Freedom Advocacy Network

Championing Arab-American Rights: A Conversation with ADC’s Abed Ayoub & Laud NGO’s Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza

March 20, 2025

In a candid conversation held on Monday, 03 Mar, 2025, Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), shared a comprehensive overview of the state of the Arab-American community. The meeting also featured insights from the Laud NGO outlining their initiatives in Gaza and Cairo to alleviate Palestinian suffering.

Abed Ayoub & ADC’s Stance

The <a href=’ADC”>https://adc.org/’>ADC is an organization committed to defending the rights of people of Arab descent and promoting their cultural heritage. It was founded by former U.S. Senator James Abourezk in 1980 and is currently the largest Arab American grassroots organization in the U.S. In the meeting, Ayoub voiced concerns about the community’s current challenges and emphasized the necessity of a strategic approach.

“We will have a conversation about the state of our community, lessons learned from over the past year, challenges ahead, and what we have to do to put ourselves in a better position.”

Ayoub argued that the community has been failing in many areas, such as on college campuses, political losses, and social media. However, he remained optimistic and stressed the importance of truth and justice, stating that “we always have truth and justice on our side.”

Addressing Challenges & Strategies

Ayoub opined that the community’s structures and ways of communicating are inefficient and lacking cohesion and strategy. He emphasized the need to support elections in advance and encouraged the community to take advantage of online spaces before they are silenced. He also suggested that the community should not align itself with any political spectrum, but rather figure out how to work with people on all spectrums.

The Laud NGO’s Mission in Gaza

In the same meeting, representatives from Laud NGO shared their experiences working on the ground in Gaza and Cairo to alleviate Palestinian suffering. Started by Cecilia in February 2024, Laud NGO aims to avoid homelessness for Gazans in Cairo by covering basic needs, providing housing, and even starting a school and kitchen in Rafah. They have a database of 4,000 families and work closely with the Ministry of Health in Palestine and the Palestinian embassy. However, they also face challenges as Palestinians in Cairo are not able to secure residency or refugee status, thereby limiting their access to public health, schools, and jobs.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges faced, both organizations remain hopeful and determined to continue their work. Abed Ayoub stressed the need to focus on local and state agendas and prepare for midterm elections, while Laud NGO is committed to providing necessary aid to Palestinians in Cairo and Gaza. Both organizations recognize the importance of strategic planning and effective communication to achieve their goals.

As Laila, a participant in the discussion, wisely noted, “As we move from a resistance movement to a leadership movement, we need to be prepared for that.”

Resources & Links

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee: An In-Depth Discussion on Future Strategies

March 20, 2025

In a recent meeting, Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), led a deep dive into the state of the Arab-American community, its challenges, and the strategic direction of the ADC.

A Brief Overview of ADC

The ADC is a grassroots civil rights organization founded in 1980 by former U.S. Senator James Abourezk. Its mission is to defend the rights of people of Arab descent and promote their rich cultural heritage. Today, the ADC stands as the largest Arab American grassroots organization in the U.S.

“ADC is a civil rights organization committed to defending the rights of people of Arab descent and promoting their rich cultural heritage.” – Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director of the ADC

The State of the Arab-American Community

Abed Ayoub discussed the current state of the Arab-American community, acknowledging the need for an inventory check of what’s been working and what hasn’t. He highlighted the need for better communication, cohesion, and strategy within the community, particularly in areas such as college campuses, social media, and political campaigns.

‘Our structures, our ways of communicating are not efficient, are not working, cohesion is lacking, strategy is lacking,’ – Abed Ayoub commented.

The ADC’s Strategic Direction

The ADC is keen on focusing on truth and justice, highlighting the importance of supporting elections well in advance and taking full advantage of online spaces. Abed highlighted how, despite not being featured on major news networks like CNN and MSNBC, the ADC has been able to control the narrative on social media.

‘They don’t have our people on CNN and MSNBC … which wasn’t a bad thing because we were able to control the narrative on social media’ – Abed Ayoub

The ADC is also committed to working with people across the political spectrum, focusing on issues that affect Americans across the board, and has been part of the anti-war movement for years.

Looking Forward

Going forward, the ADC is exploring how to improve its messaging and reach, targeting the ‘blue collar’ worker. The organization acknowledges the need to bring in professionals to do the work, use their skills wisely, and take their work very seriously. Abed also emphasized the importance of focusing more on local and state agendas and being prepared for midterm elections.

