Olive Oil from Palestine sold to promote Palestinian-Israeli peace

Kinky Friedman and Farouk Shami Introduce
Olive Oil from the Holy Land
Benefiting Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salom (Oasis of Peace)

Long-time pals Richard "Kinky" Friedman (of detective novel and Texas Jewboys fame) and Farouk Shami (founder and chairman of the board of Farouk Systems) are determined to nurture youngsters in the war-torn Middle East. Their new product – Olive Oil from the Holy Land – pays homage to Farouk’s Palestinian family roots and the deep friendship possible between Jews and Arabs. Proceeds from the sale of Olive Oil from the Holy Land will go toward funding Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salom (Oasis of Peace), and their "School of Peace" program, a grass roots conflict management workshop that aims to change the hearts, minds, and attitudes of teen age children.

Kinky Friedman

Musician: Kinky’s group The Texas Jewboys toured and recorded in the ‘70s, first traveling with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and other greats of the era, and then solo.

Some of his wonderfully zany – but despite the titles not anti-Semitic – songs include "They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore."

Author: Kinky, currently a columnist for Texas Monthly, has recently published Prisoner of Vandam Street with Simon & Schuster. His previous 19 mystery novels feature himself as the detective protagonist.

Character: Kinky could be his own licensed character. He’s a friend of the rich and famous – and the presidential –visiting both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush at the White House. And, he’s also considering a run for Governor of Texas (Kinky not George W.).

Philanthropist "Foodie": In his youth, Kinky was a member of the Peace Corps in Borneo. Kinky’s Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch is supported by sales of his Private Stock Salsa. He also has launched his own line of Kona blend coffee.
Farouk Shami

Founder of Farouk Systems: Farouk is the founder and chairman of the board of Farouk Systems USA, which manufactures hair, skin and body care products exclusively for salons. Headquartered in Houston, Farouk Systems now sells products in 57 countries across the globe.
Palestinian-American: Farouk emigrated from Palestine 38 years ago. His family, some of whom still live there, owned olive groves, and Farouk fondly remembers the more bucolic aspects of his childhood.

Hair-Care Expert: Farouk gained his hair coloring expertise at a Louisiana salon and then moved to Houston with partner Beverly Bernard. Suffering from adverse reactions to the ammonia in many coloring products, Farouk devised his first product – Sun Glitz-Ammonia-free hair lightening system. His Houston salon – which quickly gained notoriety – became the base of operations to introduce the Farouk Systems product range.

Family Businessman: Today, Farouk’s son Rami is CEO of their family business and his son Basim is Senior Vice President. Hitham Badran, his son-in-law, is Vice President of Purchasing for this burgeoning company, which has experienced sales increases of 50% annually. John McCall, vice chairman of the board, helped facilitate the Olive Oil from the Holy Land concept.
Farouk recently endowed the Mohammad Ahmed Shami and S. Thomas Friedman Diabetes Fund at the City of Hope (Houston), in memory of their fathers, both who were diabetic
Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salam (Oasis of Peace in Hebrew and Arabic)

The Peaceable Kingdom: Oasis of Peace is the only community in Israel where Jews and Arabs have consciously chosen to raise and educate their families together. Over 50 Jewish-Israeli and Palestinian-Israeli families populate the village. Adults work within the community and children attend a bilingual, bicultural primary school.

This private project was founded in 1972 by Father Bruno Hassar, who was born Jewish and converted to Catholicism. The Israeli government is not involved in funding or operating Oasis of Peace.

Internationally Acclaimed: The community has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times. Its conflict management program, School for Peace, works with Israeli universities and is recognized across the globe. Every year, thousands of Israeli high school students – Jews and Arabs -- meet to meet through the organization’s Youth Encounters. This project that models peace and mutual respect has drawn the attention of international organizations and dignitaries and accolades from VIP visitors such as Hillary Clinton.

For additional information please call: Janice R. McCafferty (773) 736-9034

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