Thousands gather in Detroit to discuss sustainable future for Palestine amid loss and revolution

Thousands of pro-Palestinian activists gathered in Detroit, Michigan, for the People’s Conference for Palestine, a three-day event aimed at organising and strategising to end the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza and work towards a future with a free Palestinian people. The conference, held from 24-26 May, brought together over 3,100 attendees from various backgrounds, including activists, teachers, students, labour unionists, and healthcare workers.

Organised by a steering committee of 14 groups and endorsed by over 450 organisations, the conference featured sessions on confronting Zionism in the workplace, media narratives justifying war, and the state of Palestinian education in the US. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with others, debrief on sessions, and discuss turning knowledge into action.

The conference aimed to build a sustainable long-term movement, with attendees eager for unity and strategy. Many expressed a desire to connect with like-minded individuals and build a foundation for ongoing activism. The event also featured virtual speeches from prominent Palestinian figures like Mustafa Barghouti and journalist Walid Dahdouh.

One of the key highlights of the conference was the emphasis on turning knowledge-building into direct action. Attendees visited the Gaza student solidarity encampment at Wayne State University to support divestment efforts and engage in protests and targeted boycotts. The conference also faced criticism and surveillance from right-wing and pro-Israeli media outlets, with Detroit police patrolling the area.

Despite challenges and attacks, the conference marked a shift in pro-Palestine organising, with terms like resistance, martyrdom, and intifada gaining prominence. Activists refused to self-censor and embraced the language of the Palestinian revolution. The ongoing Israeli military escalation in Gaza, coupled with a deteriorating humanitarian situation, underscored the urgency of the conference’s mission.

Organisers and attendees alike expressed a sense of dedication and determination to work towards a grander vision of Palestinian freedom. The conference served as a platform for building connections, sharing knowledge, and mobilising for long-term change. As one attendee put it, the goal is clear: “free Palestine.”