Former "Squad" Members Scheduled to Speak at Convention Featuring Editor That Employed Hamas Terrorist
AMP's 18th Palestine Convention features Ramzy Baroud, whose outlet employed a Hamas operative who held Israeli hostages captive in Gaza — and former "Squad" members Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman
American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) has begun announcing speakers for its 18th Palestine Convention titled “Beyond Survival: Resisting Genocide,” set for November 27-29 at Tinley Park Convention Center in Chicago.
The convention lineup includes Ramzy Baroud, editor of The Palestine Chronicle, whose outlet employed a Hamas operative who held Israeli civilians captive in Gaza. Also scheduled to speak are former Representatives Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman, both recently defeated “Squad” members who lost their Democratic primaries in 2024.
Baroud’s Legal Troubles and Alleged Terror Ties
Israeli hostage Almog Meir Jan, 22, was held by Abdallah Aljamal, a spokesman for the Hamas-run labor ministry in Gaza who has contributed to several news outlets in the past, and who was a correspondent for The Palestine Chronicle, which is run by Baroud’s nonprofit.
Baroud is also a senior fellow The Turkish Center for Islam and Global Affairs, which is led by Sami Al-Arian, who was convicted in 2006 for conspiracy to provide services to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
Public social media posts published by Baroud have including him celebrating Hamas Oct 7th massacre and sharing images that glorify members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), another designated terrorist organization.
Concerns Regarding Glorification of ‘Martyrs’
Adding to the controversy, AMP has promoted conference events including, “A rich program celebrating our martyrs & heroes” on social media, featuring an image of Anas Al-Sharif. The IDF confirmed that Al-Sharif was “head of a Hamas cell, responsible for facilitating and advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF forces” while simultaneously working as an Al Jazeera journalist. Al-Sharif was eliminated in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City in August 2025, with AMP’s promotional materials appearing to celebrate him as a heroic figure despite his terror activities.
Accountability and Public Platform Concerns
As the convention continues to announce new speakers, the participation of figures like Baroud raises questions about accountability within the current legal framework. Despite his organization’s connections to individuals involved in terrorist activities, Baroud remains able to openly participate in high-profile public events alongside former members of Congress.