Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Contact
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Toggle search form
  • UN Special Committee on Israeli practices in occupied territories warns of a second Nakba  Arab World
  • Arab American community liaison Hassan Nijem, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta at the Arab American Heritage Month event hosted by Pappas’s office.
    Pappas honors Arab American business and community leaders for Heritage Month Activism
  • 04-28-25 Pappas Arab Heritage Month
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recognizes Arab American Heritage Month by honoring business and community leaders American Arabs
  • Stuffed Grape Leaves. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    A recipe on how to make Stuffed Grape Leaves with lamb, ox tail and rice American Arabs
  • Andrew Boutros, interim US Attorney Northern District of Illinois. Photo courtesy of the US Attorney's Office
    Andrew S. Boutros Takes Oath of Office as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois American Arabs
  • Israeli massacres of Palestinian civilians March 18 2025
    Palestinians demand investigation of Israeli war crimes in Gaza Strip Arab World
  • Illinois Muslim Action Day April 9 2025
    Illinois Muslim Action Day Policies at April 9 Statehouse News Conference American Arabs
  • Investigation demanded in March 23 massacre of 15 first responders by Israel's military in Rafah
    Investigation demanded into Israel slaughter of First Responder in Rafah on March 23, 2025 Arab World
  • More than a dozen candidates running for various local offices in the Chicagoland suburbs attended an Ifatr dinner Thursday, March 13, 2025 hosted by the Arab American Chamber of Commerce at the Jerusalem Banquet Hall in Bridgeview.
    Candidates promise fairness and engagement at Arab Chamber Iftar event March 13 Activism
  • Orland Fire Protection District, Fiscal Voices, receive endorsement of the Arab American Democracy Coaliton
    Independent candidates for Orland Fire receive Arab and Muslim American endorsement Activism
  • Partial Image from a video produced by the PASC called "Citizens Against Insider Politics". The video slandered Arabs and Muslims in Orland Park as being supporters of terrorism. The PAC receivced a major donation fromt he founder of Pete's Fresh Market which operate stores in two heavily populated Arab and Muslim communities, Bridgeview and Orland Park.
    CAIR-Chicago Denounces Growing Islamophobia in Southwest Suburbs, Calls for Hate Crime Investigation Activism
  • The Arab American Chamber of Commerce of Chicagoland and the Palestine Club are hosting a "Candidate's Iftar" on Thursday, March 13 beginning at 5:30 PM at Jerusalem Banquets, 8314 S. Harlem Avenue.
    Arab Chamber and Palestine Club host Candidate Iftar March 13 in Bridgeview Activism
  • Television set and remote. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
    MBC GROUP unveils MBCNOW, its brand-new groundbreaking entertainment service aggregator American Arabs
  • Mike Ghouse
    Celebration of 500th Interfaith Marriage Ceremony American Arabs
  • Orland Park activist Yousif Zegar addresses the Orland Park Village Board meeting on Feb. 5, 2024.
    All United launches to empower local community and drive political change American Arabs

American Palestinian to Sail “The Liberty” in honor of the USS Liberty and his Mother

Posted on April 18, 2018April 18, 2018 By Eileen Fleming No Comments on American Palestinian to Sail “The Liberty” in honor of the USS Liberty and his Mother
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

Nabil Amra will captain “The Liberty” as one of 19 sailors in the 2018 Golden Globe Race who will travel 30,000 miles alone and without outside assistance for about nine months replicating a 1968 race that ended with one finisher.

By Eileen Fleming

Nabil Amra was born and lived in the USA from 1975 until 1987, when his father moved the family back to the West Bank just in time for the First Intifada and stayed for two years.

Amra joined youth led demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and said if he wins the race he will use the prize money to buy racing dinghies for the Palestinian Sail and Surf Federation. The Israeli Air force recently destroyed the Palestinian Sail and Surf Federation boating fleet citing national security risks.

