Urgent Call from Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO)
The Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO) calls on the United Nations and the International Community to immediately intervene to stop the war crimes committed by the Israeli occupational forces (IOF) on Palestinian civilians and their properties in the Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, 16 May 2007, IOF initiated a wide scale offensive against the Gaza Strip. They moved into the northern Gaza Strip, IOF expanded the offensive to include aerial attacks that targeted civilian facilities, soon after, the Israeli occupation government to carry out a series of extra-judicial executions, IOF have killed 50 Palestinians and have wounded 200 others.
IOF have imposed a strict siege on the Gaza Strip closed Gaza strip border crossings as a form of collective punishment against Palestinian civilians.
In the West bank The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on 23 May 2007 arrested 33 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), cabinet and local authorities. Most of those are elected officials.
The International Community has maintained a silence in the face of disproportionate Israeli aggression in the form of daily attacks and crimes.
PNGO as a coordinating body for more than 100 NGOs calls on the International Community to urgently protect Palestinian civilians and pressure the Israeli occupation Government to stop its aggression on the Palestinian people and end the siege.
PNGO considers the continued Israeli aggression and siege will lead to a health and humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza strip calling on the International community to pressure Israel to ensure it's respect for the Fourth Geneva Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
PNGO also condemns the detentions targeting elected representatives and political leaders of the Palestinian people, calling upon the international community to immediately secure the release of Palestinian PLC elected officials.
PNGO calls on the International Community and legal and humanitarian organizations to bring Israeli perpetrators to international justice.
PNGO also calls on the international NGOs to intensify their efforts to pressure governments to work on ending the Israeli escalation of aggression on Palestinian civilians.
End
Palestinian NGOs Network “PNGO
Amjad Shawa
Coordinator
Palestinian NGOs Network PNGO
Gaza strip- palestine
TEL 0097282847518
Fax 0097282835889
Mobile :00972 599401297
Email : pngo@palnet.com
Monday, May 28, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Scholarships for Illinois Arab Students available
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nassem Ziyad
May 25, 2007 708-222-8330 ext 303
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nassem Ziyad
May 25, 2007 708-222-8330 ext 303
Ziyad Brothers Importing Announces Illinois Scholarship
for first-year College-bound Arab students
Cicero, Il – Ziyad Brothers Importing announced it is expanding its existing “Giving Back to the Community” student scholarship program to any student of Arab heritage who will be attending their first year of college this Fall.
A scholarship in the amount of $1,000 cash will be given to one male and one female student of Arab heritage, selected from entries who demonstrate the highest level of pride, self-identity, confidence and writing talent.
The Scholarship will recognize students who demonstrate pride in their Arab heritage, and who detail how they hope to contribute both to their community as Arab Americans and also to this country, explained ZBI General Manager Nassem Ziyad.
“We want to recognize the future leaders of our community who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing and strengthening the image of the Arab Americans through individual initiative and community service. We are looking for young Arab American students, one male and one female, who demonstrate their pride in their Arab heritage and as Americans,” Ziyad said.
“There many talented Arab students and we want to encourage them to pursue their professional career goals while also remaining dedicated to their Arab American heritage.”
Ziyad Brothers Importing, an Illinois-based distributor of more than 1,200 food items to stores in 46 states and six countries, awarded its first scholarships to students in 2006.
Applicants are required to submit an essay of 500 to 800 words on how they hope to “Give Back to the Community.” Application Deadline is August 1, 2007. Winners will be announced in August and scholarships will be presented at the beginning of September. The student recipients must be enrolled in a college or university this Fall in order to receive the cash scholarship amount. Applicants can get information on applying for the scholarship by visiting www.ZiyadNews.com.
Ziyad Brothers Importing was originally founded as “The Syrian Bakery & Grocery Inc.” in 1966 by Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad, two immigrant brothers from Palestine. Their small retail outlet on Chicago’s south side specialized in hard to find Middle Eastern food products as well as the first Pita Bread bakery in Chicago catering to the Middle Eastern ethnic community.
The retail outlet later expanded into one of the first automated Pita Bakeries in the Midwest and began distributing Pita bread and Middle Eastern food products to other retail outlets. Ten years later, from these humble beginnings, Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad purchased their first warehouse located at 21st and Western Avenue.
In 1995, Ziyad Brothers Importing consolidated facilities and moved into the current location in Cicero, IL. A year later in 1996, Ahmad Ziyad passed away at the age of 56. His brother Ibrahim assumed the role of President. Ziyad Brothers Importing is a family owned and operated business. Ahmad’s sons Nemer, Nassem and Nazmy and Ibrahim’s son Nezar and daughters Leila and Sonia also work at the company.
Winning essays will be published on the Ziyad.com web site as well as on the web site of the National Arab American Journalists Association (www.NAAJA-US.com), and in participating Arab American newspapers and magazines.
End
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Mosques and Muslims warned about possible hate attacks in United States
MPAC URGES MOSQUES TO BE EXTRA VIGILENT AGAINST POSSIBLE ATTACKS
(Washington, DC - 5/15/07) -- The Muslim Public Affairs Council today urged Muslim American leaders community and mosque leaders to take extra precautions to ensure the security of their mosques and community centers, after receiving a phone call from the FBI informing MPAC that FBI agents are investigating threats against a Florida Muslim leader and two mosques this week.
SEE:
"Years After 9-11, American Muslims Increasingly Targets of Hate"
(Florida Sun-Sentinel, 5/7/07)
In the years since 9/11, Florida's Muslim community has witness an inordinately high number of vandalism and arson attacks against its institutions. In December, a man who stepped outside of a mosque in Melbourne, FL to use a cell phone was shot at five times, one bullet barely missing his head. In April, a Tampa mosque was burned to the ground in an arson attack. Also in April, an Islamic school in Cooper City, FL discovered white powder spread across the campus, which turned out to be non-toxic. The alarming increase in anti-Muslim attacks is being witnessed across the country. Last week, the office of the U.S. Attorney Eastern Division and the FBI announced an indictment against a Philadelphia woman who sent a threatening note to her employer at the hotel where they both work. In all of these incidents, engagement and dialogue with federal and local law enforcement has proved an effective tool in accessing resources to ensure the security and well-being of all Muslim Americans. Both leaders and community members have an important role in ensuring the safety of their mosques, schools and community centers.Since May 2004, MPAC's National Grassroots Campaign to Fight Terrorism has offered mosques a set of proactive community-led guidelines and resources in order to protect mosques, communities and the country. It also supports Mosques in developing ongoing relationships with interfaith groups and law enforcement officials. Click here to find out more about the campaign!
Additionally, MPAC recently launched a national campaign called "Truth Over Fear: Countering Islamophobia" to promote accurate portrayals and depictions of Muslim Americans by public officials and news media, and to train Muslim Americans to respond effectively and constructively to distortions of Islam and Muslims. To schedule an interactive and high energy training session with MPAC experts in your community, email Community Development Director Haris Tarin at haris@mpac.org.
ACT NOW!
Creating a secure environment is a three-step process: Assessment, Planning and Implementation. You may wish to consult with your local police and/or hire a professional security firm for assistance in this process. MPAC urges mosques and religious leaders to utilize the following security guidelines effective immediately:
Assessment:
Be watchful, ready, and willing to report "suspicious" or unusual activity.
Regularly inspect your building. You should be able to quickly ascertain if something is amiss and help law enforcement if there is a problem - report anything out of place, missing, or does not appear to belong.
Ensure that security devices are turned on and functioning, that outdoor lighting is working, that windows and fence lines are kept clear of bushes and that access to your building is appropriately limited and consistent with fire codes.
Share ideas and suggestions about security and safety.
Help create a culture that is both secure and welcoming.
Support the board and professionals as they make the decision to create and implement an effective security plan.
Planning:
Identify Targets for Protection - Identify what you need to protect (e.g., people, property and data) and what makes those things vulnerable.
Build Relationships with Law Enforcement - The importance of developing and maintaining a working relationship with your local law enforcement agencies cannot be overstated. At the very least, your local police department may have a crime prevention officer who will do an on-site security inspection and review your plan. Not only could this provide useful information, but it will help build a relationship with your local law enforcement. MPAC can be helpful in initiating contacts with police or other law enforcement agencies.
Have all emergency phone numbers readily available. While you should always try to use 911 first in any emergency, you should also have the phone number of your local emergency responders readily available. Have cell phones available to call emergency services from outside your facility.
Implementation:
Ensure that entrances to your building are monitored; no one should enter your building unscreened. There are many ways to screen, including using ushers, volunteers, staff, etc. The installation of closed-circuit TV cameras, intercoms and door release systems can assist in this process.
Minimize the number of open entrances to your facility (consistent with fire codes). A culture that promotes security consciousness allows staff and visitors to understand that minor inconveniences may translate into major security benefits.
Have a disposable camera available. This way, you can take pictures (when it is safe to do so) that may assist police if a suspicious individual or car is seen.
Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans.[CONTACT:
Edina Lekovic, 213-383-3443, communications@mpac.org]
How Does MPAC Help Muslims & Islam in America?
As a matter of policy, MPAC DOES NOT accept any funding from foreign governments. The political and financial independence of MPAC will sustain the future of Islam in America. MPAC relies on your financial support to sustain its activities and represent the sentiments and interests of American Muslims not foreign governments.
(Washington, DC - 5/15/07) -- The Muslim Public Affairs Council today urged Muslim American leaders community and mosque leaders to take extra precautions to ensure the security of their mosques and community centers, after receiving a phone call from the FBI informing MPAC that FBI agents are investigating threats against a Florida Muslim leader and two mosques this week.
SEE:
"Years After 9-11, American Muslims Increasingly Targets of Hate"
(Florida Sun-Sentinel, 5/7/07)
In the years since 9/11, Florida's Muslim community has witness an inordinately high number of vandalism and arson attacks against its institutions. In December, a man who stepped outside of a mosque in Melbourne, FL to use a cell phone was shot at five times, one bullet barely missing his head. In April, a Tampa mosque was burned to the ground in an arson attack. Also in April, an Islamic school in Cooper City, FL discovered white powder spread across the campus, which turned out to be non-toxic. The alarming increase in anti-Muslim attacks is being witnessed across the country. Last week, the office of the U.S. Attorney Eastern Division and the FBI announced an indictment against a Philadelphia woman who sent a threatening note to her employer at the hotel where they both work. In all of these incidents, engagement and dialogue with federal and local law enforcement has proved an effective tool in accessing resources to ensure the security and well-being of all Muslim Americans. Both leaders and community members have an important role in ensuring the safety of their mosques, schools and community centers.Since May 2004, MPAC's National Grassroots Campaign to Fight Terrorism has offered mosques a set of proactive community-led guidelines and resources in order to protect mosques, communities and the country. It also supports Mosques in developing ongoing relationships with interfaith groups and law enforcement officials. Click here to find out more about the campaign!
Additionally, MPAC recently launched a national campaign called "Truth Over Fear: Countering Islamophobia" to promote accurate portrayals and depictions of Muslim Americans by public officials and news media, and to train Muslim Americans to respond effectively and constructively to distortions of Islam and Muslims. To schedule an interactive and high energy training session with MPAC experts in your community, email Community Development Director Haris Tarin at haris@mpac.org.
