Chicago Teachers Union Executive Board Member Speaks At Terror-Linked Convention

American Muslims for Palestine, under state and federal investigations for alleged support for Hamas and terror financing, is holding its annual “Palestine Convention” in Tinley Park, Illinois this weekend.

AMP is under investigation for terror finance links and for providing material support for illegal and pro-Hamas activities on college campuses. The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Educator, Labor and Pensions has described AMP’s alleged connections to Hamas as “extensive.”

A member of the Chicago Teachers Union executive board, Kobi Guillory, is listed as a speaker. His role with the teachers union is mentioned.

Guillory is also an activist with the Freedom Socialist Road Organization, which supports the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and is the labor committee co-chair of the Chicago Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression. Its national branch, NAARPR, recently held its annual conference at Chicago Teachers Union headquarters. You can read about that here.

Per Guillory, CAARPR “stand[s] in complete unconditional solidarity with the resistance in Palestine.

The advertising for the convention depicts an image of Gazans, Palestinian flags aloft, marching toward Jerusalem.

The theme of the convention, “Beyond Survival: Resisting Genocide,” is described as follows:

…the Palestinian people have been facing genocide for more than a century…Resisting genocide has become part of the culture, politics and being of the Palestinian people. It is what has prevented our complete erasure despite the efforts of the American empire and Zionist colonization.

Guillory’s panel is “Side by Side: Solidarity & Resistance Amid Genocide.”

The panel is moderated by the chair of AMP-Chicago, Nida Sahouri. Sahouri has a long history of anti-Israel activism, including vocal support for Rasmea Odeh, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the orchestrator of a bombing that killed two U.S. citizens.

AMP for Higher Schoolers

At this year’s convention, AMP is organizing a “high school track” for ages 13 - 17.

The Convention High School Track is a three-day journey designed to educate, empower, and inspire youth to take action for Palestine. This year’s program follows the timeline of Palestine, beginning with its deep roots and ancient history, moving into the present-day realities of occupation, displacement, and genocide.

Finally, culminating with the call to respond through advocacy, culture, and organizing. Along this journey, Gaza stands as the crown jewel: a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit.

Participants will engage in interactive workshops, simulations, and creative labs, and the program will conclude with the AMP Youth Competition 2025: Echoes Beyond Survival, where students showcase their art, poetry, videos, and performances as powerful echoes of resistance.

This program offers a rare opportunity to learn, connect, and stand for justice, combining education, creativity, and activism in one unforgettable weekend. Open to all high school students, registration is required. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement.

The High School track is hosted in a room named for Hamas terrorist Anas Al Sharif.

The theme of the first day of the high school track is “The Roots.”

During “Gaza’s Journey: From Exile to Endurance,” children will hear from Taher Herzallah. Herzallah was personally named in a terror financing lawsuit against AMP.

On October 17, 2023, Herzallah said the following:

Anybody who has any relationship or any support or identifies themselves as a Jewish person or as a Christian Zionist, then we shall not be their friend. I will tell you that they are enemy number one and our community needs to recognize that as such.

At the May 2024 People’s Conference for Palestine in Detroit, Michigan, Herzallah had the following to say on the need for “sacrifice” and “martyrs” in the “struggle” for “liberation:”

We are an integral part of the Palestinian liberation struggle and the people who came to North America, the Palestinians who came to the United States, understood their role immediately upon arrival.

…

I want to make it clear that the Palestinian diaspora in North America has committed its martyrs for this cause.

…

There are people among us today who might not be with us next year at this conference. And this is a reality. Because the liberation struggle requires sacrifice. And I know everyone here is prepared to make that sacrifice.

Here, he talks about the need to soften the message of “Palestinian liberation” to make it more palatable to the public.

We carefully craft our language, especially here in the United States, not because … we’ll create a critical mass and then finally, we will sing ‘Kumbaya My Lord’ and go on winning liberty for Palestine, no. But because of the legal and social realities that we contend with. For me, the most important thing is the longevity and the maintenance and the growth of our powerful movement.

