A wolf in sheep's clothing: the story of a Palestinian activist deprived of US citizenship

Photo: video frame

The decision to deport Palestinian activist Rasme Odeh from the United States, who was responsible for the bombing of a Jerusalem supermarket, provoked protests from the Arab community of Chicago. Protesters called her a “legend” among Arabs living in the United States. ForumDaily decided to pick up her data from official sources and understand why Odeh is deported.

It all starts with 1969, when the Israeli military tribunal recognized Rasme Odeh guilty of setting up an explosion in a Jerusalem supermarket.

Then, as a result of the explosion, two people were killed - a student from the Hebrew University and his roommate, 21-year-old Leon Kanner from Netanya and 22-year-old Edward Joffe, living near Tel Aviv. Odeh fully admitted her guilt. She also admitted her involvement in the bombing of the British consulate in Tel Aviv, which took place four days after the supermarket attack. She was sentenced to life imprisonment.

She spent 10 years in prison, after which she was released as part of a prisoner exchange deal with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Then, in 1995, she immigrated to the United States, and in 2004 she received American citizenship.

In 2014, the federal jury in Detroit opened a verdict of guilty against Odeh for giving false answers about his terrorist past to questions during naturalization.

From now on started transforming Odeh into a “victim.” Her lawyers argued that post-traumatic stress disorder may have prevented her from remembering the past. The jury then returned a guilty verdict for fraud, but Odeh appealed and awaited a new trial.

While waiting on the network continued to pop up a video where she talks about her atrocities.

Concerning Odeh, a serious investigation has begun. Immigration Service (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security are interested in its history.

18 August ICE reported about the abolition of citizenship 70-year-old Yusef Odeh and her closest deportation from the United States for illegally obtaining US citizenship, said prosecutor Daniel Lemesich.

“Today’s trial should send a clear message that the United States will never be a safe haven for those who seek to distance themselves from their past atrocities,” said Steve Francis, HSI Special Agent in Charge.

He added: “According to the plea agreement signed by Odeh and accepted by the court, Odeh admitted that in these statements she lied about her criminal history, falsely denying that she was ever arrested, accused of a crime, convicted or imprisoned . In her request, Odeh also acknowledged that “while she was making false statements, she knew that the allegations were false and that she lied intentionally, not as a result of a mistake, post-traumatic stress disorder, or any other psychological problem or condition like She previously stated in the trial.

If Odeh had revealed the truth about her criminal history, which was required by law, she would never have been given an immigration visa to the United States, according to which she lived here for the last 22 years, or the opportunity to obtain United States citizenship. ”

At the same time, in Chicago, Odeh has the status of a “cultural icon” of the Arab community. Last year, she received the “Outstanding Leader” award from the Chicago Cultural Alliance. The Alliance brings together ethnic museums and cultural centers in the Chicago area.

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