ACT NOW!
Creating a secure environment is a three-step process: Assessment, Planning and Implementation. You may wish to consult with your local police and/or hire a professional security firm for assistance in this process. MPAC urges mosques and religious leaders to utilize the following security guidelines effective immediately:
Assessment:
Be watchful, ready, and willing to report "suspicious" or unusual activity.
Regularly inspect your building. You should be able to quickly ascertain if something is amiss and help law enforcement if there is a problem - report anything out of place, missing, or does not appear to belong.
Ensure that security devices are turned on and functioning, that outdoor lighting is working, that windows and fence lines are kept clear of bushes and that access to your building is appropriately limited and consistent with fire codes.
Share ideas and suggestions about security and safety.
Help create a culture that is both secure and welcoming.
Support the board and professionals as they make the decision to create and implement an effective security plan.
Planning:
Identify Targets for Protection - Identify what you need to protect (e.g., people, property and data) and what makes those things vulnerable.
Build Relationships with Law Enforcement - The importance of developing and maintaining a working relationship with your local law enforcement agencies cannot be overstated. At the very least, your local police department may have a crime prevention officer who will do an on-site security inspection and review your plan. Not only could this provide useful information, but it will help build a relationship with your local law enforcement. MPAC can be helpful in initiating contacts with police or other law enforcement agencies.
Have all emergency phone numbers readily available. While you should always try to use 911 first in any emergency, you should also have the phone number of your local emergency responders readily available. Have cell phones available to call emergency services from outside your facility.
Implementation:
Ensure that entrances to your building are monitored; no one should enter your building unscreened. There are many ways to screen, including using ushers, volunteers, staff, etc. The installation of closed-circuit TV cameras, intercoms and door release systems can assist in this process.
Minimize the number of open entrances to your facility (consistent with fire codes). A culture that promotes security consciousness allows staff and visitors to understand that minor inconveniences may translate into major security benefits.
Have a disposable camera available. This way, you can take pictures (when it is safe to do so) that may assist police if a suspicious individual or car is seen.
Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans.[CONTACT:
Edina Lekovic, 213-383-3443, communications@mpac.org]
How Does MPAC Help Muslims & Islam in America?
As a matter of policy, MPAC DOES NOT accept any funding from foreign governments. The political and financial independence of MPAC will sustain the future of Islam in America. MPAC relies on your financial support to sustain its activities and represent the sentiments and interests of American Muslims not foreign governments.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
NEW: The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook
I'd like to share the news of the recent publication of our book titled 'The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook' which addresses this growing, but often ignored demographic - Muslim teens! Please visit www.theamth.com for more info - your name keeps popping up as an involved, concerned citizen of this country who is attempting to fight the war on ignorance about Arab Americans as well as Muslim Americans - please keep up the great work as we desparately need more journalists/publishers like yourself! I would be honored if you reviewed this book on your website. I'm sending you the press release which you are free to run on your website if you choose - please support us in our efforts to educate and empower the Muslim youth of America!
Sincerely,
Dilara Hafiz, Imran Hafiz & Yasmine Hafiz
The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook
Accessible and provocative, The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook by Dilara Hafiz, Imran Hafiz, and Yasmine Hafiz, is a fresh perspective on Islam updated for the 21st century. The essentials of Muslim beliefs are interspersed with lively commentary and quotes from American Muslim teenagers. Each chapter deals with a timely subject in Islam, beginning with excerpts from the Quran and a teen-friendly interpretation of that verse, then offering real-world examples that illustrate the essence of Muslim life. “What a delightful, hilarious, wonderful, beautiful book! I loved it!” says noted Muslim spokesman, Reza Aslan, author of No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam.
Muslim teenagers across America contributed their thoughts on living as American Muslims, expressing their heartfelt belief that one can successfully fulfill that role through better education and greater understanding – hence the need for the user-friendly Handbook. There is a dearth of current literature that addresses Muslim teens or discusses Islam in a progressive context. With books such as this one, the media’s constant refrain of “Where are the Moderate Muslims?” is no longer a valid question. Anyone curious about the silent majority of Muslims who do not receive media coverage will find this a refreshing, fascinating read.
Dilara Hafiz and her two children, Yasmine and Imran, all possess a strong background in Islam, but it is their insightful combined experiences as a mother and Sunday School teacher, teenage students, interfaith activists, and public speakers that elevate the Handbook into a ‘must-read book’ for anyone interested in Islam. “What a book! I wish every major faith had just such a book for teens of their faith. We could then share them… and build peace in the world." - Dr. Paul Eppinger, Executive Director - Arizona Interfaith Movement
To purchase a book or to learn more about the authors, go to www.theamth.com.
The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook, ISBN 978-0-9792531-2-6, $11.95, 5½” x 8½” , 144 pages.
Sincerely,
Dilara Hafiz, Imran Hafiz & Yasmine Hafiz
The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook
Accessible and provocative, The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook by Dilara Hafiz, Imran Hafiz, and Yasmine Hafiz, is a fresh perspective on Islam updated for the 21st century. The essentials of Muslim beliefs are interspersed with lively commentary and quotes from American Muslim teenagers. Each chapter deals with a timely subject in Islam, beginning with excerpts from the Quran and a teen-friendly interpretation of that verse, then offering real-world examples that illustrate the essence of Muslim life. “What a delightful, hilarious, wonderful, beautiful book! I loved it!” says noted Muslim spokesman, Reza Aslan, author of No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam.
Muslim teenagers across America contributed their thoughts on living as American Muslims, expressing their heartfelt belief that one can successfully fulfill that role through better education and greater understanding – hence the need for the user-friendly Handbook. There is a dearth of current literature that addresses Muslim teens or discusses Islam in a progressive context. With books such as this one, the media’s constant refrain of “Where are the Moderate Muslims?” is no longer a valid question. Anyone curious about the silent majority of Muslims who do not receive media coverage will find this a refreshing, fascinating read.
Dilara Hafiz and her two children, Yasmine and Imran, all possess a strong background in Islam, but it is their insightful combined experiences as a mother and Sunday School teacher, teenage students, interfaith activists, and public speakers that elevate the Handbook into a ‘must-read book’ for anyone interested in Islam. “What a book! I wish every major faith had just such a book for teens of their faith. We could then share them… and build peace in the world." - Dr. Paul Eppinger, Executive Director - Arizona Interfaith Movement
To purchase a book or to learn more about the authors, go to www.theamth.com.
The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook, ISBN 978-0-9792531-2-6, $11.95, 5½” x 8½” , 144 pages.
ACCESS Calls for Immigration Debate To Move Forward in the Senate
NEWS
Contact:
Hannan Deep
Angie Raouf
313-842-7010
313-213-0408 cell
313-297-4535
313-213-0278 cell
hdeep@accesscommunity.org
araouf@accesscommunity.org
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACCESS Calls for Immigration Debate To Move Forward in the Senate
Senator Stabenow and Senator Levin:
“We need your leadership on comprehensive immigration reform”
Dearborn, Michigan, May 15, 2007 – Today, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) called on Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin to support comprehensive immigration reform and allow the debate in the Senate to go forward. The Senate is expected to begin debate on immigration tomorrow, but some Senate Republicans have suggested they will block the debate from going forward if last year’s Senate-passed bill is introduced.
“A majority of American’s support comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to earned citizenship, and the country is tired of waiting for Congress to do its job” said Noel Saleh, ACCESS Board President. “We expect Senators Stabenow and Levin to take the lead on this issue and help pass bipartisan legislation that balances stronger border security with common sense reform — including due process protections, family reunification, respect for worker rights and a pathway to citizenship.”
Public opinion polls continue to show majority support for immigration solutions that include enhanced border security, workplace and employer enforcement, earned legalization for undocumented immigrants with a path to citizenship, and expanded visas for future immigrant workers and families. In April a CNN poll (April 10-12, 2007) found that 77% of the American people support legislation that would allow “illegal immigrants already living in the United States for a number of years to stay in this country and apply for U.S. citizenship if they had a job and paid back taxes." Similarly, a USA Today/Gallup poll (April 12-15, 2007) found that 78% of those polled favored immigration reform that would allow immigrants in the U.S. illegally to apply for citizenship if requirements are met.
“Today we are urging Senators Stabenow and Levin to allow the debate to go forward in the Senate so that we can have a solution to our broken and outdated immigration system,” continued Taleb Salhab, ACCESS National Outreach Director. “Senator Reid has said he will bring last year’s bill to the floor if the senators involved in ongoing negotiations do not reach agreement by Wednesday. We are calling on our Michigan Senators to allow the debate on immigration reform to go forward. The American people want this problem solved with a workable, comprehensive approach to immigration reform.”
# # #
www.accesscommunity.org
Contact:
Hannan Deep
Angie Raouf
313-842-7010
313-213-0408 cell
313-297-4535
313-213-0278 cell
hdeep@accesscommunity.org
araouf@accesscommunity.org
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACCESS Calls for Immigration Debate To Move Forward in the Senate
Senator Stabenow and Senator Levin:
“We need your leadership on comprehensive immigration reform”
Dearborn, Michigan, May 15, 2007 – Today, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) called on Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin to support comprehensive immigration reform and allow the debate in the Senate to go forward. The Senate is expected to begin debate on immigration tomorrow, but some Senate Republicans have suggested they will block the debate from going forward if last year’s Senate-passed bill is introduced.
“A majority of American’s support comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to earned citizenship, and the country is tired of waiting for Congress to do its job” said Noel Saleh, ACCESS Board President. “We expect Senators Stabenow and Levin to take the lead on this issue and help pass bipartisan legislation that balances stronger border security with common sense reform — including due process protections, family reunification, respect for worker rights and a pathway to citizenship.”
Public opinion polls continue to show majority support for immigration solutions that include enhanced border security, workplace and employer enforcement, earned legalization for undocumented immigrants with a path to citizenship, and expanded visas for future immigrant workers and families. In April a CNN poll (April 10-12, 2007) found that 77% of the American people support legislation that would allow “illegal immigrants already living in the United States for a number of years to stay in this country and apply for U.S. citizenship if they had a job and paid back taxes." Similarly, a USA Today/Gallup poll (April 12-15, 2007) found that 78% of those polled favored immigration reform that would allow immigrants in the U.S. illegally to apply for citizenship if requirements are met.
“Today we are urging Senators Stabenow and Levin to allow the debate to go forward in the Senate so that we can have a solution to our broken and outdated immigration system,” continued Taleb Salhab, ACCESS National Outreach Director. “Senator Reid has said he will bring last year’s bill to the floor if the senators involved in ongoing negotiations do not reach agreement by Wednesday. We are calling on our Michigan Senators to allow the debate on immigration reform to go forward. The American people want this problem solved with a workable, comprehensive approach to immigration reform.”