His views have not changed much in 10 years - here is at the AMP convention in 2014:

…What if as Muslims we wanted to establish an Islamic state? Is that wrong? What if as Muslims we wanted to use violent means to resist occupation? Is that wrong? What if as Muslims, we wanted to express and assert our narrative and in Islamic fashion, is that wrong? To many of our progressive allies, that might be something that they might be uncomfortable with, not recognizing that this is something fundamental to the identity and agency of Muslims.

During “The Heart of the Ummah:Al-Quds and Masjid Al-Aqsa,” children will hear from Sheikh Tareq Musleh. Musleh previously worked for organizations within the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). ICNA has significant ties to Jamaat-e-Islami, a South Asian Islamist group whose armed wing, Hizbul Mujahideen, is a U.S designated terrorist group.

Day two of the High School Track is themed “The Reality.”

On day two, high schoolers will take part in activities like “Passport to Palestine: Checkpoints” which will give them an “immersive experience” of “life under occupation” and “What Would You Pack” in which the high schoolers are given two minutes to choose what they would take with them if they were under attack. This will be followed by a discussion about “displacement and bombardment.”

Taher Herzallah will once again present to the students: “Two Years of Genocide: The True Impact on Gaza.”

Another session is titled “Across Palestine: Shared Wounds, Shared Hope,” in which students will “compare Gaza’s siege with conditions in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the 1948 lands.” In other words, school children are taught that Israel is Palestine.

Other sessions include:

“The War on Truth: Media & Propaganda,” in which students are told about “how Zionist narratives spread.” This session is run by Dr. Zarefah Baroud, a professor at the University of Hawaii, and moderated by Jena Kanaan, an ESOL elementary school teacher and former president of her university’s chapter of Students For Justice in Palestine.

“Reclaim the Narrative: Media & Messaging Lab,” in which “Youth are shown biased headlines or images on Gaza and are challenged to rewrite them into truthful narratives by creating a social media story, infographic, or reel.” Children are being trained to use social media to spread propaganda. This session is being run by Kanaan.

Day two of the High School Track is themed “The Reality.”

On day two, high schoolers will take part in activities like “Passport to Palestine: Checkpoints” which will give them an “immersive experience” of “life under occupation” and “What Would You Pack” in which the high schoolers are given two minutes to choose what they would take with them if they were under attack. This will be followed by a discussion about “displacement and bombardment.”

Taher Herzallah will once again present to the students : “Two Years of Genocide: The True Impact on Gaza.”

Another session is titled “Across Palestine: Shared Wounds, Shared Hope,” in which students will “compare Gaza’s siege with conditions in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the 1948 lands.” In other words, school children are taught that Israel is Palestine.

Other sessions include:

“The War on Truth: Media & Propaganda,” in which students are told about “how Zionist narratives spread.” This session is run by Dr. Zarefah Baroud, a professor at the University of Hawaii, and moderated by Jena Kanaan, an ESOL elementary school teacher and former president of her university’s chapter of Students For Justice in Palestine.

“Reclaim the Narrative: Media & Messaging Lab,” in which “Youth are shown biased headlines or images on Gaza and are challenged to rewrite them into truthful narratives by creating a social media story, infographic, or reel.” Children are being trained to use social media to spread propaganda. This session is being run by Kanaan.

Day 3 of the High School Track is themed: “The Resurgence.”

This final day is dedicated to instilling activism in the youth. The day begins with “Passport to Palestine: The Morning After,” in which students are asked to envision that “the walls have fallen. The borders are open…step into a free Palestine.”

The next session is “From Classroom to Campus: Carrying the Cause Forward,” in which students discuss how to continue pro-Palestine activism once they enter college.

After that is “Zionist Busters” - “Come learn points to use to deflate common Zionist talking points.” This session is being run by Tarek Khalil.

Later that day, students will hear from Chris Smalls about his experience on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. Smalls claims he was abused by the Israel Defense Forces while he was held in detention.

After Smalls, the high schoolers will learn about “the power of digital advocacy” from Guy Christensen. Christensen has built a large social media following through his anti-Israel content and extremism. Christensen was expelled from Ohio State University for defending Elias Rodriguez, the murderer who killed two individuals outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington.