Nabil Amra is renaming the “E’le May,” a Biscay 36 class ketch yacht built in 1990, “The Liberty,” which is the translation of his grandmother’s Arabic name and to honor the U.S.S. Liberty, which was attacked by Israeli aircraft and torpedo boats on 8 June 1967.*

At his “Golden Globe Race- Team Palestine!” Amra writes:

Like so many other Palestinian children, my time was spent in daily protest to the injustice, humiliation, and oppression suffered under occupation. The experience profoundly transformed me and my heart never stopped thinking about it.

Years later, I began to sail. Initially, it was simply another distraction. It didn’t take long before I fell in love with it and in retrospect came to realize that my love for sailing came from my love for freedom. The freedom that I was deprived of during my formative years in the West Bank and for which so many in the West Bank and Gaza yearn for, yet continue to be deprived.

2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Golden Globe Race Around the World. For those unfamiliar with the race, this was the first non-stop, single-handed, round-the-world yacht race. It was held only one time 1968-1969 and it is commonly considered one of the most demanding races in the world stretching over 27,000 nautical miles and requiring nearly a year of non-stop sailing.

Nine sailors started the race in 1968. Only one sailor finished. The others either dropped out or died during the race. The race was never ran again. Not surprising, the race has become legendary – not only does it represent the highest level of seamanship, it requires unyielding grit, endurance, and perseverance. All traits engrained in Palestinian refugees and those living under occupation. What doesn’t kill you makes your stronger and I have faith that we will come out of this unjust occupation stronger.

In 2015 it was announced that there would be a Golden Globe Race held in 2018 to mark the 50th anniversary of the original race. I was fortunate enough to be able to secure one of 30 coveted positions for the race. Most importantly, I will be sailing under the Palestinian flag as a showing of solidarity with the ongoing suffering of Palestinians and their unyielding desire for freedom. As far as I can tell, the Palestinian flag has never been flown in a race of this import and I truly feel fortunate for the opportunity to fly our flag around the world.

While Palestinians have a long and storied tradition of sailing, these days they are not even allowed to access their own coastal waters. As many of you may know, recently the Israeli Air force destroyed the Palestinian Sail and Surf Federation boating fleet citing national security risks. I guess nothing spells National Security threat like teenagers training for an Olympic Sailing race!

Racing under the Palestinian flag is way of supporting the 6 million people, who have had the hardest 70 years imaginable, and perhaps give them something to cheer for. For me this race is for the children of Gaza, born on the shores of the sea, but forbidden to enjoy it or even meaningfully use it. The injustice is self-evident and this race, God willing, will hopefully raise global sympathy to this heartbreaking situation.

I am now gainfully employed in the U.S. as a banker and as part of this undertaking I will be quitting my job for nearly two years to train and participate in the race. I used my savings to purchase a sail boat in England where the race is to begin. I am seeking financial support to rig the boat with the necessary equipment so that we will have a fighting chance to succeed. For that I respectfully and humbly ask for your support. Please watch the video and help make this a reality by donating to this effort. Anything will help.

Also, don’t hesitate to contact me contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Nabil Amra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIiwsr2JufU

*Learn More about the USS Liberty at TADN HERE

 

Eileen Fleming, senior non-Arab correspondent writes for TADN

HERE

Contact Eileen Fleming

 HERE

 

newswire info
  • About
  • Latest Posts
Eileen Fleming
Eileen Fleming
Senior Non-Arab Correspondent for TADN at The Arab Daily News
Senior Non-Arab Correspondent for The Arab Daily News
Producer "30 Minutes with Vanunu" who founded WeAreWideAwake.org in response to her first of 8 trips to both sides of The Wall in Palestine Israel.
In 2012, Eileen ran for US House of Representatives District 5, in Fl.
Read her FREE eBooks and more at:http://www.eileenfleming.org/
Eileen Fleming
Latest posts by Eileen Fleming (see all)
  • Vanunu still has more nuclear secrets to spill, Israeli court declares - December 29, 2021
  • 9/11 and a 20th Reflection of That Day - September 5, 2021
  • Mordechai Vanunu: Final Annual Update and this Writers Next Steps - June 19, 2021

