AAI Bulletin
Introducing...AAI's New Website
Posted on Tuesday May 16, 2006
Hello everyone,
We are excited to report that AAI’s new website is now LIVE! Please take a few minutes today to visit the site and see what’s new.
The staff has worked very hard to create an easy-to-navigate, user-friendly homepage that we hope you’ll find useful and fun to peruse. Look for news about Arab American political activism all over the country and resources such as the new “How do I…,” page, which will be updated monthly, with tips on how you can get involved.
PS: We welcome your feedback on the new website. Please send your comments to web@aaiusa.org. Happy surfing!
Off to the Races in Kentucky!
On Tuesday, Teresa Issac edged Jim Newberry by 500 votes out of more than 46,000 cast for four candidates in Lexington’s bi-partisan, mayoral primary. Issac and Newberry will face off in the November general election…
** Please share your news on events and political activism with AAI’s Community Relations Director Valerie Smith.
Weekend in Michigan
In Lansing, AAI NPC member Dennis Denno and the Board of GLAASS (Greater Lansing Arab American Social Services) arranged a luncheon at which 60 Arab American community members were joined by Arab American candidate for the State House Jeff Abood (D-69th district), one of his primary opponents, Mary Lindamen, and 68th House district candidate Jerry Hollister, who is also Director of Special Events for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. Also in attendance were County commissioner Marc Thomas, two representatives from the office of Congressman Mike Rogers (R-8th District), a representative from the office of the President of Michigan State University, and the State Chair of the Democratic Party, Mark Brewer. The assembled group was interested to hear AAI President Dr. James Zogby’s comments and engage in discussion on “The Mess We’re In: America’s growing problems in the Middle East and what Washington should do about them.” Many of the Arab Americans in attendance pledged to get more involved in the political process by running for Precinct Delegate in the party of their choice, volunteering for a candidates campaign, applying to work at a polling place, and/or volunteering to help AAI get out the Arab American vote on Election Day – so look for more good news from Lansing as the elections approach!
In Dearborn, AAI organized a Town Hall Meeting with Dr. Zogby and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Over 150 people attended the Monday event at the Arab American National Museum. Secretary Albright discussed the themes of her new book which include the need for humility in governance. Secretary Albright expressed her personal regret for mistakes she has made, including comments she made on CBS’ 60 Minutes in 1996 when she defended U.S. sanctions imposed on Iraq despite the deadly toll they took on Iraqi children. The secretary also expressed the desire to engage the Arab American community in order to learn more about Arabs and Islam. Town Hall Meeting will air live on Abu Dhabi’s “Viewpoint with James Zogby” – stay tuned for the day and time.
Give Back to Your Community
This Saturday, May 20, is National Arab American Service Day and the Arab American Institute Foundation’s (AAIF) Washington, D.C. effort will feature a “Junior Sports Day” for the students of WVSART’s School for Arts and Learning, a school for children with special needs.
We need volunteers! Be a part of this important day: Your help will make a difference in the lives of the children participating.
Junior Sports Day will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Virginia Highlands Park, 1600 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA, near Pentagon City Metro stop.
To sponsor the event, volunteer or donate toys and refreshments, please contact Rudy Gharib at 202-429-9210 or at rgharib@aaiusa.org.
PS: The weather forecast calls for a chance of rain. Rudy will contact you about alternate arrangements if necessary.
Arab Americans Help Injured Iraqi Girl
AAI NPC member Shahin Shahin along with members of the Boston-area Arab American community participated in humanitarian efforts to bring a six-year-old Iraqi girl from Mosul to Massachusetts for medical attention. Haneen Hayawi was injured in crossfire between U.S. and Iraqi insurgents, but her condition appears to be improving. Marah Janineh’s family has been housing Haneen and her father, while Raouf Zaki’s family and other Boston-area Arab American families have been supporting them with transportation and clothes.
Update on Sami Merhi
New Jersey Arab American Sami Merhi has announced that he will run as a write-in candidate in the Democratic primary for Passaic County Freeholder. If you recall, the Passaic County Democratic Party withdrew their support for Sami in March, forcing him off the ballot.
Sami reports that he maintains broad support in his community, even after the debacle, and that under NJ electoral law, both Democrats and registered voters who have never previously participated in any primary are eligible to vote in the Democratic primary on June 6.
Regards,
Christine Saah Nazer
Communications Director
PS: Is your membership current? Please take a moment to join here.
