FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2025
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Dearborn, MI | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) will present a special recognition to the Government of Spain for its bold, global leadership and principled stance on Palestine at the ArabCon 2025 Welcome Reception, Thursday, September 25, 6:00–7:00 p.m. at the Henry Ford Centennial Library. The award will be accepted by Mr. Agustín Rebollo, Political Counselor of the Embassy of Spain.
Spain has led with courage in a time when the world needs clarity and action. At the U.N. General Assembly this week, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez renewed his call for Palestine’s full admission into the United Nations, insisting that it “must be a full member…on an equal footing with other states.” Spain also recently imposed a total arms embargo on Israel and banned imports from illegal settlements in Palestinian territories.
The genocide in Gaza reached a new flashpoint when the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying aid and activists, came under drone attacks by Israel in international waters south of Greece. Spain responded immediately: PM Sánchez announced that Madrid would dispatch a warship from Cartagena to assist and protect the convoy, if needed.
ADC Chairman, Dr. Safa Rifka, lauded Spain’s decisive actions: “Spain sets the standard for moral leadership and proves that justice requires courage. By demanding full U.N. membership for Palestine, enforcing an arms embargo on Israel, and protecting humanitarian missions like the Gaza flotilla, Spain shows that its leadership is not only timely but essential to preserving international order. While too many remain silent, Spain chooses principle over politics—and history will remember it.”
Local officials in Michigan will also publicly honor Spain during the reception. State Representative Alabas Farhat affirmed the symbolic weight of the moment. “Spain’s leadership sends a powerful message: in times of crisis, nations must act with conviction, not hesitation. Here in Michigan, home to many with deep ties to the Arab world, we stand with Spain in defending the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people and in upholding a rules-based international order.”
ArabCon 2025 will bring together activists, community leaders, media, and policymakers to center justice, accountability, and solidarity. Thursday’s Welcome Reception marks a moment to acknowledge leaders who act, not just speak, in pivotal moments of history.