Truth Forever on the Scaffold
When a crowd of reporters swarmed Marco Saavedra ahead of the press conference he had scheduled for the morning of Thursday November 7, 2019, he did what comes naturally to him. He recited poetry: “Careless seems the great Avenger; history's pages but record One death-grapple in the darkness 'twixt old...
Why Now Is a Good Time To Ban Facial Recognition
Glance, unlock. Accessing your beloved electronic companion has never been easier as the key is now your unique face. Simple enough? Not so fast. The convenient technology of facial recognition has not made it into our daily lives without controversy, and with good reason. Leading electronics companies across the board...
New Report on Hate Crime Examines Data Collection Issues
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report on the subject of hate crimes on November 13, 2019, just one day after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) published its annual hate crime statistics for 2018. The Commission’s report, In the Name of Hate: Examining the Federal Government’s Role...
Arab American Annissa Essaibi-George Wins Second Term in Boston
Arab American Annissa Essaibi-George has won re-election to her seat as Boston City Councilor-At-Large. Annissa finished in second place, in a tightly contested four-way race that brought unprecedented diversity to the Boston city council. Annissa will return to the City Council as a strong advocate for her local community, championing...
Three Cheers for the Arab Americans on Yesterday’s Ballot
Yesterday’s election saw a large number of Arab Americans of varying backgrounds on the ballot, many of whom won their races, and all of whom ran impressive, responsive campaigns. Virginia saw a number of Arab American victories in the House of Delegates. Three incumbents, Sam Rasoul (D-11), Hala Ayala (D-51),...
Dealing with a New Reality in Israel-Palestine
In a stark shift in priorities in the Arab World, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is no longer a top-priority issue across the region, according to yet-to-be-released polls previewed by Dr. James Zogby. Speaking at a Hill forum held by the Middle East Policy Council on Oct. 25, Jim underlined the need...
AAI Testifies before Wyoming Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
On November 1, 2019, the Wyoming Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held a public briefing on hate crimes in the state in Casper. AAI Policy Analyst Kai Wiggins provided written and oral testimony at the briefing, speaking in the final panel alongside Rev. Hannah Villnave of...
James Zogby’s Recognized for 'Outstanding Community Service' by René Moawad Foundation
The René Moawad Foundation honored Dr. James Zogby with an Outstanding Community Service Award during their 26th annual benefit gala held Oct. 26 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington D.C. under the motto “Giving Hope… Making a Difference.” In its premiere annual event, the foundation recognized Jim’s life contributions in...
Maya Berry Tackles Anti-Semitism and Its Weaponization
Earlier this week, J Street held its annual conference in Washington. Arab American Institute Executive Director Maya Berry spoke on a panel called “Fighting Anti-Semitism and its Weaponization in American Politics,” moderated by Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. Berry was joined by...
The Call for Change in Iraq
Iraq reels from news reports that a masked gunmen fired upon protesters in Karbala earlier today, killing 18 people. The event caps off a dark month of October in country, over 16 years since the U.S. invasion. In total, at least 240 people have been killed and at least a...