# # #
www.accesscommunity.org
Thursday, May 10, 2007
New Palestinian-Israeli American magazine launchedin US
Despite the frequent labelling of the youth demographic as "the future" and "the hope" of the never-ending Arab-Israeli conflict, they have often been unable to affect real change. The Arab and Jewish editors of The Yalla Journal decided to get together to create a space in the form of a printed book where their voices could co-exist in a time where there is no such physical space.
The Yalla Journal is a grassroots collaborative book that is a youth response to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It features 200 pages of the poetry, photography, short stories, personal narrative and essays of Jewish and Arab youth aged 18-30 from across the world.
The Arabic word Yalla explains the mandate of the journal: it means "Come on! Let's get going!" and is used colloquially in both Palestinian and Israeli dialect today. Through this call to action, the journal hopes to inspire the reader to choose communication over silence and dialogue over violence when dealing with the present situation. The journal poses questions like: "What does the conflict mean to Arab and Jewish youth today?" and "What does it mean to be Palestinian or Israeli?" It attempts to weave together a narrative through the stories and meditations generated by the various responses to these questions. In essence, Yalla hopes to help open up the much-needed lines of communication between Arab and Jewish communities abroad. The first edition of The Yalla Journal was released in 2005 across University Campuses in Canada.
The first launch was co-sponsored by the Arab Student's Association and Hillel Jewish student groups. It generated much public interest. Yalla editors were featured in both the local and national media, and were interviewed on the local radio and spoke at University events across Eastern North America. They were also recipients of the 2005 Quebec Government's Forces Avenir Award.The second edition of the innovative journal was released in Canada in November and is ready to be released for the first time in the US! The launch party will feature live Arabic and Jewish artists and musicians, footwork performance/ interpretation of the conflict by some particularly concious Chicago youth, journal readings and free copies of the book.
The launch will take place at 7:30pm on Wednesday May 16 at the Mercury Cafe 1505 W. Chicago Ave (Chicago/Ashland... The Chicago stop on the blue and brown lines). Yalla invites you to join us as we "Get going!"
Press copies are available upon request
For further information contact yallajournal@yahoo.ca .
Rachel Leya Davidson ,Senior Jewish EditorDina Awad, Senior Palestinian Editor
The Yalla Journal is a grassroots collaborative book that is a youth response to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It features 200 pages of the poetry, photography, short stories, personal narrative and essays of Jewish and Arab youth aged 18-30 from across the world.
The Arabic word Yalla explains the mandate of the journal: it means "Come on! Let's get going!" and is used colloquially in both Palestinian and Israeli dialect today. Through this call to action, the journal hopes to inspire the reader to choose communication over silence and dialogue over violence when dealing with the present situation. The journal poses questions like: "What does the conflict mean to Arab and Jewish youth today?" and "What does it mean to be Palestinian or Israeli?" It attempts to weave together a narrative through the stories and meditations generated by the various responses to these questions. In essence, Yalla hopes to help open up the much-needed lines of communication between Arab and Jewish communities abroad. The first edition of The Yalla Journal was released in 2005 across University Campuses in Canada.
The first launch was co-sponsored by the Arab Student's Association and Hillel Jewish student groups. It generated much public interest. Yalla editors were featured in both the local and national media, and were interviewed on the local radio and spoke at University events across Eastern North America. They were also recipients of the 2005 Quebec Government's Forces Avenir Award.The second edition of the innovative journal was released in Canada in November and is ready to be released for the first time in the US! The launch party will feature live Arabic and Jewish artists and musicians, footwork performance/ interpretation of the conflict by some particularly concious Chicago youth, journal readings and free copies of the book.
The launch will take place at 7:30pm on Wednesday May 16 at the Mercury Cafe 1505 W. Chicago Ave (Chicago/Ashland... The Chicago stop on the blue and brown lines). Yalla invites you to join us as we "Get going!"
Press copies are available upon request
For further information contact yallajournal@yahoo.ca .
Rachel Leya Davidson ,Senior Jewish EditorDina Awad, Senior Palestinian Editor
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Palestinians routinely abused during Israel interrogations, ne study says
Press Release – Embargo until Sunday, 6 May 2007, 10:00 AM
New report uncovers routine ill-treatment of Palestiniansin Israel Security Agency interrogations
Today, (6 May 6 2007) HaMoked – Center for the Defense of the Individual and B'Tselem, held a press conference in Jerusalem to present the findings of a new report concerning the methods of interrogation employed by the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and based on the testimonies of 73 Palestinians who were interrogated between July 2005 and March 2006.
The report reveals the routine isolation of interrogees from the outside world by the ISA over the course of the interrogation; the appalling conditions in which they are held, which include separation and sensory deprivation and are used in order to exert psychological pressure and reduce the body's resistance; during the interrogation, the interrogees are shackled to a chair in a painful position for protracted periods of time and they are subjected to humiliation, swearing and threats by ISA interrogators. None of these methods can be considered a side-effect of the necessities of the interrogation and detention. Their purpose is to break the interrogees' spirit and as such, they contradict the HCJ ruling and constitute prohibited ill-treatment under international law.
In some cases, the interrogators employ methods which involve direct physical violence including beating, painful binding, back bending, body stretching and prolonged sleep deprivation. These methods all come within the definition of torture under international law. All signs point to the fact that these methods are employed according to set regulations and receive prior authorization.
The report emphasizes that acts of ill-treatment and torture perpetrated by ISA agents are carried out under the auspices of the law enforcement system. Thus, for example, while 500 complaints against the ISA have been filed since the beginning of 2001, not a single criminal investigation was instigated. The responsibility for examining these complaints rests with an ISA agent, who, in most cases, finds that the complaints "are not credible." Even in those few cases where the examination yielded that the ISA interrogators did indeed abuse the interogee, the State Attorney's Office ordered the file closed without a criminal investigation, relying on a biased interpretation of the HCJ ruling.
B'Tselem and HaMoked demand the Israeli government conform with the provisions of international law, by, inter alia, completely prohibiting, both in legislation and in practice, the use of harmful interrogation methods and blocking the possibility that ISA agents who abused or tortured interogees will be exempted from criminal liability.
------------------------
For additional information, and to obtain copies of the report,please contact Sarit Michaeli, Communications Director,+972-(0)50-5387230, saritm@btselem.org
Sarit MichaeliCommunications DirectorB'Tselem+972 (0)2 6735599 (office)+972 (0)50 5387230 (cell)http://www.btselem.org/
New report uncovers routine ill-treatment of Palestiniansin Israel Security Agency interrogations
Today, (6 May 6 2007) HaMoked – Center for the Defense of the Individual and B'Tselem, held a press conference in Jerusalem to present the findings of a new report concerning the methods of interrogation employed by the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and based on the testimonies of 73 Palestinians who were interrogated between July 2005 and March 2006.
The report reveals the routine isolation of interrogees from the outside world by the ISA over the course of the interrogation; the appalling conditions in which they are held, which include separation and sensory deprivation and are used in order to exert psychological pressure and reduce the body's resistance; during the interrogation, the interrogees are shackled to a chair in a painful position for protracted periods of time and they are subjected to humiliation, swearing and threats by ISA interrogators. None of these methods can be considered a side-effect of the necessities of the interrogation and detention. Their purpose is to break the interrogees' spirit and as such, they contradict the HCJ ruling and constitute prohibited ill-treatment under international law.
In some cases, the interrogators employ methods which involve direct physical violence including beating, painful binding, back bending, body stretching and prolonged sleep deprivation. These methods all come within the definition of torture under international law. All signs point to the fact that these methods are employed according to set regulations and receive prior authorization.
The report emphasizes that acts of ill-treatment and torture perpetrated by ISA agents are carried out under the auspices of the law enforcement system. Thus, for example, while 500 complaints against the ISA have been filed since the beginning of 2001, not a single criminal investigation was instigated. The responsibility for examining these complaints rests with an ISA agent, who, in most cases, finds that the complaints "are not credible." Even in those few cases where the examination yielded that the ISA interrogators did indeed abuse the interogee, the State Attorney's Office ordered the file closed without a criminal investigation, relying on a biased interpretation of the HCJ ruling.
B'Tselem and HaMoked demand the Israeli government conform with the provisions of international law, by, inter alia, completely prohibiting, both in legislation and in practice, the use of harmful interrogation methods and blocking the possibility that ISA agents who abused or tortured interogees will be exempted from criminal liability.
------------------------
For additional information, and to obtain copies of the report,please contact Sarit Michaeli, Communications Director,+972-(0)50-5387230, saritm@btselem.org
Sarit MichaeliCommunications DirectorB'Tselem+972 (0)2 6735599 (office)+972 (0)50 5387230 (cell)http://www.btselem.org/
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Zogby Testifies before Congress May 3
AAI President James Zogby to Provide Expert TestimonyBefore House Subcommittees on Arab Opinion of U.S.
MEDIA ADVISORY
WASHINGTON - May 2, 2007 - One of the nation's leading experts on public opinion in the Arab world will appear tomorrow before a joint hearing of two House subcommittees to provide insight into Arab opinions on U.S. policies, values and people.
Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute and senior advisor with Zogby International, will present results from extensive polling ZI has conducted in the region.
His testimony will reveal the attitudes and values the Arab world shares in common with Americans, outline how and why their support of U.S. policies continues to erode, and what we can do to create stronger ties with the Middle East through opinion-shaping efforts.
WHAT: AAI President and ZI Senior Advisor Dr. James Zogby testifying before Congress on the matter of "Arab Opinion on American Policies, Values, and People."
His testimony is part of a joint hearing of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, and the House Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight.
WHEN:Thurs., May 3, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Room 2172, Rayburn House Office Building; Washington, D.C. 20515MEDIA CONTACT: Jenn Kauffman, 202-429-9210 x21 or 202-494-9859, jkauffman@aaiusa.org
Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.
For more information on AAI, please visit www.aaiusa.org.
1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC 20006
phone (202) 429-9210 fax (202) 429-9214
http://www.aaiusa.org aai@aaiusa.org
http://www.aaiusa.org/unsubscribe/media
MEDIA ADVISORY
WASHINGTON - May 2, 2007 - One of the nation's leading experts on public opinion in the Arab world will appear tomorrow before a joint hearing of two House subcommittees to provide insight into Arab opinions on U.S. policies, values and people.
Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute and senior advisor with Zogby International, will present results from extensive polling ZI has conducted in the region.
His testimony will reveal the attitudes and values the Arab world shares in common with Americans, outline how and why their support of U.S. policies continues to erode, and what we can do to create stronger ties with the Middle East through opinion-shaping efforts.
WHAT: AAI President and ZI Senior Advisor Dr. James Zogby testifying before Congress on the matter of "Arab Opinion on American Policies, Values, and People."
His testimony is part of a joint hearing of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, and the House Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight.
WHEN:Thurs., May 3, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Room 2172, Rayburn House Office Building; Washington, D.C. 20515MEDIA CONTACT: Jenn Kauffman, 202-429-9210 x21 or 202-494-9859, jkauffman@aaiusa.org
Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.
For more information on AAI, please visit www.aaiusa.org.
