DETROIT, Sept. 5, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An international conference exploring U.S. policy and its relationship to the Palestinian issue will take place at the First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Michigan from September 25-27, 2008.

Peace, Palestine and U.S. Policy 1948-2008 will provide education and dialogue on the conflict in Palestine-Israel featuring internationally acclaimed speakers, educational workshops and films.

``This conference is important because it occurs 60 years since the Nakba (Catastrophe) and documents a history of human rights abuses and violations of international law from that time,'' said George Khoury, coordinator of the event. He went on to say, ``It will thus trace the origins of the conflict and how U.S. indifference to international law and human rights has led to a profound deterioration of prestige and credibility in the Arab and Muslim world.''

Conference speakers include :

 Anna Baltzer, a young Jewish-American activist.
 Susan Nathan, Author of The Other Side of Israel.
 Ilan Pappe, One of the foremost Isreali revisionist historians.
 Phyllis Bennis, A fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in
  Washington, D.C.
 Chris Hodges, Pultizer Prize winning former NYT foreign
  correspondent.
 Joel Kovel, Psychiatrist, peace activist and author.
 Imam Mohammed Mardini, Leader of the American Muslim Center in
  Dearborn, Michigan.
 Don Wagner, A top scholar of Christian Zionism.
 Naim Ateek, Sabeel's founder and Canon of St. George's Episcopal
  Church, Jerusalem.
 Jean Zarou, Vice President of Sabeel and author, Occupied with
  Occupation.
 John B. Quigley, Ohio State University faculty member and expert in
  international law.

The cost for the three-day conference will be $110 for early registrants and $50 for students which includes a reception, a banquet and two lunches. Space is limited, so register and/or get more information on line at http://www.fosna.org.

Sabeel, is an ecumenical grassroots liberation theology movement among Palestinian Christians. Friends of Sabeel North America, supports the work of Sabeel by sponsoring educational activities that promote peace and justice in the Middle East.

The Detroit/Ann Arbor Friends of Sabeel logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5409

          David Communications
          Media inquiries:
          Warren David
          313-999-6000
          warrend@davidcomgroup.com

          Sabeel
          Conference information:
          Jon Swanson, coordinator
          734-741-1273