Hatem Abudayyeh

Executive Director

Hatem Abudayyeh has been with the Arab American Action Network (AAAN) since 1999, and was appointed Executive Director in 2003. The son of Palestinian immigrants who themselves were leaders in Chicago’s Arab community, Hatem was born in Chicago and coached varsity basketball and baseball as an administrative assistant at Mather High School before joining AAAN. He was elected Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Coalition of African, Arab, Asian, European, and Latino Immigrants of Illinois (CAAAELII) in 2006, is a founding Advisory Board member of the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC), and sits on the National Coordinating Committee of the United States Palestine Community Network (USPCN).

Hatem speaking at Press Conference on Palestinian Activist Rasmea Odeh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVciKRYfKWY

The Case of Rasmea Odeh: A Palestinian Hero

Rasmea Odeh

Rasmea Odeh is a leading member of Chicago’s Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities, and her decade of service in Chicago has changed the lives of thousands of people, particularly disenfranchised Arab women and their families. She has been with the Arab American Action Network (AAAN) since 2004, and is responsible for the management of day-to-day operations and the coordination of its Arab Women’s Committee, which has a membership of nearly 600 and leads the organization’s work in the areas of defending civil liberties and immigrants’ rights. She is a mentor to hundreds of immigrant women, as well as many members of the AAAN’s staff and board, and is a well-known and respected organizer throughout Chicagoland, the U.S. and the world.

In 2013, Rasmea received the Outstanding Community Leader Award from the Chicago Cultural Alliance, which described her as a woman who has “dedicated over 40 years of her life to the empowerment of Arab women, first in her homes of Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon, where she was an activist and practicing attorney, and then the past 10 years in Chicago.”

Rasmea is a community icon who overcame vicious torture by Israeli authorities while imprisoned in Palestine in the 1970s, and an example for the millions of Palestinians who have not given up organizing for their rights of liberation, equality, and return.

The prosecution of a hero

In the early morning of Tuesday, October 22, 2013, then sixty-six year old Rasmea Odeh was arrested at her home by agents from the Department of Homeland Security. She was indicted in federal court, charged with Unlawful Procurement of Naturalization, an allegation based on answers she gave on a 20-year-old immigration application. Rasmea, her supporters, and her legal team say that the immigration charge was nothing but a pretext to attack this icon of the Palestine liberation movement.

The government claims that Rasmea failed to disclose that she was convicted by the Israelis of participating in bombings in 1969. This conviction in a military court was the result of a false confession made after she was viciously tortured and raped by Israeli military authorities for weeks. There is no due process in Israeli military courts, which “convict” over 99% of Palestinians who come before them, and “evidence” from these should not be accepted in a court in the U.S.

Despite this, Rasmea’s case on immigration charges went to trial in Detroit in November 2014.

There, Federal Judge Gershwin Drain allowed the Israeli military court conviction to be entered into evidence, but barred testimony about her torture at the hands of her Israeli captors. That ruling eliminated the testimony of expert witness Dr. Mary Fabri, a clinical psychologist who has decades of experience working with torture survivors. Fabri was prepared to testify that the allegedly false answers on the immigration forms were the result of Rasmea’s chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Rasmea never set out to hide her past. She had testified about her torture at the United Nations when she was released in 1979. As her lead attorney, Michael Deutsch, said, “It was well known that she was convicted, and traded [in a prisoner exchange]. The U.S. Embassy knew it, the State Department knew it, and Immigration should have known it.”

Never really about immigration, the case against Rasmea grew out of the investigation of 23 anti-war and Palestinian community organizers in Chicago and Minneapolis, who were subpoenaed to a federal grand jury in 2010. Make no mistake. Rasmea came under attack by the U.S. government because she is Palestinian, and because for decades, she has organized for Palestinian liberation and self-determination, the Right of Return, and an end to Israeli occupation and colonization. Palestine support work, especially the Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement, has made a number of recent gains, and the long arm of federal law enforcement has attempted to crack down on it, like it has on all effective and impactful movements for social justice in the history of this country. Rasmea’s prosecution is part of this crackdown.

