CAIR-Philadelphia, Mavey Books to Host Mahmoud Khalil for Philadelphia Book Talk

 Palestinian activist and author to discuss new book on detention, political repression and the struggle for Palestinian rights

On Friday, September 25, the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), in partnership with Mavey Books, will host Palestinian activist and author Mahmoud Khalil for a public conversation marking the release of his new book, No Land to Stand On: Notes From Detention.

Khalil will be in conversation with Palestinian American community leader Jude Husein. The program will also feature a poetry reading by Lenna Jawdat, author of 70,000: Poems.

WHAT: Mahmoud Khalil in Conversation with Jude Husein
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, ticketed reception 5:30-6:30pm; ticketed conversation from 7 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Friends Center, 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
FEATURED READING: Lenna Jawdat, author of 70,000: Poems
TICKETS: Tickets are required and may be purchased in advance through Mavey Books. Tickets include a copy of No Land to Stand On. 
IMPORTANT: Because of security and capacity requirements, no tickets will be sold at the door. Only advance ticket holders will be admitted.
CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, 617-401-5397, atekelioglu@cair.com

In March 2025, the Trump administration arrested Khalil, transferred him to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana and sought to deport him following his advocacy for Palestinian rights. His case drew national attention to the use of immigration enforcement against political dissent and the growing repression of Palestine advocacy on American campuses.

In No Land to Stand On, Khalil offers a personal account of protest, detention, family separation and resistance within the American immigration system. The Philadelphia conversation will explore his experiences and their broader implications for Palestinian rights, immigrant justice, academic freedom and political expression.

“At a moment when Palestine advocacy and academic freedom face intensifying attacks, we must insist that political disagreement never become a pretext for detention, deportation or repression. Mahmoud Khalil’s story demonstrates the profound human cost of using immigration enforcement to punish political expression,” said CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu. “This gathering will provide Philadelphia an important opportunity to hear his testimony firsthand, affirm the right to advocate for Palestinian freedom, and defend the civil liberties of students, immigrants and everyone who speaks against injustice.

Jude Husein is an Arab American community leader, organizer and strategist deeply rooted in Philadelphia. Born in Palestine and raised in North Philadelphia, she is the founder of Philadelphia Palestine Day, a TEDx speaker, The Philadelphia Citizen’s Activist of the Year and an Arab America Foundation 30 Under 30 honoree.

Lenna Jawdat is a poet, professor and psychotherapist of Palestinian and Iraqi descent. Her writing explores trauma, identity, memory and resilience. Her first book, 70,000: Poems, transforms Palestinian cultural erasure into an archive of grief, memory and hope.

Tickets include open-seating admission and a copy of No Land to Stand On, which will be available for pickup during event check-in. VIP tickets include premium seating, a meet-and-greet reception with Khalil and a signed copy of the book.

Mavey Books will donate 10 percent of its online ticket and book sales connected to the event to Anera in support of children and families in Palestine.

EVENT SPONSORS: Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP), Rabbis for Ceasefire, Fridays @ Fetterman, Jewish Voice for Peace Philadelphia, Jude Husein for City Council At-Large, Beaumonde Originals, Mennonite Action Philadelphia, Friends of Sabeel North America, Reclaim Philadelphia, Philadelphia Palestinian Americans, Prayers for Peace Alliance, American Friends of Combatants for Peace, Al-Salam Grill, Bishos, and Somiya Nagem.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.