Christensen said that attempts to suppress the pro-Palestine movement should be met with “greater resistance and escalation.”

Other sessions on the final day include “Liberation is a Lifestyle” and “All in for Palestine,” in which students will develop an “Action Commitment Card” for Palestine.

The high school track is not the only dedicated youth scheduling at the convention. There is also the “Young Youth” program for ages 11 - 12:

The AMP Young Youth Program serves as a bridge between the School and High School Programs, tailored for students ages 11–12.

It introduces key aspects of Palestinian history, important historical figures and sites, and key vocabulary to strengthen their understanding of heritage and identity, while also engaging them in discussions on current events and steps toward meaningful action.

Through structured activities—including debates, Jeopardy-style games, and guided discussions—students will deepen their knowledge, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to engage with complex issues. The program offers a balanced experience of learning and interactive fun, preparing youth for the next stage in their journey.

There is also the school program for ages 5- 10:

The School Program at the Palestine Convention is an enriching experience for children and pre-teens, blending education, creativity, and community building. Students take part in dynamic sessions exploring Islamic values, Palestinian history and culture, and social responsibility in age-appropriate ways.

Interactive workshops, hands-on projects, and group discussions are designed to inspire pride in their identity, deepen their understanding of current issues, and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to be active, compassionate members of their communities.

Supervised by qualified educators and youth leaders, the School Program creates a supportive atmosphere where young attendees can learn, grow, and form meaningful friendships.ed States [sic].

Main Schedule

Kobi Guillory is not the only high profile individual from the education world taking part in AMP’s convention. Former school principal and congressman Jamaal Bowman is also a speaker. Bowman is thought to be a candidate for New York City Schools Chancellor under Mamdani’s mayoralty.

Bowman will be a speaker on a panel titled “The Israel Lobby.” Joining him on that panel is former Congresswoman Cori Bush, Ohio State Rep. Munira Abdullahi, and the executive director of AMP, Dr. Osama Abuirshaid. Abdullahi is a member of, and accepted donations from, the Muslim American Society, a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate.

In 2021, Abuirshaid attended a conference in Jordan where he shared a stage with officials from Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. In his remarks, he spoke about the possible “collapse of the U.S.” which “is the teat from which Israel suckles.” He says that without Western support, Israel cannot last. He argues that apartheid exists in America and that he is ashamed to hold American citizenship.

Abuirshaid argues it is important to use the ‘rhetoric’ of social justice, racism and apartheid to win over westerners to the Palestinian cause.

I do not support the genocide of Jews, or crushing the Jews, or converting the Jews to Islam. The people who turned themselves into enemies of humanity are the ones responsible for such distinctions.

Bowman and Bush will also be on a panel, “countdown to 2026,” presented by AJP Action, the AMP’s 501c4 arm.

AJP Advocacy Day

In October, AJP held its annual “AJP Advocacy Day,” in which attendees are “trained” in advocacy and then meet with lawmakers.

Below, members of the advocacy day meet with Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia

One of those 600 was Boris Tsalyuk, an instructional specialist at Learn4Life, a network of nonprofit public schools.

Here he is with Medea Benjamin, of CodePink. Senator Tom Cotton has asked the attorney general to investigate CodePink for potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and material support of terror organizations. Cotton’s letter notes CodePink’s support for individuals and collaboration with organizations connected to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine He also notes that CodePink’s co-founder, Jodie Evans, is married to Neville Roy Singham, a billionaire tech executive with links to the Chinese Communist Party. Code Pink is in large part funded by organizations tied to Singham.

Benjamin is also speaking at the convention, alongside the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and Hatem Bazian, the founder of Students for Justice in Palestine.

Texas governor Greg Abott designated CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization.

Hatem Bazian is the chairman of AMP as well as the co-founder of Students for Justice in Palestine. AMP supports SJP campuses across the country.

We should all be concerned that those with influence over our public schools and our school children, like a member of the Chicago Teachers Union executive board or the possible next chancellor of NYC public schools, think it appropriate to speak at a conference of an organization under state and federal investigations for alleged support of Hamas and terror financing.