1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC 20006
phone (202) 429-9210 fax (202) 429-9214
http://www.aaiusa.org aai@aaiusa.org
http://www.aaiusa.org/unsubscribe/media
Report on Israeli torture to be released May 6
Invitation to Press Conference to publish new Report:
Absolute Prohibition (working title)
Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment of Palestiniansby Israeli Security Forces
Sunday, May 6 2007, 11:00
B'Tselem Office: 8 HaTa'asiya Street, 4th floor, Talpiot, Jerusalem
HaMoked and B'Tselem will present the findings of their new report on the interrogation methods of the Israel Security Agency (formerly the GSS). The report is based on affidavits taken from 73 Palestinians arrested and interrogated between July 2005 and March 2006.
We look forward to seeing you
For additional details, to confirm participation and for directions: Sarit Michaeli, B'Tselem Communications Director, +972-(0)50-5387230 saritm@btselem.org
Sarit MichaeliCommunications DirectorB'Tselem+972 (0)2 6735599 (office)+972 (0)50 5387230 (cell)http://www.btselem.org/
Absolute Prohibition (working title)
Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment of Palestiniansby Israeli Security Forces
Sunday, May 6 2007, 11:00
B'Tselem Office: 8 HaTa'asiya Street, 4th floor, Talpiot, Jerusalem
HaMoked and B'Tselem will present the findings of their new report on the interrogation methods of the Israel Security Agency (formerly the GSS). The report is based on affidavits taken from 73 Palestinians arrested and interrogated between July 2005 and March 2006.
We look forward to seeing you
For additional details, to confirm participation and for directions: Sarit Michaeli, B'Tselem Communications Director, +972-(0)50-5387230 saritm@btselem.org
Sarit MichaeliCommunications DirectorB'Tselem+972 (0)2 6735599 (office)+972 (0)50 5387230 (cell)http://www.btselem.org/
Friday, April 27, 2007
Israeli military exstremists protect settler fanatics, arrest peace activists
Phone: (517) 484 3178 Fax: (517) 484-4219 Email: michiganpeaceteam@comcast.net Website: www.michiganpeaceteam.org Fr. C. Peter Dougherty cell: 517-303 0116 For Immediate Release:
MICHIGAN PEACE TEAM MEMBER DETAINED BY ISRAELI MILITARY IN HEBRON, WEST BANK
James Coady, a member of the Michigan Peace Team (MPT), was briefly detained by the Israeli military Wednesday April 25 in the West Bank city of Hebron.
Coady, along with MPT member Karen Donahue and other internationals, had been observing and intervening as Israeli soldiers held up Palestinians who were walking near the Ibrahim Mosque, and had also intervened as Israeli settlers were throwing stones at Palestinians while the Israeli military stood by and watched, doing nothing. Coady and Donahue used a video camera to document this behavior of the settlers and the soldiers.
In response to this international intervention, the soldiers later in the morning stopped every international human rights worker and wrote down their passport numbers. When they did come to Coady, who for awhile had evaded the soldiers, they called to him and said they needed to "check him." When he asked if he was being arrested, they said "we just want to talk to you." They drove away with him in a military vehicle. As the internationals and a Palestinian-led human rights organization were trying to find out where Coady was taken and were deciding if an urgent action appeal was needed, Coady soon returned to the internationals' apartment, having been released. "Just another wonderful day in a police state. It is all such madness," quipped Donahue.
Two other MPT members, Martha Larsen and Loretta Johnston, are staying in the Jordan Valley with a Bedouin family to help prevent the demolition of their home by the Israeli military. MPT, which now has a continual team presence in the West Bank, works with Israelis, Palestinians, and other internationals to reduce violence in the Occupied Territories and create space for those in the conflict to work for a just resolution of the conflict. Michigan Peace Team was founded in 1993.
It provides trainings in active nonviolence designed for the specific needs of the participants, and deploys peace teams into places of conflict (both domestically and internationally) to reduce violence. MPT convenes, supports, and participates with local peace action groups and gatherings, and mentors individuals seeking experience with international teams in places of conflict. It also educates the public to the vision and practice of active nonviolence. MPT has deployed peace teams into areas of potential violence around the world.
# # #
MICHIGAN PEACE TEAM MEMBER DETAINED BY ISRAELI MILITARY IN HEBRON, WEST BANK
James Coady, a member of the Michigan Peace Team (MPT), was briefly detained by the Israeli military Wednesday April 25 in the West Bank city of Hebron.
Coady, along with MPT member Karen Donahue and other internationals, had been observing and intervening as Israeli soldiers held up Palestinians who were walking near the Ibrahim Mosque, and had also intervened as Israeli settlers were throwing stones at Palestinians while the Israeli military stood by and watched, doing nothing. Coady and Donahue used a video camera to document this behavior of the settlers and the soldiers.
In response to this international intervention, the soldiers later in the morning stopped every international human rights worker and wrote down their passport numbers. When they did come to Coady, who for awhile had evaded the soldiers, they called to him and said they needed to "check him." When he asked if he was being arrested, they said "we just want to talk to you." They drove away with him in a military vehicle. As the internationals and a Palestinian-led human rights organization were trying to find out where Coady was taken and were deciding if an urgent action appeal was needed, Coady soon returned to the internationals' apartment, having been released. "Just another wonderful day in a police state. It is all such madness," quipped Donahue.
Two other MPT members, Martha Larsen and Loretta Johnston, are staying in the Jordan Valley with a Bedouin family to help prevent the demolition of their home by the Israeli military. MPT, which now has a continual team presence in the West Bank, works with Israelis, Palestinians, and other internationals to reduce violence in the Occupied Territories and create space for those in the conflict to work for a just resolution of the conflict. Michigan Peace Team was founded in 1993.
It provides trainings in active nonviolence designed for the specific needs of the participants, and deploys peace teams into places of conflict (both domestically and internationally) to reduce violence. MPT convenes, supports, and participates with local peace action groups and gatherings, and mentors individuals seeking experience with international teams in places of conflict. It also educates the public to the vision and practice of active nonviolence. MPT has deployed peace teams into areas of potential violence around the world.
# # #
Monday, April 23, 2007
PLO blames Israel incursions for blocking peace
Press Release
Vicious military incursions are the Israeli way to escape Peace obligations
With formation of the Palestinian National unity government, the 19th Arab summit have agreed that the Arab Peace Initiative is the key towards a dialogue with Israel in order to reach a comprehensive Peace agreement and to establish the independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. Israel on the other side is using all its power to divert away from its obligations towards peace.
The latest Israeli military invasions against Gaza strip, Jenin, and Nablus leaves the Palestinians and Arabs with no partner in their serious search for Peace; the Israeli government is escalating its terror in an attempt to bring the Palestinian unity government to a deadlock and to minimize any positive impacts for President Abbass efforts to break the International siege against the Palestinians.
For months now, and while the Palestinian Authority has been working to bring situation in Gaza to calm, the Israeli government has been sabotaging all those efforts and manipulating all excuses to avoid being reengaged in concrete steps towards the Arab initiative that is seen by all as the key to the solving the Palestinian issue.
After the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the Palestinians hopes were lifted high as they looked forwards for expanding the scenario to the West Bank; again, the Israeli measures on ground defeated all hopes.
DAIR –PLO confirms that the Palestinians are committed to the Arab Peace initiative as the road to an Independent Palestinian State, they are- more than ever- ready to embark in a comprehensive Peace talks with Israel as they are the most harmed of the current absurd situation.
Department of Arab and International Relations (DAIR)
PLO
April 23rd, 2007
Vicious military incursions are the Israeli way to escape Peace obligations
With formation of the Palestinian National unity government, the 19th Arab summit have agreed that the Arab Peace Initiative is the key towards a dialogue with Israel in order to reach a comprehensive Peace agreement and to establish the independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. Israel on the other side is using all its power to divert away from its obligations towards peace.
The latest Israeli military invasions against Gaza strip, Jenin, and Nablus leaves the Palestinians and Arabs with no partner in their serious search for Peace; the Israeli government is escalating its terror in an attempt to bring the Palestinian unity government to a deadlock and to minimize any positive impacts for President Abbass efforts to break the International siege against the Palestinians.
For months now, and while the Palestinian Authority has been working to bring situation in Gaza to calm, the Israeli government has been sabotaging all those efforts and manipulating all excuses to avoid being reengaged in concrete steps towards the Arab initiative that is seen by all as the key to the solving the Palestinian issue.
After the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the Palestinians hopes were lifted high as they looked forwards for expanding the scenario to the West Bank; again, the Israeli measures on ground defeated all hopes.
DAIR –PLO confirms that the Palestinians are committed to the Arab Peace initiative as the road to an Independent Palestinian State, they are- more than ever- ready to embark in a comprehensive Peace talks with Israel as they are the most harmed of the current absurd situation.
Department of Arab and International Relations (DAIR)
PLO
April 23rd, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
RAWI Conference May 18-20 Dearborn
PRESS RELEASE!!
Arab American writers organizationto hold national conference in May
DEARBORN , Mich .—The Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc. (RAWI) will turn Dearborn into the mecca for Arab American writers when it holds its second national conference on May 17-20, 2007 at the Arab American National Museum , 13624 Michigan Ave. "RAWI welcomes not only its members but also others who are interestedin engaging in the Arab American literary community said one of theconference's organizer, Khaled Mattawa, assistant professor of English at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor ."The conference will provide a venue for 150 or so writers and scholarsto present our writings and ideas to one another and to the Detroit andArab communities," said RAWI's Executive Director, Steven Salaita, whoteaches at Virginia Tech University . "Our gathering will offer anopportunity for colleagues to share strategies for publishing and circulating our work and also for confronting academic, community andpolitical barriers."This year's conference theme, "Writing While Arab: Politics, Hyphens,and Homelands," seeks to address the multiple challenges Arab Americanwriters face in an intensified post-9/11 climate, says Mattawa, who isone of the conference's organizers."When it comes down to aesthetics, we (artists, writers, poets) are all on the same palate. I see Arab American literary and cultural studies reaching its height: a renaissance is here. We should pay attention to what beautiful things our communities are producing," says RAWI secretary, Deborah Najor Alkamano, a professor in the English department at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn .In 21 readings and workshops open to all registered attendees ($35 for RAWI membership and "$85 for the conference, including meals), thewriters will address such topics as:• How is Arab American writing affected by the targeting of Arabs andMuslims as the "national enemy" inside and outside of the U.S. and bythe wars waged in our homelands?• How do we envision a future for our literature between the desire for location within American culture and our transcultural experiences?• How do we promote and teach our literature? • How to promote our unconventional literature within the convensionsof the market place?To register, visit the RAWI Web site at http://www.rawi.org/conferences.htmlOr OTHER CONTACTS HERE:Steven Salaita, Executive Director, RAWI,salaita@vt.eduDeborah Alkamano, RAWI secretarydebnajor@rawi.orgTo attend as a member of the news media, contact: MEDIA CONTACT HERE:Conference Coordinator, Rola Nashef,rawicoordinator@gmail.comABOUT RAWI: Founded in 1993, RAWI is a network of 215 Arab American writers,scholars and artists of all genres. Its mission is to urge members topublish their work in mainstream publications, to support sister andbrother writers in the Arab World, to nurture emerging writers, and toguide and bring together Arab American writers. Although devoted to theArab American community, RAWI accepts members of all ethnic andnational backgrounds. Its membership includes Muslims, Christians andJews, and is primarily American, represented by people of many nationalbackgrounds.