‘We need to have more of a focus on local and state agendas’ – Abed Ayoub

Final Thoughts

Despite the challenges, there’s an air of optimism. The ADC believes that they are in a far better position than ever before, with more awareness around their cause.

‘We are winning in the social media space. They are deplatforming us.’ – Abed Ayoub

However, they are prepared for the fact that as the movement transitions from a resistance movement to a leadership one, there will be new challenges to face.

Resources & Links

Mobilizing Bystanders: A New Approach to Addressing the Crisis in Gaza

March 20, 2025

On April 17, 2024, a group of dedicated individuals met to discuss a pressing issue: the dire situation faced by the people of Gaza. The purpose of the meeting was to brainstorm and propose action plans to foster change.

Understanding Bystanders

Dr. Raj Thamotheram, a confirmed participant in the meeting, emphasized the need to understand and engage bystanders in the issue. Bystanders, those who are aware of the situation but not actively involved, can be a powerful force in driving change if properly mobilized.

As Dr. Raj highlighted, the key is to understand what encourages bystanders to act and what puts them off. This involves understanding their motivations, their fears, and their perception of the situation.

“Dr Raj wants to brainstorm ways to mobilize people who are on the fence, especially those who you would normally expect to be allies.”

For this, the group proposed the idea of conducting a survey to study why people who should be speaking up are not.

The Need for Market Research

One of the key discussion points was the urgent need for market research. It was agreed upon that there is currently no substantial research showing why people remain silent on the issue. The group proposed conducting an anonymous poll to gather this vital information, hoping to get at least 50-100 responses.

The results of this research would then be used to create FAQs to address common concerns, such as fears of being labeled anti-Semitic.

The Challenge of Mobilizing Aid for Gaza

The group also discussed the challenge of mobilizing aid for Gaza. Ravneet raised an important question, “Why focus on the bystanders?”. The answer is simple – unless we bring them in as allies, achieving meaningful change will be difficult.

Maureen shared a poll finding that showed 30% of the population is unsure about the issue – these are the bystanders we need to engage.

Identifying the Call to Action

The discussion also touched upon the need for a clear call to action. One suggestion was to promote funding for UNWRA as a possible action that concerned citizens could take. Dr. Romano raised a pertinent question about the scope of the survey: “It’s not just Gaza or just this genocide – the whole system is deeply problematic – what would transcend this moment?”

This led to the conclusion that the group would use the survey results to identify the main obstacles and then find ways around these hurdles.

Exploring Different Approaches

The group acknowledged that different audiences require different approaches. For instance, for evangelicals, a theological approach might be more effective. Dr. Romano pointed out that it’s not just about Gaza or this specific genocide, but the entire problematic system. This broader perspective is crucial in determining a strategy that transcends the moment and brings about substantial change.

In conclusion, the group decided to continue exploring different approaches to engage bystanders, conduct market research to understand their motivations, and identify the most effective call to action. They agreed that mobilizing bystanders could potentially make a significant difference in addressing the dire situation in Gaza.

Resources & Links

The Hidden Cost of Bonds: Unveiling the Ethical Implications of Investment Practices

March 19, 2025

Every penny you save in a pension fund, every dollar that makes up your retirement nest egg, has a story. But, often, we don’t ask, ‘where is our pension money coming from?’ Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on a controversial issue that many might not be aware of – the ethics of investment practices, particularly concerning Israeli Bonds.

Israeli Bonds: High Security to Junk Level Stocks

Israeli Bonds have traditionally been viewed as secure investments. However, as noted by one of the meeting participants, these bonds have recently slipped to junk level stocks. This shift is primarily due to their negative impact on Palestine, and groups like BDS and AFSC are advocating for increased awareness of these issues.

The Unseen Impact of Investments

As Carlo, a meeting attendee, pointed out, ‘usually companies that are bad for Palestine are bad in general.’ This includes poor working conditions, harmful environmental practices, and questionable policies. The ethical implications of these investments stretch beyond the borders of Palestine, impacting the global community.

Looking at the UK’s LGPS

Let’s take a closer look at the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in the UK, which currently has 6 million members and 81 different pension pools. In an alarming revelation, it was found that LGPS invested $250 million USD in Israeli bonds, accounting for 5% of the 2024 Israeli Bonds, raising serious ethical questions.

