Annual Convention

We at the AFRP would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all who attended the FIRST-EVER AFRP-hosted Annual Convention and made it one of the best and most memorable! As many of you know, we were uncertain of the status of this year’s convention for so long due to Israel’s brutal (and ongoing) attacks against our people in Gaza and the West Bank. We were undeterred and persisted, as Palestinians have done—and continue to do—for so long and were able to gather in solidarity with nearly 1,000 family members and friends in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL for an incredible weekend full of Palestinian cultural celebrations and activism.

This year’s convention was unlike the others and took on a whole different meaning in the context of the ongoing genocide against our people, which only strengthened everyone’s sense of Palestinian pride. Every program and every event were beaming with Palestinian flavor, displaying our resilience in the face of nationwide attempts to silence Palestinian support. From the beginning the energy was high, and it never waned throughout the weekend’s activities.

The Ahlan wa Sahlan dinner kicked the weekend festivities off with a George Kouz performance of some classic Palestinian music. From there, attendees were treated to various programs and cultural and educational symposiums over the next couple days. Women were treated to an empowering lunch with Dr. Manal Fakhoury, while others had a chance to attend several symposiums with special guests from our Medical Mission, the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and an emotionally powerful Miko Peled. On Friday night, Amer Hlehel gave a moving and poignant performance of the world-famous play Taha that left everyone speechless, while the young adults gathered for a night of fun at a hall nearby. Saturday’s banquet saw the installation of our new president, Fadi Harb, and several high-profile speakers, accentuated by an energetic and defiant Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, whose keynote speech led to the crowd erupting into a “Free, Free Palestine” chant. We were inspired and amazed by the attendance of these programs—each room was completely packed with individuals there to express their support for Palestinian justice.

We are thankful for everyone’s continued support in light of difficult circumstances for our people. Together, we were able to display a strong showing of solidarity for Palestine despite the forces working against us. We are eternally grateful for our Ramallah family and friends whose support has never wavered.

We want to also thank our many sponsors whose support made this convention possible. Of course, we would be remiss not to thank the countless volunteers from the Steering Committee and the local Jacksonville community, as well as the Federation staff who worked many hours to organize and plan this convention. Thank you again, and we look forward to seeing you all at future events and conventions!