# # #
PLEASE JOIN US and SPREAD THE WORDMEET ESTABLISHED AND UP AND COMING ARAB AMERICAN ACADEMICS, ARTISTS, ACTIVIST, BLOGGERS, FILMMAKERS, POETS, NOVELISTS, .....
ATTEND WORKSHOPS WITH PUBLISHERS and EDITORS ALL ARE WELCOMEArab American Writers Meet at AANM "Writing While Arab: Politics, Hyphens and Homelands" is the theme for the second national conference of RAWI, Radius of Arab American Writers, to be held May 17-19, 2007 at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn . Featured Writers included Naomi Shihab Nye, Rabih Alamedinne for the opening night. Friday night, May 18th, RAWI and CAAS are co-sponsoring D.H. Melhem, and Fadhil Al-Azzawi (co-sponsored by Center for University of Michigan-Deaborn's Center for Arab American Studies, ARAB AMERICAN WRITERS SERIES).
For registration information, visit www.rawi.org . Preregistration is a plus!! To update your RAWI membership and pre-register for the conference, please fill out and send our registration form:
http://www.rawi.org/pdf/registration.pdf
. Registration for non-students who have not paid dues in the period since January, 2007, will be $120; for students it will be $75. Checks payable to RAWI. PO Box 11708, Blacksburg, VA 24062. Email Rola Nashef at rawicoordinator@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
ARAB AMERICAN BOOK CLUB at the ARAB AMERICAN MUSEUM
Dr. Steven Salaita, RAWI's executive director is the author of Anti-Arab Racism in the USA: Where It Comes From and What It Means for Politics
Today, the title for the AANM's upcoming Library Book Club meeting on Sat., April 28. See museum website for info about book club meeting.
Arab American writers organizationto hold national conference in May
DEARBORN , Mich .—The Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc. (RAWI) will turn Dearborn into the mecca for Arab American writers when it holds its second national conference on May 17-20, 2007 at the Arab American National Museum , 13624 Michigan Ave. "RAWI welcomes not only its members but also others who are interestedin engaging in the Arab American literary community said one of theconference's organizer, Khaled Mattawa, assistant professor of English at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor ."The conference will provide a venue for 150 or so writers and scholarsto present our writings and ideas to one another and to the Detroit andArab communities," said RAWI's Executive Director, Steven Salaita, whoteaches at Virginia Tech University . "Our gathering will offer anopportunity for colleagues to share strategies for publishing and circulating our work and also for confronting academic, community andpolitical barriers."This year's conference theme, "Writing While Arab: Politics, Hyphens,and Homelands," seeks to address the multiple challenges Arab Americanwriters face in an intensified post-9/11 climate, says Mattawa, who isone of the conference's organizers."When it comes down to aesthetics, we (artists, writers, poets) are all on the same palate. I see Arab American literary and cultural studies reaching its height: a renaissance is here. We should pay attention to what beautiful things our communities are producing," says RAWI secretary, Deborah Najor Alkamano, a professor in the English department at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn .In 21 readings and workshops open to all registered attendees ($35 for RAWI membership and "$85 for the conference, including meals), thewriters will address such topics as:• How is Arab American writing affected by the targeting of Arabs andMuslims as the "national enemy" inside and outside of the U.S. and bythe wars waged in our homelands?• How do we envision a future for our literature between the desire for location within American culture and our transcultural experiences?• How do we promote and teach our literature? • How to promote our unconventional literature within the convensionsof the market place?To register, visit the RAWI Web site at http://www.rawi.org/conferences.htmlOr OTHER CONTACTS HERE:Steven Salaita, Executive Director, RAWI,salaita@vt.eduDeborah Alkamano, RAWI secretarydebnajor@rawi.orgTo attend as a member of the news media, contact: MEDIA CONTACT HERE:Conference Coordinator, Rola Nashef,rawicoordinator@gmail.comABOUT RAWI: Founded in 1993, RAWI is a network of 215 Arab American writers,scholars and artists of all genres. Its mission is to urge members topublish their work in mainstream publications, to support sister andbrother writers in the Arab World, to nurture emerging writers, and toguide and bring together Arab American writers. Although devoted to theArab American community, RAWI accepts members of all ethnic andnational backgrounds. Its membership includes Muslims, Christians andJews, and is primarily American, represented by people of many nationalbackgrounds.
# # #
PLEASE JOIN US and SPREAD THE WORDMEET ESTABLISHED AND UP AND COMING ARAB AMERICAN ACADEMICS, ARTISTS, ACTIVIST, BLOGGERS, FILMMAKERS, POETS, NOVELISTS, .....
ATTEND WORKSHOPS WITH PUBLISHERS and EDITORS ALL ARE WELCOMEArab American Writers Meet at AANM "Writing While Arab: Politics, Hyphens and Homelands" is the theme for the second national conference of RAWI, Radius of Arab American Writers, to be held May 17-19, 2007 at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn . Featured Writers included Naomi Shihab Nye, Rabih Alamedinne for the opening night. Friday night, May 18th, RAWI and CAAS are co-sponsoring D.H. Melhem, and Fadhil Al-Azzawi (co-sponsored by Center for University of Michigan-Deaborn's Center for Arab American Studies, ARAB AMERICAN WRITERS SERIES).
For registration information, visit www.rawi.org . Preregistration is a plus!! To update your RAWI membership and pre-register for the conference, please fill out and send our registration form:
http://www.rawi.org/pdf/registration.pdf
. Registration for non-students who have not paid dues in the period since January, 2007, will be $120; for students it will be $75. Checks payable to RAWI. PO Box 11708, Blacksburg, VA 24062. Email Rola Nashef at rawicoordinator@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
ARAB AMERICAN BOOK CLUB at the ARAB AMERICAN MUSEUM
Dr. Steven Salaita, RAWI's executive director is the author of Anti-Arab Racism in the USA: Where It Comes From and What It Means for Politics
Today, the title for the AANM's upcoming Library Book Club meeting on Sat., April 28. See museum website for info about book club meeting.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
PLO/DAIR: Occupation killing children's "childhood"
Press Release
PLO says Israeli Occupation is murdering Childhood
The Palestinian children lately celebrated the Palestinian children's day – (5th April). A series of formal and public festivals were held throughout the Palestinian areas; the massage was the need to secure a dignified and free life for them.
Since 2000, about 900 Palestinian children were murdered and 16.000 were injured by the Israeli forces, 750 of whom were left with permanent disabilities. About 6000 children (13-18 years old) were imprisoned by the Israeli occupation- 398 of whom are still in prisons up to this day, another 16 are administrative detainees and have been held without a trial for till now. Mohammed Khawaja 13-year-old is the youngest Palestinian child detainee in the Israeli jails.
The Palestinian children in Nablus and other areas are still used as human shields by the Israeli military army during Israeli army raids to the Palestinian houses.
The Israeli unjustified practices against our kids are depriving Palestinian children from the basic element of a normal life; right to education, freedom of movement and even the right to play. Most children went through the experience of losing a beloved relative or friend, removed from his place of living, as well the experience of being assaulted on checkpoints and barriers.
The occasion takes us back to the memories of Deer Yassin massacre that was committed by the Israeli gangs in April 9th 1948 when tens of Palestinian children and their parents were slaughtered.
The Department of Arab and International Affairs- PLO, would like to add its voice to the Palestinian children's, and to urge UN Children Committee, humanitarian organizations and governmental and non governmental bodies to stand up to their designated missions in the defense of deprived children, namely the Palestinian children in order to secure a decent and safe life for them.
Defending the Palestinian children rights- can’t be interpreted without recognizing the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people and his right to establish his own independent state.
Department of Arab and International Relations /DAIR
PLO
Ramalllah
April 14th, 2007
PLO says Israeli Occupation is murdering Childhood
The Palestinian children lately celebrated the Palestinian children's day – (5th April). A series of formal and public festivals were held throughout the Palestinian areas; the massage was the need to secure a dignified and free life for them.
Since 2000, about 900 Palestinian children were murdered and 16.000 were injured by the Israeli forces, 750 of whom were left with permanent disabilities. About 6000 children (13-18 years old) were imprisoned by the Israeli occupation- 398 of whom are still in prisons up to this day, another 16 are administrative detainees and have been held without a trial for till now. Mohammed Khawaja 13-year-old is the youngest Palestinian child detainee in the Israeli jails.
The Palestinian children in Nablus and other areas are still used as human shields by the Israeli military army during Israeli army raids to the Palestinian houses.
The Israeli unjustified practices against our kids are depriving Palestinian children from the basic element of a normal life; right to education, freedom of movement and even the right to play. Most children went through the experience of losing a beloved relative or friend, removed from his place of living, as well the experience of being assaulted on checkpoints and barriers.
The occasion takes us back to the memories of Deer Yassin massacre that was committed by the Israeli gangs in April 9th 1948 when tens of Palestinian children and their parents were slaughtered.
The Department of Arab and International Affairs- PLO, would like to add its voice to the Palestinian children's, and to urge UN Children Committee, humanitarian organizations and governmental and non governmental bodies to stand up to their designated missions in the defense of deprived children, namely the Palestinian children in order to secure a decent and safe life for them.
Defending the Palestinian children rights- can’t be interpreted without recognizing the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people and his right to establish his own independent state.
Department of Arab and International Relations /DAIR
PLO
Ramalllah
April 14th, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Illinois Scholarship for first year Arab students
Ziyad Brothers Importing Announces Illinois Scholarship for first-year College-bound Arab students
Cicero, Il – Ziyad Brothers Importing announced it is expanding its existing “Giving Back to the Community” student scholarship program to any student of Arab heritage who will be attending their first year of college this Fall.
A scholarship in the amount of $1,000 college bond will be given to one male and one female student of Arab heritage, selected from entries who demonstrate the highest level of pride, self-identity, confidence and writing talent.
The Scholarship will recognize students who demonstrate pride in their Arab heritage, and who detail how they have in the past and how they hope to contribute in the future both to their community as Arab Americans and also to this country, explained ZBI Vice President Nemer Ziyad.
“We want to recognize the future leaders of our community who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing and strengthening the image of the Arab Americans through individual initiative and community service. We are looking for young Arab American students, one male and one female, who demonstrate their pride in their Arab heritage and as Americans,” Ziyad said.
“There are many talented Arab students and we want to encourage them to pursue their professional career goals while also remaining dedicated to their Arab American heritage.”
Ziyad Brothers Importing, an Illinois-based distributor of more than 1,200 food items to stores in 46 states and six countries, awarded its first scholarships to students in 2006.
Applicants are required to submit an essay of 500 to 800 words on how they hope to “Give Back to the Community.” Winners will be announced in August and scholarships will be presented at the beginning of September. The student recipients must be enrolled in a college or university this Fall in order to receive the cash scholarship amount. Applicants can get information on applying for the scholarship by visiting www.Ziyad.com.
