Sixty-six year old Rasmea Odeh is a Palestinian-American feminist, activist, educator and community leader who has served as the Associate Director of the Arab American Action Network (AAAN) in Chicago since 2004. On October 22, Rasmea was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security and charged with immigration fraud. US WILPF has joined the growing list of organizations and individuals calling for charges to be dropped against Rasmea. We urge WILPF members and friends to act quickly to sign the petition and distribute it to your contacts. Rasmea’s hearing is scheduled for Nov 13, so do not delay!

Allegedly, in her application to enter the United States, Rasmea didn’t mention that she had been arrested in Palestine by an Israeli military court.  Apparently she was held in Administrative Detention by Israel 45 years ago for at least six months, without charges, a hearing or a trial. The question on the form she had to fill out is generally interpreted to mean “Have you ever been convicted of a crime and spent time in prison for that offense?” Her supporters say without a trial, there can be no conviction, and therefore she did not falsify her application; and that thousands of Palestinians (including children), have been held in Administrative Detention when they were only resisting an illegal occupation of their land. For more information visit www.stopfbi.net/.

Please sign and distribute this urgent petition.