59 remain in Gaza—24 believed to be alive.

Sheikh Abdullah’s push for peace reflects growing regional concern over Gaza’s humanitarian toll, with the UAE positioning itself as a mediator advocating for stability and Palestinian rights amid a conflict showing no signs of abating.