Ziyad Brothers Importing was originally founded in 1966 by Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad, two immigrant brothers from Palestine. Their small retail outlet on Chicago’s south side specialized in hard to find Middle Eastern food products as well as the first Pita Bread bakery in Chicago catering to the Middle Eastern ethnic community.
The retail outlet later expanded into one of the first automated Pita Bakeries in the Midwest and began distributing Pita bread and Middle Eastern food products to other retail outlets. Ten years later, from these humble beginnings, Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad purchased their first warehouse located at 21st and Western Avenue.
In 1995, Ziyad Brothers Importing consolidated facilities and moved into the current location in Cicero, IL. A year later in 1996, Ahmad Ziyad passed away at the age of 56. His brother Ibrahim assumed the role of President. Ziyad Brothers Importing is a family owned and operated business. Ahmad’s sons Nemer, Nassem and Nazmy and Ibrahim’s son Nezar and daughters Leila and Sonia also work at the company.
Winning essays will be published on the www.ZiyadNews.com web site as well as on the web site of the National Arab American Journalists Association (www.NAAJA-US.com), and in participating Arab American newspapers and magazines.
End
Cicero, Il – Ziyad Brothers Importing announced it is expanding its existing “Giving Back to the Community” student scholarship program to any student of Arab heritage who will be attending their first year of college this Fall.
A scholarship in the amount of $1,000 college bond will be given to one male and one female student of Arab heritage, selected from entries who demonstrate the highest level of pride, self-identity, confidence and writing talent.
The Scholarship will recognize students who demonstrate pride in their Arab heritage, and who detail how they have in the past and how they hope to contribute in the future both to their community as Arab Americans and also to this country, explained ZBI Vice President Nemer Ziyad.
“We want to recognize the future leaders of our community who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing and strengthening the image of the Arab Americans through individual initiative and community service. We are looking for young Arab American students, one male and one female, who demonstrate their pride in their Arab heritage and as Americans,” Ziyad said.
“There are many talented Arab students and we want to encourage them to pursue their professional career goals while also remaining dedicated to their Arab American heritage.”
Ziyad Brothers Importing, an Illinois-based distributor of more than 1,200 food items to stores in 46 states and six countries, awarded its first scholarships to students in 2006.
Applicants are required to submit an essay of 500 to 800 words on how they hope to “Give Back to the Community.” Winners will be announced in August and scholarships will be presented at the beginning of September. The student recipients must be enrolled in a college or university this Fall in order to receive the cash scholarship amount. Applicants can get information on applying for the scholarship by visiting www.Ziyad.com.
Ziyad Brothers Importing was originally founded in 1966 by Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad, two immigrant brothers from Palestine. Their small retail outlet on Chicago’s south side specialized in hard to find Middle Eastern food products as well as the first Pita Bread bakery in Chicago catering to the Middle Eastern ethnic community.
The retail outlet later expanded into one of the first automated Pita Bakeries in the Midwest and began distributing Pita bread and Middle Eastern food products to other retail outlets. Ten years later, from these humble beginnings, Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad purchased their first warehouse located at 21st and Western Avenue.
In 1995, Ziyad Brothers Importing consolidated facilities and moved into the current location in Cicero, IL. A year later in 1996, Ahmad Ziyad passed away at the age of 56. His brother Ibrahim assumed the role of President. Ziyad Brothers Importing is a family owned and operated business. Ahmad’s sons Nemer, Nassem and Nazmy and Ibrahim’s son Nezar and daughters Leila and Sonia also work at the company.
Winning essays will be published on the www.ZiyadNews.com web site as well as on the web site of the National Arab American Journalists Association (www.NAAJA-US.com), and in participating Arab American newspapers and magazines.
End
Picture Balata Palestinian US Tour
Picture Balata In Chicago This Week!
Picture Balata puts the camera into the hands of the children born and raised inside the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Participants ranging from ages 11 to 18 photograph their situation as they live it in Balata Refugee Camp. Showing their work and speaking about their lives, the photographers will travel to New York City; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh; Youngstown; Boston; Chicago; and San Francisco.
Three teenage participants from the Picture Balata workshop are in Chicago this week! These young people, leaving the West Bank for the first time, will be able to educate Americans on the reality of the situation in Balata Refugee Camp and occupied Palestine. The tour will also give them the chance to see that people outside Palestine support their work and the Palestinian struggle for justice, especially the Right of Return. The tour also aims to raise funds to purchase cameras, computers and Internet access so that, after further training, the workshop participants, nine in total, will be able to do everything from taking the picture, editing it on their own computer, and then publishing it on a website for the entire world to see. This self-sustainable project will give these young people the opportunity to further pursue photography and other media as a form of self-expression and resistance. For more information on any of these events, please email http://us.f324.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=info@psgchicago.org or call 312.656.8211.
The photographers will be in Chicago on the following dates:
Thursday, April 12
NPR Radio Interview
12 Noon
Listen to Picture Balata youth on National Public Radio (NPR)!
Their interview will be broadcast as part of the Worldview program at 12pm (CST) on 91.5 FM and online at http://www.wbez.org/Program_WV.aspx
Friday, April 13
Exhibition Opening! ACME Art Works 1741 N. Western, Chicago, IL 60647 6-9pm $10 Suggested Donation. Light dinner will be provided. Sponsored by the Palestine Solidarity Group - Chicago and Al Awda Chicago.
Saturday, April 14th
Nablus Society Annual Dinner Featuring Picture Balata Saint Xavier University (SXU) 3700 West 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60655 Main Campus - Butler Room 5:30 PM -- 9 PM
Admission: $30 adults; $15 for children (12 years and younger). Call 312 804 4000 for ticket information.This event will include a full dinner with poetry, music, and a live Debka performance.
Picture Balata puts the camera into the hands of the children born and raised inside the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Participants ranging from ages 11 to 18 photograph their situation as they live it in Balata Refugee Camp. Showing their work and speaking about their lives, the photographers will travel to New York City; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh; Youngstown; Boston; Chicago; and San Francisco.
Three teenage participants from the Picture Balata workshop are in Chicago this week! These young people, leaving the West Bank for the first time, will be able to educate Americans on the reality of the situation in Balata Refugee Camp and occupied Palestine. The tour will also give them the chance to see that people outside Palestine support their work and the Palestinian struggle for justice, especially the Right of Return. The tour also aims to raise funds to purchase cameras, computers and Internet access so that, after further training, the workshop participants, nine in total, will be able to do everything from taking the picture, editing it on their own computer, and then publishing it on a website for the entire world to see. This self-sustainable project will give these young people the opportunity to further pursue photography and other media as a form of self-expression and resistance. For more information on any of these events, please email http://us.f324.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=info@psgchicago.org or call 312.656.8211.
The photographers will be in Chicago on the following dates:
Thursday, April 12
NPR Radio Interview
12 Noon
Listen to Picture Balata youth on National Public Radio (NPR)!
Their interview will be broadcast as part of the Worldview program at 12pm (CST) on 91.5 FM and online at http://www.wbez.org/Program_WV.aspx
Friday, April 13
Exhibition Opening! ACME Art Works 1741 N. Western, Chicago, IL 60647 6-9pm $10 Suggested Donation. Light dinner will be provided. Sponsored by the Palestine Solidarity Group - Chicago and Al Awda Chicago.
Saturday, April 14th
Nablus Society Annual Dinner Featuring Picture Balata Saint Xavier University (SXU) 3700 West 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60655 Main Campus - Butler Room 5:30 PM -- 9 PM
Admission: $30 adults; $15 for children (12 years and younger). Call 312 804 4000 for ticket information.This event will include a full dinner with poetry, music, and a live Debka performance.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Holy Land Christians issue appeal for help
Dear brothers and sisters,
As Christians, the sunrise on Easter morning brings us more than the dawn of a new day. It is a Christian symbol of the hope for new life in the glorious resurrection of our Lord. As morning breaks from the east to the west, Christians will proclaim the hope of the gospel: "Alleluia! Christ is risen!" Our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land will also follow the traditions begun by the very first Christians as they celebrate Easter with the whole Body of Christ. The light of their eternal hope, however, finds them in the thick darkness of economic sanctions, occupation, and fear.
Some of the Arab Christians cannot see any future left in the Holy Land. The darkness of poverty and the fog of occupation have left the Christian residents of the Palestinian Territories grasping for hope – and finding little to hold. They suffer the effects of economic sanctions and blocked aid or relief efforts, and unemployment reaching past 60%. The school teachers, village administrators, and social workers have gone without pay for months. Even those who were lucky enough to have subsistence jobs and who wanted to stay are now looking for a way out. If we don't act now, time will run out for Christians in the Holy Land – even faster than I thought it might. They are moving away, leaving hope and energy for peace- building and spiritual continuity behind. They are simply unable to carve out a life any longer.
HCEF has aid programs in place, and they work. Every one of them was created to address a specific need, and those who benefit from our support express their deep thanks. They know we haven't forgotten them – instead, we bring the light of hope and the warmth of solidarity to these Christians left on the doorstep of the international political arena. Your commitment and our programs can make the difference. I feel compelled to emphasize this:
Your commitment and our programs can make the difference! Donate here
During eight years of work, we have sponsored Christian education for thousands of children, built new housing and community centers, created jobs and sustained industries supporting hundreds of families, and built a vast network of Christians across the world who are praying and acting in support of their brothers and sisters. Our efforts as a community united by faith have made a life-changing difference for thousands of Arab Christians across the Holy Land.
Your donations at work.
I never wanted to have to say these things about the lack of hope, the crushing conditions, and the insecurity weighing on the Holy Land Christians, and I hope that our involvement will reverse their effects. After seeing the extent to which conditions have deteriorated for Arab Christians, I would be irresponsible to keep this information to myself in favor of blithely hopeful language. If I had more powerful words, I would use them now.
Please, support the Holy Land Christians. They need your fervent prayers, your solidarity, and your awareness. Most of all in these desperate times, they need your material support. Do not wait for your neighbor or your friend to make the difference – log on to our website and bring help as soon as you can. You can light a candle for peace here and let the world know you care about the Arab Christians.
If you would like to support us, donate here. We need everyone on board to accomplish our mission:
To replace despair with hope, fear with security, and humiliation with human dignity.
With heartfelt prayers and trust in God, I wish all of us an Easter full of the hope of the risen Lord.
Rateb Rabie, KCHS
HCEF President
For Comments Email: news@hcef.org
Phone: 301-951-9400
Web: http://www.hcef.org
For additional articles or more info or to add your own comments please visit our website at www.hcef.org The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, Inc. (HCEF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides support to the Christians of the Holy Land who live in Christian communities dating back in time to those who first heard Jesus Christ preach his gospel. HCEF sponsors programs that support children's education, create housing, and provide work programs for community development and indigenous handicrafts. HCEF Pilgrimages enable Western Christians to develop bonds of solidarity with their Christian brothers and sisters living in the Holy Land.
