Controversial Move: Major Texas Hilton Backtracks on Palestinian Rights Conference due to Mounting Security Worries

Due to the increasing violence between Israel and Hamas, a conference organized by the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, which was scheduled to be hosted at a Hilton hotel in Houston next week, has been canceled. The hotel mentioned "heightened security concerns" as the primary reason for this decision. The conference, originally planned to occur from October 27 until October 29, had prominent individuals like Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib from Michigan and American political activist Linda Sarsour lined up as speakers.

"Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria functions as a public accommodation and does not support the viewpoints of external groups or organizations. Ensuring the safety and protection of our Team Members and guests is our utmost priority," mentioned a spokesperson for Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria in a statement provided to CNN.

Considering the growing concerns regarding security in the present circumstances, the hotel has concluded that it cannot host this event due to the potential hazards it may pose to our Team Members and guests. Our main focus will continue to be guaranteeing the safety and security of all individuals we welcome to our hotel," the statement further stated.

Hilton's sudden cancellation of the event, with minimal notice or warning, has been strongly condemned by the USCPR. According to USCPR executive director Ahmad Abuznaid, this breach by Hilton constitutes clear discrimination based on ethnicity, race, and religion. Furthermore, Abuznaid argues that the cancellation infringes upon their organization's First Amendment rights by punishing them for their political stances. This action by Hilton not only constitutes a violation of their agreement, but also sends a disturbing message that they align themselves with hatred and intolerance. The USCPR intends to pursue all available avenues to rectify this situation.

According to its website, the USCPR is described as a political space for individuals who share the belief that the liberation of the Palestinian people is crucial for our collective freedom. The organization aims to offer assistance and resources to the US-Palestine solidarity movement. Tlaib was set to deliver the keynote speech at the upcoming conference, focusing on the exploration of ways to advocate for justice within positions of authority.

The events cancellation comes as the ongoing deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas has stoked tensions in the United States and around the world.