Press Room
Press Releases
AAI Hosting NY Town Hall Meeting on Immigration, Civil Liberties and National Security
From AAI
Posted on Tuesday February 16, 2010
Arab American Leaders to Attend
WASHINGTON – February 16, 2010 – The Arab American Institute (AAI) and partnering organizations in New York City will host a town hall meeting on Immigration, Civil Liberties, and National Security on Wednesday, February 17 at Widdi Hall in Brooklyn, New York.
This forum will be an opportunity for elected officials, policymakers, and Arab American community leaders to discuss ongoing topics in the immigration debate and priorities for comprehensive immigration reform, including NSEERS…
U.S. Should Urge Israel to Lift the Gaza Closure to Relieve Grave Humanitarian Crisis
From AAI
Posted on Thursday February 4, 2010
Arab, Muslim, Sikh & South Asian American Community Leaders Meet with DHS Secretary Napolitano
From AAI
Posted on Friday January 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC January 29, 2010—In a meeting with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday to discuss joint efforts against domestic violent extremists, Muslim, Arab, Sikh and South Asian American community leaders welcomed commitments by the Secretary to promote meaningful, positive and authentic dialogue. Leaders from national and local organizations representing these communities expressed concern about DHS policies, such as racial, ethnic, and religious profiling at airports and the border, that have eroded the government’s trust and credibility with the communities.
The commitments Secretary Napolitano made to these community leaders include:
Arab Nations Unite in Relief Effort for Haiti
From AAI
Posted on Wednesday January 27, 2010
WASHINGTON – Wednesday, January 27 – While not drawing press attention to their efforts, Arab nations have united in an effort to provide needed assistance to support the humanitarian relief work being undertaken in Haiti. The Arab American Institute (AAI) believes that their generosity should be showcased, and has compiled a list of Arab nation contributions from information available to date.
AAI, ADC and MPAC Meet with Attorney General Holder to Discuss Profiling; Encourage Engagement
From AAI
Posted on Tuesday January 26, 2010
WASHINGTON – Tuesday, January 26—Executives of the Arab American Institute (AAI), American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), met with Attorney General Eric Holder on Monday (January 25) to discuss issues of concern to the Arab American and Muslim communities.
Leaders spoke with Attorney General Holder about several controversial policies developed under the 2003 Department of Justice Guidance on Profiling, which include several loopholes allowing for widespread profiling based on race, ethnicity, religion…
INVITATION TO HILL BRIEF "Targeting Needles or Adding More Hay?"
From AAI
Posted on Friday January 8, 2010
The Arab American Institute (AAI) invites you to attend the January 11, 2010 Hill briefing entitled, “Targeting Needles or Adding More Hay?: Airport Profiling, ‘Countries of Interest’, and American Security”.
The brief is in Room 1334, Longworth HOB, from 10a.m. to 12:00p.m. Four experts will discuss perspectives and offer recommendations on national security, civil liberties, and the ethnic American experience. Please join us.
Arab American heritage on display at the White House
From AAI
Posted on Wednesday December 23, 2009
This year, a celebration of our White House decorates trees as part of their annual Christmas celebration, ornaments representing Arab American heritage will be on display.
AAI participated as part of an effort to involve America’s ethnic communities in creating designs for a White House Christmas tree. Design ideas submitted by AAI members were realized by Eileen and Sarah Zogby and members of the AAI staff. The ornaments portrayed the rich variety of Arab American culture and heritage, and included images of Arabian horses, dabke dancers, Bedouins crossing the desert at night, Egyptian papyrus. The dove of peace was a prominent feature of the designs, as well.
Thanks to all who sent in their ideas and suggestions and made this project such a success.
AAI President James Zogby to Testify Before House Homeland Security Committee
From AAI
Posted on Tuesday December 15, 2009
On Tuesday, December, 15th Dr. Zogby gave testimony to the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment of the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. Dr. Zogby and three other well-respected witnesses were asked to address the committee on the topic of the hearing: “Violent Extremism: How Are People Moved from Constitutionally-Protected Thought to Acts of Terrorism?”
Dr. Zogby’s testimony focused on the unique experiences of assimilation and integration among ethnic and religious communities in the United States.
AAI grieves for the victims at Ft. Hood and their families
From AAI
Posted on Friday November 6, 2009
We at the Arab American Institute are horrified by this tragic and senseless act of violence committed by a disturbed individual. We grieve with the families of those who died and those who were wounded. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Thousands of Arab Americans and American Muslims serve honorably everyday in all five branches of the U.S. military and in the National Guard. Additionally, many of our sons and daughters have willingly stepped forward to fulfill their duty with their fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations around the globe. Indeed, many are today currently deployed in both countries, honorably serving each and every day.
Please contact your local Red Cross and volunteer to give blood. If you are looking for a loved one from Ft. Hood, please contact the Red Cross’ “Safe and Well” program at https://disastersafe.redcross.org/. You will need the telephone number or address for the person you seek. For more information on how to help through the Red Cross in this crisis: http://redcrosschat.org/2009/11/05/fort-hood-shootings/
For more information about Arab Americans in the military, please visit the Association of Patriotic Arab Americans in the Military.
