Press Room

Rep. Ray LaHood to Receive 2008 Najeeb Halaby Award at Kahlil Gibran Awards Gala

From AAI
Posted on Friday April 18, 2008

WASHINGTON – April 18, 2008 – The Arab American Institute (AAI) and Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will honor U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois at the 10th annual Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards gala on Wednesday, April 23 in Washington, D.C. LaHood will receive this year’s Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service, presented annually to an Arab American who has excelled in public service while displaying strong and visible pride in his or her heritage. Sen. John E. Sununu of New Hampshire will present the award to LaHood, who is retiring from Congress after representing the 18th District of Illinois for seven terms.

Reporters Without Borders to Receive Award for Institutional Excellence at 2008 Kahlil Gibran Awards Gala

From AAI
Posted on Tuesday April 8, 2008

Rami Khouri, Editor of Beirut-based Daily Star, to Present Award to Organization Founder Robert Menard

WASHINGTON – April 7, 2008 – The Arab American Institute (AAI) and Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will recognize Reporters Without Borders with the Award for Institutional Excellence at the 10th annual Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards gala on Wednesday, April 23 in Washington, D.C. The organization will be honored for its advocacy on behalf of journalists, as well as its support for freedom of the press worldwide. Daily Star editor Rami Khouri will present the award to Reporters Without Borders founder and Secretary-General Robert Menard, who will travel from Paris to attend the gala.

AAIF to Honor Refugees International at 10th Annual Kahlil Gibran Awards Gala

From AAI
Posted on Thursday April 3, 2008

Actor Sam Waterston to Present Organization With Award for International Commitment at April 23 Event

WASHINGTON – April 3, 2008 – The Arab American Institute (AAI) and Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will honor Refugees International at the 10th annual Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards gala on Wednesday, April 23 in Washington. Actor and Refugees International board member Sam Waterston will present the organization with the Award for International Commitment in recognition of over 25 years of contributions to the humanitarian field, confronting the world’s worst refugee crises through a unique combination of advocacy and action.

2008 Kahlil Gibran Awards Gala to Honor Refugees International, Reporters Without Borders; Event to Include “Law and Order” Star Sam Waterston

From AAI
Posted on Thursday April 3, 2008

U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois, Barenboim-Said Foundation Also to Receive Recognition at April 23 Event

The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will host the tenth annual Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards gala on Wednesday, April 23 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. This year’s gala will honor Refugees International for its advocacy on behalf of the world’s displaced people and its recent work on behalf of Iraqi refugees, and Reporters Without Borders for its courageous mission to promote press freedom worldwide.

“Law and Order” star Sam Waterston (above), a board member of Refugees International, will present the organization with the Award for International Commitment. Rami Khouri, editor of the Beirut-based Daily Star, will present the Award for Institutional Achievement to Reporters Without Borders.

Find out more about the gala here and click here to purchase your tickets online!

AAI Leads Coalition to Deliver Letter to Secretary of State Rice Regarding Arab American Entry Into Palestinian Territories

From AAI
Posted on Tuesday March 18, 2008

Letter Expresses Continued Concern Over Obstacles to Entry for American Citizens of Arab and Palestinian Descent

The Arab American Institute (AAI) sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Friday, March 14 expressing continued concern over the treatment of Americans attempting to legally enter the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) by the Government of Israel. The letter, signed by 29 organizations, states the signatories’ concern regarding the ongoing burdensome bureaucratic requirements, harassment, and humiliation that Americans of Arab, and particularly Palestinian, descent often face when trying to enter Israel or the oPt. Many Americans of Palestinian descent have deep ties and family connections to the region, ties that are in jeopardy because of these procedures.

See also:
U.S. warns Palestinian Americans of delays in Israel, Reuters, March 20, 2008
US to Israel: No Bias Vs Arab-Americans, Associated Press, March 20, 2008

AAI Expresses Condolences for Loss of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

From AAI
Posted on Friday March 14, 2008

WASHINGTON – March 13, 2008 – The Arab American Institute expresses deep sadness at the death of Paulos Faraj Rahho, Archbishop of Mosul. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chaldean community today as they deal with the senseless loss of a valued, honorable leader of their spiritual family.

AAI Condemns Congressman’s Anti-Muslim Remarks, Calls on Congressional Leaders to Censure Rep. King

From AAI
Posted on Monday March 10, 2008

WASHINGTON ─ March 10, 2008 ─ The Arab American Institute (AAI) condemns remarks made by Congressman Steve King (R-IA) linking Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) to al-Qaeda and Islamist extremism and suggesting that the senator’s election as U.S. President would jeopardize national security. AAI calls on Congressional leadership to formally censure these comments. AAI is deeply troubled that Senator Obama’s name continues to raise suspicions about his religious affiliation and is especially concerned about how commonplace and acceptable it has become to defame and degrade Islam. Any notion that questions the fitness of any loyal American to elected office because of race or religion is unacceptable and must be addressed.