As Christians, the sunrise on Easter morning brings us more than the dawn of a new day. It is a Christian symbol of the hope for new life in the glorious resurrection of our Lord. As morning breaks from the east to the west, Christians will proclaim the hope of the gospel: "Alleluia! Christ is risen!" Our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land will also follow the traditions begun by the very first Christians as they celebrate Easter with the whole Body of Christ. The light of their eternal hope, however, finds them in the thick darkness of economic sanctions, occupation, and fear.
Some of the Arab Christians cannot see any future left in the Holy Land. The darkness of poverty and the fog of occupation have left the Christian residents of the Palestinian Territories grasping for hope – and finding little to hold. They suffer the effects of economic sanctions and blocked aid or relief efforts, and unemployment reaching past 60%. The school teachers, village administrators, and social workers have gone without pay for months. Even those who were lucky enough to have subsistence jobs and who wanted to stay are now looking for a way out. If we don't act now, time will run out for Christians in the Holy Land – even faster than I thought it might. They are moving away, leaving hope and energy for peace- building and spiritual continuity behind. They are simply unable to carve out a life any longer.
HCEF has aid programs in place, and they work. Every one of them was created to address a specific need, and those who benefit from our support express their deep thanks. They know we haven't forgotten them – instead, we bring the light of hope and the warmth of solidarity to these Christians left on the doorstep of the international political arena. Your commitment and our programs can make the difference. I feel compelled to emphasize this:
Your commitment and our programs can make the difference! Donate here
During eight years of work, we have sponsored Christian education for thousands of children, built new housing and community centers, created jobs and sustained industries supporting hundreds of families, and built a vast network of Christians across the world who are praying and acting in support of their brothers and sisters. Our efforts as a community united by faith have made a life-changing difference for thousands of Arab Christians across the Holy Land.
Your donations at work.
I never wanted to have to say these things about the lack of hope, the crushing conditions, and the insecurity weighing on the Holy Land Christians, and I hope that our involvement will reverse their effects. After seeing the extent to which conditions have deteriorated for Arab Christians, I would be irresponsible to keep this information to myself in favor of blithely hopeful language. If I had more powerful words, I would use them now.
Please, support the Holy Land Christians. They need your fervent prayers, your solidarity, and your awareness. Most of all in these desperate times, they need your material support. Do not wait for your neighbor or your friend to make the difference – log on to our website and bring help as soon as you can. You can light a candle for peace here and let the world know you care about the Arab Christians.
If you would like to support us, donate here. We need everyone on board to accomplish our mission:
To replace despair with hope, fear with security, and humiliation with human dignity.
With heartfelt prayers and trust in God, I wish all of us an Easter full of the hope of the risen Lord.
Rateb Rabie, KCHS
HCEF President
For Comments Email: news@hcef.org
Phone: 301-951-9400
Web: http://www.hcef.org
For additional articles or more info or to add your own comments please visit our website at www.hcef.org The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, Inc. (HCEF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides support to the Christians of the Holy Land who live in Christian communities dating back in time to those who first heard Jesus Christ preach his gospel. HCEF sponsors programs that support children's education, create housing, and provide work programs for community development and indigenous handicrafts. HCEF Pilgrimages enable Western Christians to develop bonds of solidarity with their Christian brothers and sisters living in the Holy Land.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
RAWI hosts confernece in May at Arab Museum
Arab American writers organization to hold national conference in May
DEARBORN, Mich.—The Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc. (RAWI) will
turn the city of Dearborn, Michigan into a hub for Arab American
writers when it holds its second national conference on May 17-20, at
the Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave.
“RAWI welcomes not only its members but also others who are interested
in engaging in the Arab American literary community," said one of the
conference’s organizer, Khaled Mattawa, professor of English at the
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and president of RAWI.
The conference will gather 150 or so writers and scholars who will
present their writings and research to one another and to the Detroit
and Arab communities. This year’s conference theme, “Writing While
Arab: Politics, Hyphens, and Homelands,” seeks to address the multiple
challenges Arab American writers face in an intensified post-9/11
climate, says Mattawa.
“I'm often asked what's happening in Arab America, or what Arab
American books teachers can use, or which writers are worth reading, or
what forms of diversity exist in this community, or where Arab
Americans come from and which spaces they inhabit,” said Steven
Salaita, Executive Director of RAWI and assistant professor of English
at Virginia Tech University. “For the past six months, my answer has
been: attend the RAWI Conference. It will be a tremendous opportunity
for those interested in learning more about Arab Americans and our
burgeoning literary tradition.”
In 21 readings and workshops open to all registered attendees ($35 for
RAWI membership and “$85 for the conference, including meals), the
writers will address such topics as:
• How is Arab American writing affected by the targeting of Arabs and
Muslims as the “national enemy” inside and outside of the U.S. and by
the wars waged in our homelands?
• How do we envision a future for our literature between the desire for
location within American culture and our transcultural experiences?
• How do we promote and teach our literature?
• How to promote our unconventional literature within the conventions
of the market place?
Some of the better known authors in attendance are Naomi Shihab Nye,
author of “Fuel,” novelist Rabih Alameddine author of “I, the Divine,”
and celebrated Iraqi poet, Fadhil Al-Azzawi, author of “Miracle Maker.”
To register, visit the RAWI Web site at http://www.rawi.org/conferences.html
Rola Nashef, (rawicoordinator@gmail.edu)
To attend as a member of the news media, contact: Steve Salaita,
Executive Director, (salaita@vt.edu)
ABOUT RAWI:
Founded in 1993, RAWI is a network of 215 Arab American writers,
scholars and artists of all genres. Its mission is to urge members to
publish their work in mainstream publications, to support sister and
brother writers in the Arab World, to nurture emerging writers, and to
guide and bring together Arab American writers. Although devoted to the
Arab American community, RAWI accepts members of all ethnic and
national backgrounds. Its membership includes Muslims, Christians and
Jews, and is primarily American, represented by people of many national
backgrounds.
DEARBORN, Mich.—The Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc. (RAWI) will
turn the city of Dearborn, Michigan into a hub for Arab American
writers when it holds its second national conference on May 17-20, at
the Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave.
“RAWI welcomes not only its members but also others who are interested
in engaging in the Arab American literary community," said one of the
conference’s organizer, Khaled Mattawa, professor of English at the
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and president of RAWI.
The conference will gather 150 or so writers and scholars who will
present their writings and research to one another and to the Detroit
and Arab communities. This year’s conference theme, “Writing While
Arab: Politics, Hyphens, and Homelands,” seeks to address the multiple
challenges Arab American writers face in an intensified post-9/11
climate, says Mattawa.
“I'm often asked what's happening in Arab America, or what Arab
American books teachers can use, or which writers are worth reading, or
what forms of diversity exist in this community, or where Arab
Americans come from and which spaces they inhabit,” said Steven
Salaita, Executive Director of RAWI and assistant professor of English
at Virginia Tech University. “For the past six months, my answer has
been: attend the RAWI Conference. It will be a tremendous opportunity
for those interested in learning more about Arab Americans and our
burgeoning literary tradition.”
In 21 readings and workshops open to all registered attendees ($35 for
RAWI membership and “$85 for the conference, including meals), the
writers will address such topics as:
• How is Arab American writing affected by the targeting of Arabs and
Muslims as the “national enemy” inside and outside of the U.S. and by
the wars waged in our homelands?
• How do we envision a future for our literature between the desire for
location within American culture and our transcultural experiences?
• How do we promote and teach our literature?
• How to promote our unconventional literature within the conventions
of the market place?
Some of the better known authors in attendance are Naomi Shihab Nye,
author of “Fuel,” novelist Rabih Alameddine author of “I, the Divine,”
and celebrated Iraqi poet, Fadhil Al-Azzawi, author of “Miracle Maker.”
To register, visit the RAWI Web site at http://www.rawi.org/conferences.html
Rola Nashef, (rawicoordinator@gmail.edu)
To attend as a member of the news media, contact: Steve Salaita,
Executive Director, (salaita@vt.edu)
ABOUT RAWI:
Founded in 1993, RAWI is a network of 215 Arab American writers,
scholars and artists of all genres. Its mission is to urge members to
publish their work in mainstream publications, to support sister and
brother writers in the Arab World, to nurture emerging writers, and to
guide and bring together Arab American writers. Although devoted to the
Arab American community, RAWI accepts members of all ethnic and
national backgrounds. Its membership includes Muslims, Christians and
Jews, and is primarily American, represented by people of many national
backgrounds.
Monday, April 02, 2007
JOurney to Jordan for high school students
Journey to Jordan
Arabic Language and CultureJune 21 - August 19, 2007Application deadline May 1
An exciting scholarship program for high school students worth $10,000!*
The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay announces an exciting opportunity for high school students, seven weeks in Jordan including a six-week Arabic language institute at the University of Jordan. A diverse group of 20 students from across the U.S. will be selected to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Must be age 14-18 when program begins.
A GPA of 3.0 is required.
No previous Arabic experience required.
Pre-departure and follow-on learning online using podcasts and other fun materials, with assistance from instructors of Arabic.
Pre-departure and return activities in Washington, D.C., including: cross-cultural orientation, “Arabic in Careers" presentations, and visits to Washington museums and monuments.
Cultural immersion activities in Jordan including: field trips to places like Petra, the “Lost City of Stone;” visits to museums, government offices, multinational organizations, and other special places of interest; community service projects with Jordanian youth organizations; a four-week home stay with a host family.
Accompanied for the duration by an Arabic-speaking American chaperone/adviser who has traveled and worked in the region.
*Participants are responsible for some nominal expenses.
For more information and the application package:
http://www.uwgb.edu/intlprojects/jordan.htm
Deadline: May 1
Arabic Language and CultureJune 21 - August 19, 2007Application deadline May 1
An exciting scholarship program for high school students worth $10,000!*
The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay announces an exciting opportunity for high school students, seven weeks in Jordan including a six-week Arabic language institute at the University of Jordan. A diverse group of 20 students from across the U.S. will be selected to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Must be age 14-18 when program begins.
A GPA of 3.0 is required.
No previous Arabic experience required.
Pre-departure and follow-on learning online using podcasts and other fun materials, with assistance from instructors of Arabic.
Pre-departure and return activities in Washington, D.C., including: cross-cultural orientation, “Arabic in Careers" presentations, and visits to Washington museums and monuments.
Cultural immersion activities in Jordan including: field trips to places like Petra, the “Lost City of Stone;” visits to museums, government offices, multinational organizations, and other special places of interest; community service projects with Jordanian youth organizations; a four-week home stay with a host family.
Accompanied for the duration by an Arabic-speaking American chaperone/adviser who has traveled and worked in the region.
*Participants are responsible for some nominal expenses.
For more information and the application package:
http://www.uwgb.edu/intlprojects/jordan.htm
Deadline: May 1
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Shaheen Scholarships to be awarded at ADC Convention
2007 Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship to be Awarded at "Reel Bad Arabs" Premiere During ADC Convention
Washington, DC March 27, 2007 The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is currently accepting applications for the 2007 Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship. Jack G. Shaheen, PhD, is the world's foremost authority on media images of Arab and the author of Reel Bad Arabs, Arab and Muslim Stereotyping in American Popular Culture, Nuclear War Films, and The TV Arab.
