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Arab Americans Meet with N.J. Governor on Merhi Controversy

Posted on Wednesday March 29, 2006

Community Voices Concern About Growing Anti-Arab Rhetoric

TRENTON, N.J.  A delegation of Arab Americans met Tuesday, March 29, 2006 with New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine over the Sami Merhi controversy amid continued concerns that national Democratic Party leaders have not moved to stem Arab-bashing in its ranks.

Last Saturday, the Passaic County Democratic Party withdrew their support for the nomination of Freeholder candidate Sami Merhi over fear that his 2002 comments about terrorism would hurt them in November’s midterm elections.

Merhi, who has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, participated in the meeting, which was organized by the Washington, D.C.-based Arab American Institute (AAI).

Community leaders voiced their disappointment to Gov. Corzine over his objections to Merhi running on the Democratic Party ticket for a Passaic County Freeholder seat.

“We’re appreciative that Gov. Corzine has heard our concerns and we look forward to seeing concrete steps to resolve the fallout over Sami Merhi,” said AAI Executive Director Nidal Ibrahim. “Unfortunately, other Democratic candidates such as Sen. Robert Menendez and Sen. Chuck Schumer continue to see Arab bashing as an appropriate means of running an election year campaign.”

AAI has received calls from concerned Arab Americans across the country, including those in key battleground states such as New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The Passaic County issue has gained national attention, with the Arab American community watching its developments closely.

Sami Merhi thanked Gov. Corzine for the opportunity to address the allegations that have been made against him. Arab American Democrats told Gov. Corzine that they hope the meeting represents the beginning of an extensive new dialogue between the governor’s office and the Arab American community.

Aref Assaf, Samer Khalaf, Abed Awad, Salah Mustafa, Anisa Mehdi and Maha Munayyer Kasbbash also attended the meeting.