Statement on the Kidnapping of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

From AAI
Posted on Monday March 3, 2008

WASHINGTON – March 3, 2008 – The Arab American Institute is outraged by the kidnapping of Paulos Faraj Rahho, Archbishop of Mosul, and the killing of three men in his party. This despicable act against a peaceful leader of a vulnerable minority community violates every moral code.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the murdered men and the Chaldean community. We have every confidence that Archbishop Paulos will shame his captors with his moral bearing, and can only hope that his abductors will see that justice demands his immediate and unconditional release.

(Photo courtesy the Assyrian International News Agency)

AAI President James Zogby to Discuss "Yalla Vote '08" Campaign in Anaheim on Saturday, March 1

From AAI
Posted on Friday February 29, 2008

Florida Launches Primaries Into "Super Tuesday"

From AAI
Posted on Wednesday January 30, 2008

After yesterday’s Republican and Democratic primary elections in Florida, the presidential race now rapidly approaches “Super Tuesday” on February 5, when 22 states will hold primaries or caucuses. Over half of the delegates to the Democratic National Convention will be awarded next Tuesday, while nearly 40 percent of delegates to the Republican National Convention are up for grabs.

On the Republican side, Senator John McCain emerged victoriously out of Florida, carrying momentum into Super Tuesday. As in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Michigan, Arab Americans were involved in both Democratic and Republican campaigns from the grassroots level on up.

Making the Most of Michigan's Primaries

From AAI
Posted on Friday January 18, 2008

Despite generally low turnout in Tuesday’s Michigan primaries, particularly on the Democratic side, Arab American groups and individuals in the state were active in Get Out the Vote efforts and in organizing campaign events for candidates to address the community. The Yemeni American Political Action Committee (YAPAC) and a contingent of students at the University of Michigan—Dearborn, in particular, were active in mobilizing the community to vote on Tuesday.

Poor turnout throughout the state was attributed to penalties levied by the Democratic and Republican National Committees. After Michigan moved its primary elections up to January 15 in violation of rules in both parties, the DNC stripped Michigan of all of its delegates to the party’s national convention, while the RNC took away half of the state’s delegates. Nonetheless, Arab American voter turnout was impressive given the circumstances.

Arab Americans Getting Out the Vote in New Hampshire . . . and Beyond

From AAI
Posted on Friday January 11, 2008

Last Tuesday’s New Hampshire primaries brought more surprises to both the Democratic and Republican 2008 presidential fields. Just like in Iowa the previous week, Arab Americans were on the ground in New Hampshire working for candidates as paid staff, volunteers, and canvassers throughout the state.

Both the Democratic and Republican races are likely to remain competitive until Super Tuesday on February 5 and perhaps beyond, so there is still plenty of time for Arab Americans to get involved in the campaigns! If you’d like to volunteer for one of the candidates, click here and fill out our Presidential Campaign Connection form. We’ll connect you with the campaign of the candidate you’d like to support!

Wednesday, Jan. 9: AAI Board Member and Top Pollster John Zogby on "The Daily Show"

From AAI
Posted on Tuesday January 8, 2008

John Zogby, President and CEO of the polling firm Zogby International and an AAI Board member, will be the guest on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on Wednesday, January 9 at 11 p.m. EST/10 p.m. CST. Zogby, who is the brother of AAI President James Zogby, is considered by many the top pollster in the United States. He will analyze and handicap the presidential races the day after the pivotal New Hampshire primary.

With the Writers Guild of America strike still going, the show promises to feature a candid conversation highlighted by the wit and wisdom of Jon and John. It should be as enlightening as entertaining. Don’t miss it!

Arab Americans Making A Difference in Iowa!

From AAI
Posted on Friday January 4, 2008

The 2008 Iowa Caucuses were met with extraordinary enthusiasm and unprecedented voter turnout. The Arab American Institute proudly joined with Concerned Iowans for Middle East Peace to help Arab Americans and members of the peace community raise awareness about the current situation in Palestine.

You Can Still Watch Walt and Mearsheimer on "Viewpoint"

From AAI
Posted on Wednesday December 19, 2007

Last week’s edition of “Viewpoint with James Zogby” featured an hour-long conversation with Stephen Walt and John Mearsheimer, authors of the best-selling The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy. The entire show was devoted to the authors, their work, and the reaction to it.

Click here to read the authors’ 2006 London Review of Books article on which the book was based.

Click here to receive a complimentary DVD of this “Viewpoint” episode when you renew your 2008 AAI membership (or join for the first time) at the $250 level.