AAI Bulletin

Is LA the City of Sisterly Love?

Posted on Tuesday June 13, 2006

Hello everyone,

I hope you’re having a good week. Thank you for your support and I hope we continue to earn your confidence in the coming years to effectively represent you. If you haven’t already joined, please do so here – it will take you less than 5 minutes. Won’t you help us be heard?

And now to the news:

Arab Americans Connect With Kaine

Arab Americans were well represented as Governor Tim Kaine addressed the Arlington County Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner last Friday. AAI members Yusif Farsakh and Miriam Balutis and AAI Community Relations Associate Maram Abdelhamid – all Precinct Captains on the Arlington County Democratic Committee – attended the annual fundraiser, along with AAI NPC member Marwan Burgan of Fairfax County and Ziad Khreisat of Maryland. Farsakh attended “not only to see Governor Kaine speak, but also because I wanted to make sure that the Democratic Party leadership knows that Arab Americans support the party.” Wasim Entabi, a volunteer in Jim Webb’s U.S. Senate Campaign, also attended “to ensure that our community is noticed by campaigns at events like fundraisers.” Maram took the opportunity to thank the Governor for having attended the AAI-sponsored Virginia Candidates’ Nights in various roles in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Governor Kaine responded “Thank you. The Arab American Community helped me out in my campaign. I am grateful for your help and would love to come again this year if you invite me”.

AAI will be extending invitations to all relevant candidates and sitting officials of both parties to speak at and/or attend this fall’s Virginia Candidates’ Night as soon as the date is set. Stay tuned to www.aaiusa.org/get-involved/get-local/virginia for details.

Please share your news on events and political activism with AAI’s Community Relations Director Valerie Smith.

The City of Sisterly Love

In Los Angeles, Arab American City Councilman Dennis P. Zine has introduced a motion for LA to officially adopt Beirut as a Sister City. This motion was seconded by City Council President Eric Garcetti, passed the relevant subcommittee last week, and is scheduled for a vote by the whole City Council on June 20th. An LA-Beirut Sister City Committee has been formed, and is already preparing a trip to Beirut to begin the official relationship. This is an excellent example of Arab Americans helping to build bridges between the U.S. and the Arab World. Good work!

Gearing Up for November

We are in the process of planning the National Leadership Conference scheduled for Sept. 10-12, 2006 in Washington, D.C. If you’ve ever wanted a taste of D.C., this year’s event is not to be missed. Attend panels on security and civil liberties and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, and get first-hand exposure to American politics. If you’ve ever wanted to visit Washington, D.C., this is the event for you. Stay tuned for registration information to come.

Regards,
Christine Saah Nazer
Communications Director