Palestinians with valid visas purportedly put on flight back to Mideast
Around 100 supporters rallied at San Francisco International Airport in response to the detention of Eid Hthaleen and Ouda Alhadlin, two Palestinian men denied entry into the U. S. despite holding valid tourist visas. Their planned visit aimed to share personal experiences from the West Bank and raise funds for children's education. Rabbi David Cooper criticized the U.
S. government's approach to fostering human connections, while Michelle Higgins highlighted the ongoing silencing of Palestinian voices. Hthaleen and Alhadlin's detention reflects broader tensions in U. S. immigration policies, which have seen increased deportations recently.
Phillip Weintraub, the men's sponsor, expressed his disappointment after customs officials informed him of the revocation of their visas. Protesters, wearing keffiyehs and holding signs, chanted for their release, emphasizing solidarity with the detained men. The situation underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking to share their narratives and the impact of political decisions on community engagement. Hthaleen and Alhadlin were ultimately placed on a flight back to the Middle East, raising further concerns about the U. S.
stance on Palestinian issues.