Rasmea and Supporters

The fight for justice

During her November trial, Rasmea and her defense team put the crimes of Israel on record. Her story of being exiled from the village of her birth, Lifta, in 1948; of being exiled again during the 1967 war; of experiencing the death of her sister after the raid on her home in 1969; and of being a political prisoner, one of the most famous in the history of the Palestine liberation movement—all these are stories of the crimes of apartheid Israel, crimes that continue today in the racist settler and military assaults we have seen in the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, 1948 Palestine, and the West Bank. Israel’s terrorism, and the U.S. government’s complicity, were exposed for all the world to see.

Rasmea’s case is not only about the U.S. carrying out Israel’s agenda, but also connected to racist policies here. The civil rights of Arabs and Muslims are violated with impunity, particularly those who are critical of U.S. support for Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian people. This is in the context of the long history of attacks against communities that organize for social change in this country, especially Black, Chicano and Mexicano, Puerto Rican, Native, Asian, and other oppressed nationalities.

Rasmea was convicted in the unjust trial in November, and imprisoned in a Michigan county jail for a month, under very difficult conditions, including almost three weeks in solitary confinement. Supporters across the country rallied for – and won – her release on bond.

In March 2015, Rasmea was sentenced to 18 months in prison and subsequent deportation. However, because of our organizing efforts, she is staying free on bond pending appeal. The sentence was a huge blow to the prosecutor, who asked for 5-7 years. Her appeal was filed by defense attorneys on June 9, the prosecution replied on July 8, and the defense rebuttal was sent to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on July 20. The appeals court heard oral arguments in Cincinnati on Wednesday, October 14, and Deutsch made a powerful argument for Rasmea deserving a new trial.  We will get a decision 1-4 months from now, but the fight is far from over, and we still need your support to ensure that we win #Justice4Rasmea.

‘RAMONES’ LEGENDARY DRUMMER MARKY RAMONE IS THE SPECIAL GUEST ON THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

Marky Ramone is best known for the 15 years he spent drumming for the legendary Ramones. Prior to joining the Ramones, Marky played with an array of influential musicians dating back to his high school years when he was a member of the Brooklyn based hard rock band, Dust. Recording two albums with his friends, Richie Wise (guitar and vocals) and Kenny Aaronson (bass) for Neil Bogart’s Karma Sutra/Buddha label.

While Dust was disbanding, Marky began hanging out at Max’s Kansas City, where he met Max’s house D.J. Wayne County. He joined forces with Wayne to form Wayne County and The Backstreet Boys. Wayne’s outrageous stage performance and cross-dressing attracted many fans and help solidify a cult following. After a year and a half of playing in the New York area and not able to generate record company interest, they decided it was best to move on. In 1976, Marky was introduced to Richard Hell. Along with Bob Quine and Ivan Julian, they formed Richard Hell & the Voidoids. The Voidoids released their groundbreaking debut album in 1977 on Sire Records, entitled “Blank Generation”. Shortly after the Voidoids historic U.K. tour with The Clash, Marky found himself at the bar at CBGB with Dee Dee Ramone.

Dee Dee asked him if he would be interested in joining The Ramones. The spring of 1978, Marky joined the Ramones. In a matter of weeks he was in the studio recording his first album with The Ramones entitled, “Road to Ruin”, which features one of the biggest Ramones songs “I Wanna Be Sedated”. The following year the Ramones filmed the cult classic “Rock 'n' Roll High School”. Later that year, they joined forces with producer legend, Phil Spector to record “End Of The Century”. After several tours and a two more studio albums, Marky was asked to leave the band 1983, only to rejoin his band mates in 1987 until they decided to call it quits in 1996. His tenure with the Ramones spanned a total of 15 years.

