After delay, Sheikh Abdelfattah Mourou granted permission to enter country

International guests arriving for AMP’s 7th annual conference

(CHICAGO 11/27/2014) – Sheikh Abdelfattah Mourou, of Tunisia, and his wife are en route to Chicago to attend the 7th annual Conference for Palestine in the US: Gaza Teaches Life!, the American Muslims for Palestine has announced.

Early Wednesday, Tunisian authorities removed the couple from their aircraft, saying the United States would not grant them entry. The US State Department confirmed the incident to AMP but said the issue should be “resolved positively.” They declined to disclose details surrounding the delay.

Late Wednesday, the State Department told AMP that Sheikh Mourou and his wife would be allowed to visit Chicago and the couple should arrive in time for the conference’s opening session at 5 p.m.

International speakers continued to arrive throughout the day Wednesday. Dr. Ahmad Tibi, Palestinian member of the Knesset, and Al Jazeera anchorwoman Ghada Oueiss have checked in, while Dr. Mads Gilbert and Dr. Rafeef Ziadeh are expected Thursday afternoon.

AMP expresses our deep concern and well-wishes for the mother of Dr. Tamim Barghouti, who fell ill unexpectedly and is in intensive care. Dr. Barghouti has sent his regrets to AMP and will not be in attendance.

The largest gathering for Palestine in the US kicks off with its inaugural session at 5 p.m. Thursday, followed by a panel discussion on the fate of the Arab revolutions and the evolution of ISIS, featuring Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid, AMP national board member and expert political analyst; Dr. Abdul Mawgoud Dardery, of the pre-coup Egyptian parliament; and Syrian American Safaa Zarzour. A concurrent session on the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement will feature Dr. Rafeef Ziadeh, Miko Peled, Taher Herzallah and Kristin Szremski.

It’s not too late to join the action. On-site registration is being taken! To book your room at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, call 800.233.1234.