General James L. Jones to offer closing remarks at Arab American Leadership Summit
From AAI
Posted on Thursday October 22, 2009
Washington D.C. – October 22, 2009 –National Security Advisor to the President General James L. Jones will address the Leadership Summit’s closing session on Monday, October 26, 2009. General Jones will brief Summit attendees on the Obama Administration’s continuing diligence in a wide range of Arab American issues.
General Jones’ remarks will address Arab American leaders from 19 states who represent over 35 Arab American organizations and businesses.
Although the session is closed, the White House will make a transcript available after the event. To receive a copy, please e-mail Christina Zola, AAI’s director of communications, at czola@aaiusa.org or call (202) 494-9859.
General James Jones, Tina Tchen to speak at Arab American Leadership Summit
From AAI
Posted on Tuesday October 20, 2009
United States National Security Advisor General James Jones will address the Leadership Summit’s closing session on Monday, October 26. General Jones will brief Summit attendees on the Obama Administration’s continuing efforts to achieve just and lasting Middle East peace.
The joint session with J Street, “Advancing a Pro-Peace Agenda”, will feature J Street’s executive director Jeremy Ben-Ami and AAI’s president and founder, Dr. James Zogby.
Arab American and Jewish American leaders will have an opportunity to collaborate in an open discussion of how to forge a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that will result in two states, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and security.
In addition, Tina Tchen, Deputy Assistant to the President and the White House Director of the Office of Public Engagement, will address a joint session at the Arab American Institute’s Fall Leadership Summit.
For more details about AAI’s Leadership Summit, including panels and speakers, please click here.
2009 Arab American Leadership Summit
From AAI
Posted on Tuesday October 20, 2009
The Arab American Institute is hosting the 2009 "Arab American Leadership Summit" in Washington, D.C., October 25 - 26. This invitation-only event attracts Arab American community and business leaders, as well as public servants, from around the country. The two-day program offers a unique opportunity to discuss pressing national issues and the current political climate with government officials and policy experts. Participants leave with concrete action items to bring back to their colleagues and communities.
More information about confirmed speakers and panel subjects after the cut.
Ethnic and Religious Coalition Join Together to Support Middle East Peace: Arab American Institute leaders sign pledge
From AAI
Posted on Friday October 9, 2009
Arab American Institute leaders sign pledge
WASHINGTON – September 22, 2009 – Leaders of the Arab American Institute joined over 30 ethnic and religious leaders to support Obama’s determined efforts to achieve Middle East Peace.
The group, in a statement issued today, recognizes the urgency of achieving Middle East peace, but notes the difficulties in realizing that goal, absent U.S. leadership:
"The Israelis and Palestinians, however, have not – on their own – been able to reach agreement. After nearly two decades of negotiations, we believe bold American leadership can help Israelis and Palestinians make the difficult decisions necessary to achieve lasting peace and hold the parties to account should they fail to honor their commitments. "
”Disappointed though we are in the difficulties encountered to date, we are nonetheless pledging to remain involved and supportive of continued, balanced U.S. engagement,” says Dr. James Zogby, president of AAI. "We will not undo, in a few months, the damage of years of either unbalanced or neglectful policy. We are urging the Administration to stay on course."
AAI Chair George R. Salem, former Solicitor of the U.S. Department of Labor during the second Reagan administration, also lends his support to this broad coalition.
A copy of the letter, with the list of signatories, is copied after the jump…
2011 Diversity Visa Lottery Program Registration
From State Department Press Office
Posted on Tuesday October 6, 2009
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
______________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release September 29, 2009
MEDIA NOTE
2011 Diversity Visa Lottery Program Registration
The Department of State announces the opening of the registration period for the DV-2011 Diversity Visa lottery. Entries for the DV-2011 Diversity Visa lottery must be submitted electronically between noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Friday, October 2, 2009, and noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5), Monday, November 30, 2009. Applicants may access the electronic Diversity Visa entry form (E-DV) at during the registration period. Paper entries will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter. Heavy demand may result in website delays. No entries will be accepted after noon EST on November 30, 2009.
AAI to Host 21st Annual Virginia Candidates’ Night
From AAI
Posted on Monday September 21, 2009
The Arab American Institute will be hosting its 21st annual Virginia Candidates’ Night on September 27th in Tysons Corner, Va. AAI is pleased to welcome guest speaker Congressman Charles Boustany of Louisiana and Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds, who have both confirmed their attendance. Former Congressman Tom Davis will serve as surrogate for gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell.
This bipartisan event, co-hosted by the Arab American Republican Caucus of Virginia and the Arab American Democratic Caucus of Virginia, will provide the speakers with a high- profile forum in which to address hundreds of Virginia’s most politically active Democratic and Republican Arab American constituents. Arab American voters represent a key demographic in the Virginia elections. The potential impact of the Arab American constituency in Virginia could have profound implications for the upcoming Virginia elections.
This interactive event offers the Arab American community a unique opportunity to engage candidates on the subjects which matter to them most.
