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AAI Welcomes Sen. Lautenberg’s Apology to Arab Americans

Posted on Friday June 30, 2006

Reiterates Call for Similar Action by Sen. Chuck Schumer

WASHINGTON – The Arab American Institute today welcomed an apology by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) for comments he made surrounding Dubai’s DP World’s bid to manage the operations of certain U.S. ports.

After a recent meeting with New Jersey Arab American representatives of AAI and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Sen. Lautenberg expressed regret over his comments at the time which painted a negative picture of Arabs and Americans of Arab heritage.

“We wouldn’t transfer the title to the devil; we’re not going to transfer it to Dubai,” Lautenberg had said regarding the plan by DP World to acquire management of several U.S. ports as part of a merger with a British company.

In a letter to AAI, Lautenberg said he “apologized for any comment I made that was considered offensive regarding Dubai at the Port Newark Event…. I have respect for our Arab American community and want to work to foster a positive relationship. I believe our discussion clearly confirmed that we have a great deal in common regarding our families, our security policies, and our country.”

“We welcome Sen. Lautenberg’s thoughtful comments and disavowal of his previous statement,” said AAI Executive Director Nidal Ibrahim. “His engagement of New Jersey Arab American leaders is a testament to his recognition of the importance of the 240,000 Arab Americans who call New Jersey home.”

AAI calls on Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to similarly recognize the inappropriateness of his comments regarding Arabs and Arab Americans. When questioned by journalists who suggested that his opposition to the DP World deal was a result of anti-Arab bias, Senator Schumer responded by saying: “Let’s say skinheads had bought a company to take over our port. I think the outcry would have been the same.”

“Those comments remain a black mark on Sen. Schumer’s record,” said Ibrahim. “Sen. Schumer should recognize and follow the lead of Sen. Lautenberg. Comparing Arabs to skinheads displays a disgraceful lack of sensitivity on the part of someone elected to represent all New Yorkers, including the estimated 405,000 Arab Americans in that state.”