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Eileen Fleming, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan

Post navigation

Previous Post: Mordechai Vanunu, Secret Weapon and Persistent Missions
Next Post: Tipping and Bargaining in Egypt: Bakhshesh or Sadaqa

Related Posts

  • Live Arab Radio with Ray Hanania Sept 18, 2020 American Arabs
  • Mordechai Vanunu Reports Latest News at Twitter Arab World
  • Palestinians run in Chicago & California marathons Activism
  • Oral Language: Social exclusion & identity affirmation Abdennour Toumi
  • Zoabi seeks to force Israel to be a real Democracy Arab World
  • Israeli Spies and YouTube Gift from Vanunu Mordechai Arab World

More Related Articles

American Arab enters Florida senate race American Arabs
Election: A Moral Dilemma For Arabs, Muslims Activism
The Women in Hebron Arab World
New anti-Semitism and This American and USS Liberty Survivors of The Six Day War Arab World
In light of the current escalation of tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Iran which was  caused by the Israeli/Hamas War, Observations of ISRAEL’S APARTHEID SYSTEM, (Prime Publishings – Fadi Zanayed, author), is a timely book given that more than half of all adult Americans believe that Israel has gone too far in its campaign against Gaza. New book by Author Fadi Zanayed exposes Israel’s Apartheid system American Arabs
Arab American National Museum. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Summer Photography camp helps kids see world American Arabs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Ray Hanania's 4 times a week columns at https://RayHanania.com at Substack

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Photo courtesy of Journalist Abdennour Toumi
    France: Political Compromise vs Political Instability
    August 28, 2024
  • Zakia Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia
    Arabs eat Middle East food like they are making love
    June 27, 2024
  • Zwar lamb kabob and kufta with white and yellow rice
    Zwar ranked the Best Middle East restaurant in Chicagoland suburbs
    June 8, 2024
  • Pictured: Rahm Emanuel, Afghan activist Salman Aftab who was co-chair of the Iftar dinner, and several non-Arab Muslim leaders. Also pictured is Ald. Joe Moore. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania for Arab News
    Comprehensive look at the failings of former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
    January 18, 2024
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Arab American community liaison Hassan Nijem, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta at the Arab American Heritage Month event hosted by Pappas’s office.
    Pappas honors Arab American business and community leaders for Heritage Month
    April 29, 2025
  • 04-28-25 Pappas Arab Heritage Month
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recognizes Arab American Heritage Month by honoring business and community leaders
    April 27, 2025
  • Mike Ghouse
    Celebration of 500th Interfaith Marriage Ceremony
    February 14, 2025
  • Arab American Democracy Coalition logo 2025
    AADC to host annual candidates’ Forum & Brunch Sunday at Nikos in Bridgeview
    February 11, 2025

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • NEWS
  • UN Special Committee on Israeli practices in occupied territories warns of a second Nakba 
    May 9, 2025
  • Arab American community liaison Hassan Nijem, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta at the Arab American Heritage Month event hosted by Pappas’s office.
    Pappas honors Arab American business and community leaders for Heritage Month
    April 29, 2025
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Faisal Abbas Book Anecdotes
    Book Review: Arab author shares his anecdotes living in the United Kingdom
    October 22, 2024
  • Columnist Ray Hanania at the ADC Convention in Dearborn with the author Susan Abulhawa
    Book Review: Mornings in Jenin bySusan Abulhawa
    September 14, 2024
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Television set and remote. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
    MBC GROUP unveils MBCNOW, its brand-new groundbreaking entertainment service aggregator
    February 24, 2025
  • ArabCon 2024 Gala Program features Dr. Cornel West, Macklemore, and more
    September 6, 2024
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2025 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme