Huwaida Arraf

Huwaida Arraf is a Palestinian American human rights attorney and activist. She is co-founder of the Nobel Peace Prize nominated International Solidarity Movement, a Palestinian civil society-led movement which utilizes nonviolent direct action to confront and challenge Israeli military occupation and colonial violence. Huwaida is the former Chairperson of the Free Gaza Movement, and from August to December 2008, led 5 successful sea voyages to the Gaza Strip to confront and challenge Israel’s illegal blockade on the 2 million Palestinians living there. She was one of the primary organizers of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and was traveling with it when it was lethally attacked by Israeli forces on 31 May 2010. In 2011, Huwaida was one of six Palestinian Freedom Riders, who attempted to ride segregated Israeli busses traveling to Jerusalem, an action for which they were beaten and arrested. Huwaida currently resides with her husband and two elementary-aged children in Michigan, where she practices civil rights law. Recently, she was a candidate for US Congress in Michigan’s 10th congressional district.