Performing over 1700 shows and more than 15 releases, including songwriting credits on both Mondo Bizarro and Adios Amigos, the bands farewell release. In 2000, Marky reunited with long time friend Joey Ramone for Joey’s solo effort “Don't Worry About Me”. In 2001, Marky along with his former band mates (Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy), were inducted into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame. That same year, U2’s Bono presented the Ramones with the MTV’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The DVD release, “Raw”, a compilation of mostly home videos filmed predominantly by Marky was release in 2004 and entered the Billboard video chart at number 5. Certified gold in three countries and currently the best selling Ramones DVD release to date.

In the spring of 2009, Marky launched a capsule collection clothing line with Hilfiger Denim. In 2010, Marky shared his recipe for pasta sauce by introducing Marky Ramone’s Brooklyn’s Own Pasta Sauce.

In February 2010 The Ramones received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. It was the first Grammy for the punk rock pioneers.

In early 2010 Marky Ramones Blitzkrieg with Michale Graves released their first single “When We Were Angels” with former member of Sheer Terror, Mark Neuman, playing bass and guitar. With no signs of slowing down, Marky Ramone continues to tour the world with his band, Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, featuring various lead vocalists including Andrew W.K. and Michale Graves. Marky is currently in his eighth year as a D.J. on SiriusXM Satelldite Radio hosing “Marky Ramone’s Punk Rock Blitzkrieg”. Marky has also appeared on numerous TV shows including The Simpsons, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and ZRock.

Author Marky Ramone recently released his long-awaited autobiography entitled

'Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My Life As A Ramone' and is available at amazon.com.

http://www.markyramone.com/   -Marky Ramone Official Website

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMarkyRamone  -Marky Ramone on Facebook

https://twitter.com/markyramone   -Marky Ramone on Twitter

Marky Ramone's Punk Rock Blitzkrieg  -Marky Ramone on Sirius Radio

can be heard on SiriusXM Faction Ch. 41:

Wednesday 8PM EST / 5PM PST



Rebroadcasts:

Friday Midnight EST / 9PM PST

Saturday 3PM EST / 12 Noon PST - See more at: http://www.markyramone.com/tour/#sthash.G9XReKMC.dpuf

Melissa Kennedy is a UFO photographer, documentarian, skywatcher and researcher.  She is a member of A.A.P.I.  - Australian Aerial Phenomena Investigations. A.A.P.I. was founded in 2012 by lead investigator, Damien John Nott. Spurred by his vision to create a central and pivotal group of senior investigators that cover the entire Australian continent, Damien has brought together a team of extraordinary people, including Melissa - most of whom are direct experiencers of the UFO phenomenon. Where appropriate, we use the term Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) as it encapsulates a more accurate definition of what is sometimes described as lights, rather than solid objects. With our combined group knowledge, wealth of invaluable experience and ongoing research, our collective aim is to provide evidence of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in the skies over Australia.

Damien is a researcher and an experiencer of the UFO phenomenon. He gives presentations and talks and has appeared on TV and in documentaries. He is also the founder of AAPI - Australian Aerial Phenomena Investigations.  

Spurred by his vision to create a central and pivotal group of senior investigators that cover the entire Australian continent, Damien has brought together a team of extraordinary people, most of whom are direct experiencers of the UFO phenomenon. Where appropriate, we use the term Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) as it encapsulates a more accurate definition of what is sometimes described as lights, rather than solid objects. With our combined group knowledge, wealth of invaluable experience and ongoing research, our collective aim is to provide evidence of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in the skies over Australia.

Kelly is a Health and Life Mentor @ Kelly Benamati, the Creator of Solutions A to Z and labeled as "The Master of Life". She is Healing Touch Certified, a family and child care expert utilizing a clinical psychology approach to healing and growth, an Integrative and Functional Medicine educator, a global blogger and founder at The Power of You Blog on Facebook. She has training in Alzheimer's and is a Behavioral Health Specialist. Kelly speaks at treatment facilities and counsels’ women with addiction and alcohol problems using the 12 step protocol. She recently founded "Moms Matter to Me Retreats" where she has designed a powerful healthy way to help Moms be the best they can be in their parenting role. She is the author of the book "Walking in Our Children's Shoes" currently being sold on Amazon and is a Medical Expert Writer for WatchFit. She possesses two college degrees in behavioral and social sciences graduating with honors. She specializing in Child Development, Family Studies, Behavioral Sciences and Clinical Psychology. Kelly has a Protecting God's Children Certification and she is a member of The Parental Alienation Awareness Organization. Kelly helps transform others’ lives with her intellect, educational background, belief in others and by bringing hope to hopeless people. Her goal is to help as many people as she can through her writing.

Rachael Jayne Groover is the author of the best-selling book "Powerful and Feminine: How to Increase your Magnetic Presence and Attract the Attention You Want."

As an accomplished singer/songwriter from Australia, Rachael Jayne was most fascinated with why some performers had an incredible stage presence, while others, who might have been technically brilliant, did not. She realized that anyone could learn the key factors that create “stage presence” in a performer, and use them to stand out, be seen, and inspire others in any situation.

Overcoming stage-fright and enormous fear of rejection, she became an award-winning vocalist, and finished her full-time singing career performing to a live audience of 40,000 people, before making the leap to live in the USA and become an inspirational speaker and personal development trainer.

She now travels the world teaching women how to increase their personal presence, their vocal power, and their ability to strategically earn their potential in business.

She is the creator of the Art of Feminine Presence™ classes and trainings that are offered worldwide, by herself and over 1200 certified teachers working with her. She founded The YIN Project and the Feminine Spirituality and Leadership Program – initiatives that work with women on the importance of the feminine principle in intimate relationships, leadership, and in shifting global consciousness.

She is gifting listeners with her free report THE 7 REASONS WHY TALENTED, SPIRITUAL WOMEN MAKE LITTLE MONEY AND MINIMUM IMPACT.

Pat Wowk is an accomplished marketing professional with over 20 year experience with Fortune 100 consumer packaged goods companies and Fortune 500 business industries, including The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo and Graphic Packaging International.  She is in search of new opportunities and has shared her experience on LinkedIn recently, receiving close to 1,000 responses from women regarding the state of the market for women over the age of 50.

Edwin Harkness Spina is an award-winning author, speaker and mystic. He is the author of Mystic Warrior, Mystic Secrets Revealed and Enlightened Relationships. He specializes in connecting people to their Highest Self, leading to greater intuition, clarity and joy.

Edwin developed a holistic healing methodology – his ‘Energy Center Clearing’ and ‘Total Love Immersion’ – to align, balance and center energies for individuals moving through these tumultuous times.

Before becoming a master healer, Ed went through an extreme metamorphosis. After graduating with a BSE degree in math and computer science from Tufts University, Ed began writing systems software for a computer manufacturer. He went on to receive an MBA from the University of Chicago with concentrations in finance and marketing. After graduating, he worked with various venture capital firms, and started several technology-based companies in the sports and music industries.

Stressed out from his entrepreneurial ventures, Ed rented a video from Blockbuster that promised to help him relax and, curiously, help him recall his past lives. To Ed’s surprise, the video changed his life, as he was able to recall a past life in substantial detail. Thus began his 20+ year study of mysticism, metaphysics, energy healing and all things spiritual.

The pure intent of Ed’s desire to understand how the universe truly works drew the attention of his first mentor. Through this relationship, Ed uncovered gifts his scientific mind would not have thought possible. After a few months, his primary means of communication with his mentor was telepathic.

Ed continued his studies with long term mystics and cutting-edge energy healers, when he met his second mentor, a Near Death Experiencer who worked with Ed to raise his energy to new levels. After years of study and preparation, Ed combined his love of mysticism with his love of entrepreneurship and wrote his first book, Mystic Warrior, which won the Independent Publisher Book Award for Visionary Fiction and a Nautilus Silver Book Award for Fiction.

Ed has since written Mystic Secrets Revealed, contributed to the bestseller 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life and created CDs and audiobooks entitled: Total Love Immersion, Escaping the Matrix, Enlightened Relationships and Travel to Enlightenment.

Living in Los Angeles, Ed lectures around the world and offers Energy Clearings in person and remotely. His company, Higher Dimension Publishing, publishes books, CDs and videos that entertain, enlighten and educate.