The Role of Speaking Up

Animah Kosai, a lawyer turned activist, based in Nottingham, UK, is focused on encouraging people to speak up about such issues. She emphasizes the power of voice in transforming business practices and creating spaces that respect human rights and ethical considerations.

Conclusion

Investment practices are more than just a means to grow wealth. They have far-reaching implications that can influence societal structures and human rights. It’s time we all start asking ‘where is our pension money coming from?’ and demand ethical investment practices.

Resources

<a href=’Tech”>https://updates.techforpalestine.org/israel-and-big-tech/’>Tech for Palestine
<a href=’DAWN’s”>https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250224110808/en/DAWN-calls-on-International-Criminal-Court-to-Investigate-Biden-administration-for-Aiding-and-Abetting-Israeli-Crimes-in-Gaza’>DAWN’s Call to International Criminal Court
<a href=’Animah”>https://animahkosai.com/’>Animah Kosai’s Website
<a href=’CPPdivest”>https://www.justpeaceadvocates.ca/tag/cppdivest/’>CPPdivest – Just Peace Advocates
<a href=’World’s”>https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/Home/Components/News/News/712/16′>World’s Largest Investor in Israel Bonds
<a href=’Americans”>https://ministryofwoke.com/2024/04/18/americans-please-divest-from-war-stocks/’>Americans – Please Divest From War Stocks
<a href=’Divesting”>https://afsc.org/divest’>Divesting for Palestinian Rights

Calling all Advocates: Here’s How a Small Florida Group is Taking on Israeli Bonds

March 19, 2025

On one seemingly average March day, a group of passionate advocates gathered for a meeting that was anything but ordinary. The Internationalist Law Center, led by Lydia Ghuman and Sunny Osment, shared bold strategies to challenge unjust financial practices that fuel the occupation of Palestine. Their goal? To make a global impact from their base in Florida.

Breaking the Bonds: A Florida Story

The Internationalist Law Center, born from the Break the Bonds South Florida campaign, is spearheading litigation against Palm Beach County, the world’s largest investor in Israeli bonds. The case argues that the county’s $700 million investment of taxpayer money in these bonds is not just unethical, but also illegal. When the money is returned to the County’s funds in three years with interest, the group believes it should be reinvested to serve local needs.

‘If Israel bonds were abolished, the occupation would fall within 18 months, according to themselves directly.’ – Meeting Participant

Shining a Light on Financial Injustice

The Israeli bonds, according to the group, are used by Israel to fund weapons purchases. The group believes that if these bonds were abolished, the occupation of Palestine would crumble within 18 months. The lawsuit aims to give constituents a say in how their tax dollars should be invested, rather than leaving it to lawmakers and their friends.

A Three-Pronged Strategy

Legal action isn’t the only tool the Internationalist Law Center is using. They’re also leveraging community organizing and public advocacy to achieve their goals. They believe that public pressure is vital to encourage the judge to rule in favor of the lawsuit, drawing parallels to the Roe vs Wade case which succeeded due to public support, despite a weak legal argument.

With Lydia, Sunny, and another organizer dedicating their full time to this cause from September, the group is determined to make Israel bonds illegal worldwide.

A Global Call to Action

During their meeting, participants from various backgrounds chimed in, sharing experiences, asking questions, and offering resources. From finding similar investments in Canada to submitting Freedom of Information requests at all levels of government, the attendees were eager to amplify the impact of the Internationalist Law Center’s work.

‘We are making great connections here. The investments are being made for political/ideological reasons. Israel has had to promise higher returns because of their junk bond status. Public funds are clearly being invested in a risky manner.’ – Adil, Meeting Participant

With so much passion, dedication, and strategic action, the Internationalist Law Center is well on its way to achieving its audacious goals. And they’re calling on advocates worldwide to join them in making a difference.

