Celebrating our 55th year, the Columbus Free Press will honor five outstanding community activists and a community organization at our November 2025 Salon and Awards event on Saturday, November 8 from 1:30-4:30pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road. One of our "Libby" Award honorees is Palestinian activist Jawhara Qutiefan.

Jawhara Qutiefan (Jay) is a writer, activist, and community organizer whose work bridges advocacy, journalism, and grassroots mobilization. Raised in Ohio, she is guided by a deep belief that writing and sharing information are acts of resistance

As President of American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) Columbus and a member of the Ohio Divest steering committee, Jawhara has led statewide advocacy, organized direct actions, and helped stop millions of public dollars from being invested in Israel, exposing the ethical and financial risks of these bonds. Her writing amplifies voices often silenced  from families facing displacement to organizers confronting repression. Through op-eds, public statements, and contributions to the Columbus Free Press, she uses her pen to advocate for transparency, accountability, and human rights for all people.

At her core, Jawhara’s mission is to defend the right to speak freely, organize boldly, and tell the truth even when it challenges those in power. Through every article, campaign, and event, she continues to build bridges that turn words into movements.

The Free Press event is free and open to the public. Also honored will be: Jawhara Qutiefan, Julialynne Walker, Lezlie Combs, Paul Becker and Heer to Serve. The event is free and light refreshments will be available.