Join us, Saturday, February 28, 2026, for “The Consequence of Palestine” (click here for more information). The all-day conference centers Palestine in a global context where international law, human rights, and truth are the casualties of violent state power and media narrative control.  

Suggested donation: $15 per person (click here).

The Palestinian people have been victims of these forces for generations; now we see how the collapse of international law and human rights lie exposed in Gaza’s ruins. The consequence of Palestine is a warning to the world.

Experts on international law, media, and human rights will lead discussions exploring the roots, implications, and potential direction and resolution of the conflict over Palestine and its impact on domestic US politics and the global order.

10:00-10:30    Welcome and Opening Remarks

   Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in     the Occupied Palestinian Territories (Virtual)

    Fateh Azzam, Maine Coalition for Palestine and former Middle East regional representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

10:30-12:00     Session 1  Historical Facts as Casualty: Background to the History of the Middle East and its “Contestations”

    Phyllis Bennis, Author and peace activist, Fellow at Institute for Policy Studies and International Advisor for Jewish Voice for Peace

12:00-1:00     Lunch break

1:00-2:15     Session 2  Truth as Casualty: The Mainstream Media, Social Media & Control of Narratives

   Rami George Khouri, Journalist and commentator, Public Policy Fellow at the American University of Beirut

2:15-2:30    Break

2:30-3:45    Session 3   International Law and Human Rights as Casualty

    Susan Akram, Professor and Director of the Human Rights Clinic at Boston University School of Law

3:45- 5:00    Session 4  Where Do We Go From Here?  

  Audience discussion with All Speakers

5:00-5:30      Close

Registration is not required but strongly encouraged. Space is limited and registered guests will be given priority.

Hannaford Hall is located in the Abromson Community Education Center, at 88 Bedford Street, on the campus of the University of Southern Maine.

Parking is available next door at the USM Parking Garage for $16/full day or $4.15/hour. There is some neighborhood parking in the streets around the campus.

Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided free of charge. Lunch is available in the campus dining center or nearby Portland establishments.