ADC Calls for Unity on 9/11

ADC Calls for Unity on 9/11 Washington, DC | www.adc.org | September 11, 2010 - On the ninth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) joins the rest of the country in honoring and remembering those who lost their lives on that tragic day.  ADC calls on the Nation to stand united against bigotry and hatred -- particularly given the alarming increase in Anti-Muslim violence and rhetoric that has recently swept the country.  It is indeed with great distress to see elements of our society using the tragedy of 9/11 to exhibit hate and prejudice—acts which show utter disrespect to all the victims, and stand against our Nation’s core values of tolerance and diversity. It is of importance to note that Muslim and Arab Americans are and have been an integral part of our society, and add to the beautiful mosaic of our Nation.  Let us also not forget that Muslim and Arab Americans were not only victims of the 9/11 attacks, but were also first responders giving their lives to protect those endangered on that sadly tragic day.  As former President George W. Bush said only days after 9/11, “America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens, and Muslims make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country… Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out their anger don't represent the best of America, they represent the worst of humankind, and they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior." ADC President, Sara Najjar-Wilson, said that, “The recent hate-driven violent attacks and pronouncements, directed toward those of the Muslim faith, speak ill of our country’s values and the goodness of the majority of its people, and tarnish our Nation’s image throughout the world.  Those   hate-mongers do not represent America.” ADC encourages its members and friends to take part in the 9/11 National Day of Service by joining their local communities and participating in a volunteer initiative.

### Contact: adc@adc.org              202-244-2990 NOTE TO EDITORS: The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), which is non-profit, non-sectarian and non-partisan, is the largest Arab-American civil rights organization in the United States. It was founded in 1980 by former Senator James Abourezk to protect the civil rights of people of Arab descent in the United States and to promote the cultural heritage of the Arabs. ADC has 38 chapters nationwide, including chapters in every major city in the country, and members in all 50 states. The ADC Research Institute (ADC-RI), which was founded in 1981, is a Section 501(c)(3) educational organization that sponsors a wide range of programs on behalf of Arab Americans and of importance to all Americans. ADC-RI programs include research studies, seminars, conferences and publications that document and analyze the discrimination faced by Arab Americans in the workplace, schools, media, and governmental agencies and institutions. ADC-RI also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Arabs.