Press Room

AAI in the News

Arab Leaders Back Kerry

By Niraj Warikoo
Detroit Free Press
Posted on Tuesday October 19, 2004

A group of Arab-American leaders from across the country endorsed Kerry on Monday, citing his commitment to civil liberties and solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“We need to speak loudly, and speak as one voice, ” William Shaheen, a New Hampshire judge of Arab descent who campaigns for Kerry, said during a phone conference.

Ismael Ahamed, head of the Dearborn-based Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, said he supports Kerry because of his views on immigrant rights and social services. The Dearborn-based Arab American Political Action Committee also has endorsed Kerry.

Last week, other Arab-American and Muslim leaders gathered in Southfield to announce their support of Bush. They said he has reached out to Arab Americans and appointed officials of Arab descent, including U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, a former Michigan senator.