Resources

<a href=’Fundraiser”>https://www.gofundme.com/f/4ruvj?attribution_id=sl:783e6fa8-b9a0-4638-b742-ba0d71ef6183&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link’>Fundraiser by Joanna Ruth Berry
<a href=’The”>https://the-wall.win/’>The Wall addon
<a href=’Instagram”>https://www.instagram.com/p/DHE301HInej/?igsh=MW9mNWw0Zmk3MWtycg%3D%3D’>Instagram Post from @Findaprotest
<a href=’LinkedIn”>https://www.linkedin.com/posts/salmannaqvi_back-by-popular-demand-the-talking-about-activity-7306286317657604097-07aI/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAFlylQB9qW0I9St7Hw9klknnN7n4NYpJ68′>LinkedIn Post from AngryandFearless
<a href=’Automate”>https://github.com/main-salman/auto-linkedin’>Automate your LinkedIn posts with auto-linkedin
<a href=’Internationalist”>https://www.internationalistlawcenter.org/’>Internationalist Law Center

Sudan and Gaza are facing genocide

December 3, 2024

Sudan and Gaza are facing genocide – you can do something about both!

Download and share the videos below on any platform. No tagging, link backs or credit required. Let’s spread the word. The world must become aware of the genocides happening around the world.

Sudan and Gaza – Genocide.mp4 – Google Drive

Sudan and Gaza – Journalism Under Attack.mp4 – Google Drive

Sudan and Gaza – War Crimes of Mass Starvation.mp4 – Google Drive

Sudan and Gaza – Torture of Prisoners.mp4 – Google Drive

Speaking up against the genocide is a DUTY of every privileged individual

November 14, 2024

I have been using my privilege, as a man, as a Canadian, as a person with in-demand skills, and many other privileges to speak up against the genocide. For others who also have privileges, it is our collective DUTY to speak up. Please feel free to download and share any of the below content anywhere you wish. No copyright. No reference or credit required.

The few that I use on social media most often, and repeatedly, are on top.

Yemeni Genocide – Lawn Signs from 2021

October 31, 2024

As of 2024, I have been protesting Yemeni genocide now for 9 year. In 2021, around the time of the Canadian Federal Elections, I got these signs printed and posted all over Toronto and surrounding suburbs.

MPP Bethlenfalvy refuses to stand up for Pickering residents. Please call him and let him know your thoughts.

October 7, 2024

Me and my two Pickering neighbors went to see my local MPP/provincial politician Peter Bethlenfalvy. He didn’t let me record him. I only recorded the portion where I spoke. MPP’s colleague, Lisa Mcleod, has made hateful comments about all anti genocide protestors. MPP Bethlenfalvy refused to stand up for us. After I shared all of these details with him (see video), he said he will take no action. He was courteous and professional. But he refused to take action.

MPP Mcleod slanderously called us, the Pickering residents that speak up against genocide “terrorist sympathizers”, and MPP Bethlenfalvy refused to stand up for us. Will you please call him and visit him and let him know that this is unacceptable?

Address: 1550 Kingston Rd #213, Pickering, ON L1V 1C3

Phone: (905) 509-0336

“Nice people made the best Nazis. My mom grew up next to them. They got along, refused to make waves, looked the other way when things got ugly and focused on happier things than “politics.” They were lovely people who turned their heads as their neighbors were dragged away. You know who weren’t nice people? Resisters.”

Naomi Shulman

Congo children deserve their childhood #nextUpgradeNoiPhone #nextUpgradeNoSamsung

June 10, 2024

#nextUpgradeNoiPhone #nextUpgradeNoSamsung – Congolese children deserve a childhood!

Congo is being bled dry. But you can take action. SHARE THIS VIDEO. Make a pledge to not upgrade your iPhone or Samsung device. (There are ethical options like Fairphone). Download and share on all your platforms with tags #nextUpgradeNoiPhone #nextUpgradeNoSamsung – Let’s put our money where our mouth is! https://drive.google.com/file/d/13cQldSSLHRFcpM6X_NetkP8L1jeXelS9/view?usp=drive_link

recent posts

about

Abed Ayoub & ADC’s Stance

Addressing Challenges & Strategies

The Laud NGO’s Mission in Gaza

Looking Ahead

Resources & Links

A Brief Overview of ADC

The State of the Arab-American Community

The ADC’s Strategic Direction

Looking Forward

Final Thoughts

Resources & Links

Understanding Bystanders

The Need for Market Research

The Challenge of Mobilizing Aid for Gaza

Identifying the Call to Action

Exploring Different Approaches

Resources & Links

Israeli Bonds: High Security to Junk Level Stocks

The Unseen Impact of Investments

Looking at the UK’s LGPS

The Role of Speaking Up

Conclusion

Resources

Breaking the Bonds: A Florida Story

Shining a Light on Financial Injustice

A Three-Pronged Strategy

A Global Call to Action

Resources