Tomorrow morning in Detroit, the Palestinian-American community organizer Rasmea Odeh, who is in her late 60s, is to be sentenced by a federal judge for her conviction on making false statements in immigration documents. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence. Many are speaking out on her behalf.
Rasmea Odeh has dedicated fifty years of her life to serving her community by supporting immigrants and refugees and serving women facing painful life situations. As of this writing, Rasmea faces an extremely dire situation herself as she awaits sentencing by a Federal court on charges of immigration and naturalization fraud.
A prison sentence would most certainly deprive the Chicago community of a devoted and important leader. Though her past has been used to unfairly portray her as dangerous, her actions over many decades in this country tell another story. As Associate Director of Chicago’s Arab-American Action Network Rasmea has transformed the lives of many in our city’s Arab and Muslim community. Indeed, Chicago’s diverse communities rely upon activists like Rasmea – compassionate civic leaders who help new immigrants to find their place and comfort in their new American home.
On a deeper level, it would be a grave injustice to imprison Rasmea Odeh. As an elderly woman and a survivor of torture, the effects would be truly devastating. Having suffered sexual torture in an Israeli jail, the trauma inflicted by further imprisonment would be profound. Already Rasmea has been held in solitary confinement for almost three weeks during her trial. Further imprisonment would not in any way serve the cause of justice – it would only cause egregious pain and suffering to a treasured member of our community.
As an activist, it has been my honor to stand and work alongside Rasmea for many years. As a rabbi, a Jew and a person of conscience, I am honored to stand with her now as she awaits her sentence. Like so many others, I fervently hope she will be afforded the kind of justice to which she herself has devoted her life.
Brant Rosen
Midwest Regional Director
American Friends Service Committee
Rabbi Rosen,
Thank you so much for standing in solidarity with Ms.Odeh. No one, specially a woman, should have to go endure such a horrific ordeal. It is extremely disturbing to know how low the Israeli repressive apparatus has sunk to intimidate and coerce those it brands its enemies. May justice ultimately prevail in what is plainly a travesty of justice itself.
I am humbled by this brave woman. I wish her no more time in jail nor torture. I wish her to breathe free and to be able to enjoy the rest of her time on earth. I am grateful that she has so many supporters who do stand with her steadfastly, including the wonderful Rabbi Rosen.
(If sentenced, I hope that President Obama will grant her a pardon)
Your letter is profound and powerful, Rabbi. Thank you.
Thank you for writing in support of Rasmea Odeh.
I can’t comment on the charges or whether she should be sentenced in order to uphold the principle of the law although I fail to see the justice of jailing someone of this age so long after the offense. Especially when considering the amnesties which have been granted during the period. My own personal inclination is that justice is not served by sentencing her to a period of incarceration.
What really strikes me horrific is that a woman in her late 60’s was held in solitary confinement!?!? What was the justification for this treatment. That solitary confinement can cause mental breakdowns is well known. This amounts to torture in my mind.
At the end of the day I hope the system delivers measured and balanced justice.
You have a good heart and real character Rabbi Rosen. Thanks.
Meanwhile the US was LIED into murdering tens of thousands of Iraqis