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Arab Americans Request Charitable Giving Guidance Ahead of Holidays

Posted on Monday November 4, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Arab American Institute Chair George R. Salem and American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee President Ziad Asali wrote to Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill to request charitable giving guidelines. This request comes just before the observance of the month of Ramadan and the holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Christmas, periods that mark increased community charitable giving.

Complete text of the letter follows:

“Dear Secretary O’Neill:

“We write in our capacities as Chairman of the Arab American Institute (AAI) and President of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). On behalf of the Arab American community, we offer our assistance with a problem which we describe below, and solicit guidance from the United States government with respect thereto.

“One of the effects of the actions taken by the Administration in the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001 has been a chilling effect on charitable contributions to Arab American and Islamic charities. These charities are all qualified under § 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributors are worried that their gifts will somehow result in questions of their charitable motives, or worse, an investigation into whether they are somehow attempting to fund terrorist activities.

“The commencement soon of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Christmas Holiday season are the period when most of these charities receive the bulk of their contributions. Guidance from the U.S. government as soon as possible would be helpful.

“As we have discussed with the President, as well as with several enforcement officials from the Department of the Treasury, there is a serious need for clarity from the Treasury Department regarding these charities. At minimum, it would be helpful if guidelines could be provided for legitimate charities, so that they can advise their supporters to contribute with confidence. The humanitarian assistance provided by these entities is a critical source of aid. In addition, action now to clarify the Government’s position is critical so that Arab American Muslims and Christians can fulfill their religious obligations of zakat and tithing in a timely manner.

“We look forward to continuing our productive dialogue.”