The deadline for applications is April 12, 2007. Dr. Shaheen established this scholarship through ADC to recognize Arab-American students who excel in media studies. Recipients of the scholarship will be announced and presented at ADC's Annual Convention during the DC premiere of the groundbreaking documentary, Reel Bad Arabs.On Friday, June 8, the ground breaking 50-minute documentary will be screened and then a question and answer session with Dr. Shaheen will follow and the scholarships will be awarded.
For more information on the DC premier of Reel Bad Arabs see:
http://www.adc.org/index.php?id=3069
PURPOSE:To recognize Arab-American students who excel in Media Studies.
AMOUNT:$1000
ELIGIBILITY:Juniors, Seniors, or Graduate Students.Must be attending college in the 2007-08 academic year.
Must be majoring in Mass Communications, Journalism, Radio, Television, and/or Film.
Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a U.S. citizen of Arab heritage
APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND THE FOLLOWING
TO THE ADC RESEARCH INSTITUTE:
A one-page statement stating that you are a US citizen, explaining your goals and why you merit the scholarship.Copies of articles, videos, films, etc.Official academic transcripts including your GPA.Two letters of recommendation from Mass Communications professors.Permanent home address, phone number, email address; also address, phone number, and email address during the school year.
DEADLINE: APRIL 12, 2007Awards will be announced and presented during ADC's Annual Convention in Washington, DC.
SEND MATERIALS TO:Attn: Nawar ShoraADC Research Institute (ADCRI)1732 Wisconsin Ave, NWWashington, DC 20007Tel: 202-244-2990Fax: 202-244-7968
SAVE THE DATE: June 8-10, 2007ADC Convention: "Toward A More Perfect Union"
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee www.adc.org1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007Tel: 202-244-2990 Fax: 202-244-7968 E-mail: media@adc.org
Washington, DC March 27, 2007 The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is currently accepting applications for the 2007 Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship. Jack G. Shaheen, PhD, is the world's foremost authority on media images of Arab and the author of Reel Bad Arabs, Arab and Muslim Stereotyping in American Popular Culture, Nuclear War Films, and The TV Arab.
The deadline for applications is April 12, 2007. Dr. Shaheen established this scholarship through ADC to recognize Arab-American students who excel in media studies. Recipients of the scholarship will be announced and presented at ADC's Annual Convention during the DC premiere of the groundbreaking documentary, Reel Bad Arabs.On Friday, June 8, the ground breaking 50-minute documentary will be screened and then a question and answer session with Dr. Shaheen will follow and the scholarships will be awarded.
For more information on the DC premier of Reel Bad Arabs see:
http://www.adc.org/index.php?id=3069
PURPOSE:To recognize Arab-American students who excel in Media Studies.
AMOUNT:$1000
ELIGIBILITY:Juniors, Seniors, or Graduate Students.Must be attending college in the 2007-08 academic year.
Must be majoring in Mass Communications, Journalism, Radio, Television, and/or Film.
Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a U.S. citizen of Arab heritage
APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND THE FOLLOWING
TO THE ADC RESEARCH INSTITUTE:
A one-page statement stating that you are a US citizen, explaining your goals and why you merit the scholarship.Copies of articles, videos, films, etc.Official academic transcripts including your GPA.Two letters of recommendation from Mass Communications professors.Permanent home address, phone number, email address; also address, phone number, and email address during the school year.
DEADLINE: APRIL 12, 2007Awards will be announced and presented during ADC's Annual Convention in Washington, DC.
SEND MATERIALS TO:Attn: Nawar ShoraADC Research Institute (ADCRI)1732 Wisconsin Ave, NWWashington, DC 20007Tel: 202-244-2990Fax: 202-244-7968
SAVE THE DATE: June 8-10, 2007ADC Convention: "Toward A More Perfect Union"
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee www.adc.org1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007Tel: 202-244-2990 Fax: 202-244-7968 E-mail: media@adc.org
Sunday, March 25, 2007
PRESS RELEASE: American World War II Pilot honored by Saudi Arabia
Captain Joe Grant Honored in the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON, March 24 /PRNewswire/-- His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubair, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, in partnership with Friends of Saudi Arabia (FSA), presented and honored Captain Joe Grant with Friends of Saudi Arabia's 2007 Hart Award.
"In Saudi Arabia we have a saying," said His Excellency Mr. Al-Jubair, "fire warms the body, the body and friendship warms the heart." In the first public address since he was appointed Ambassador in February, Mr. Al-Jubair painted a vivid picture of the friendship shared between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.
Following his remarks, Mr. Al-Jubair congratulated Captain Grant on a "well deserved award." Captain Joe Grant was recognized for his longstanding contributions to fostering Saudi-U.S. relations. Named after late Ambassador Parker T. Hart, the Award recognizes an individual's achievements in fostering friendship, goodwill and mutual understanding between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Joe Grant, the 99 year old World War II veteran and pilot, was the original pilot of the DC-3 that was given to King Abdulaziz as a special gift from President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945. Captain Grant stayed in Saudi Arabia as the first airline pilot for King Abdulaziz and was instrumental in the establishment of Saudi Arabian Airlines.
"Being in Saudi Arabia is a part of your life that makes your life," said Captain Grant. "Warmth, friendship and feeling for one another -- that is Saudi Arabia. The great King Abdulaziz had a vision of friendship, and it is that vision and friendship that we, as Americans, want to be a part of."
Mrs. Jane Smiley Hart, 2005 Hart Award precipitant and wife of Ambassador Parker T. Hart, joined The Embassy of Saudi Arabia and FSA in the presentation of the 2007 Hart Award. "I went there by accident and loved it," reminisced Mrs. Hart. "Saudi Arabia was so special to me and touched my life in so many ways; I am honored to have gotten the opportunity to go there."
Present for the presentation of the Hart Award were members of the diplomatic core, US Department of State, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Embassy of Iraq, Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Embassy or Chile, Embassy of Tunisia, Kuwait Information Services, Aramco, World Bank, Former US Consul General, Middle East Institute, among many other high profile personnel and organizations.
In closing, Mr. Grant addressed His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubair, "Thank you Mr. Ambassador. Thank you for being my friend and our friend as Americans. I hope you don't mind that I have adopted you into my circle of friends."
The event marked the opening of the photography exhibition hosted by the Embassy or Saudi Arabia entitled: "Yesterday and Today." The exhibition consists of photographs of Saudi Arabia taken by Captain Grant in 1945 and contemporary photographs of Saudi Arabia taken by photographer and filmmaker Bruce Wendt in 2006. The exhibition will remain on display at the Saudi Embassy until April 6, 2007.
About FSA: Friends of Saudi Arabia is an apolitical, secular, educational, non-profit organization that serves to build bridges of goodwill and understanding between Saudi Arabia and the international community. Events hosted by Friends of Saudi Arabia serve as a tool for nurturing dialogue, debate, alliance building and networking opportunities between people of diverse backgrounds with hopes to dispel misconceptions, establish friendships, and inspire global understanding and exchange. Friends of Saudi Arabia aims to promote better "people to people" understanding as well as bridging social and cultural gaps.
For information of Friends of Saudi Arabia visit http://www.fsaus.org.
Event Detailed Information: Date: Thursday, March 22, 2007 Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Where: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20037 Contact: Hazami Barmada Director, Public Relations & Outreach Friends of Saudi Arabia Office: (202) 558-7504 Cell: (901) 219-2041 Fax: (202) 448-1392
Email: hazami.barmada@fsaus.org
Web: www.fsaus.org
SOURCE Friends of Saudi Arabia -0-
03/24/2007 /CONTACT: Hazami Barmada, Director, Public Relations & Outreach,
Friends of Saudi Arabia, Office: +1-202-558-7504, Cell: +1-901-219-2041, Fax: +1-202-448-1392, hazami.barmada@fsaus.org
Web site: http://www.fsaus.org /
WASHINGTON, March 24 /PRNewswire/-- His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubair, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, in partnership with Friends of Saudi Arabia (FSA), presented and honored Captain Joe Grant with Friends of Saudi Arabia's 2007 Hart Award.
"In Saudi Arabia we have a saying," said His Excellency Mr. Al-Jubair, "fire warms the body, the body and friendship warms the heart." In the first public address since he was appointed Ambassador in February, Mr. Al-Jubair painted a vivid picture of the friendship shared between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.
Following his remarks, Mr. Al-Jubair congratulated Captain Grant on a "well deserved award." Captain Joe Grant was recognized for his longstanding contributions to fostering Saudi-U.S. relations. Named after late Ambassador Parker T. Hart, the Award recognizes an individual's achievements in fostering friendship, goodwill and mutual understanding between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Joe Grant, the 99 year old World War II veteran and pilot, was the original pilot of the DC-3 that was given to King Abdulaziz as a special gift from President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945. Captain Grant stayed in Saudi Arabia as the first airline pilot for King Abdulaziz and was instrumental in the establishment of Saudi Arabian Airlines.
"Being in Saudi Arabia is a part of your life that makes your life," said Captain Grant. "Warmth, friendship and feeling for one another -- that is Saudi Arabia. The great King Abdulaziz had a vision of friendship, and it is that vision and friendship that we, as Americans, want to be a part of."
Mrs. Jane Smiley Hart, 2005 Hart Award precipitant and wife of Ambassador Parker T. Hart, joined The Embassy of Saudi Arabia and FSA in the presentation of the 2007 Hart Award. "I went there by accident and loved it," reminisced Mrs. Hart. "Saudi Arabia was so special to me and touched my life in so many ways; I am honored to have gotten the opportunity to go there."
Present for the presentation of the Hart Award were members of the diplomatic core, US Department of State, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Embassy of Iraq, Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Embassy or Chile, Embassy of Tunisia, Kuwait Information Services, Aramco, World Bank, Former US Consul General, Middle East Institute, among many other high profile personnel and organizations.
In closing, Mr. Grant addressed His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubair, "Thank you Mr. Ambassador. Thank you for being my friend and our friend as Americans. I hope you don't mind that I have adopted you into my circle of friends."
The event marked the opening of the photography exhibition hosted by the Embassy or Saudi Arabia entitled: "Yesterday and Today." The exhibition consists of photographs of Saudi Arabia taken by Captain Grant in 1945 and contemporary photographs of Saudi Arabia taken by photographer and filmmaker Bruce Wendt in 2006. The exhibition will remain on display at the Saudi Embassy until April 6, 2007.
About FSA: Friends of Saudi Arabia is an apolitical, secular, educational, non-profit organization that serves to build bridges of goodwill and understanding between Saudi Arabia and the international community. Events hosted by Friends of Saudi Arabia serve as a tool for nurturing dialogue, debate, alliance building and networking opportunities between people of diverse backgrounds with hopes to dispel misconceptions, establish friendships, and inspire global understanding and exchange. Friends of Saudi Arabia aims to promote better "people to people" understanding as well as bridging social and cultural gaps.
For information of Friends of Saudi Arabia visit http://www.fsaus.org.
Event Detailed Information: Date: Thursday, March 22, 2007 Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Where: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20037 Contact: Hazami Barmada Director, Public Relations & Outreach Friends of Saudi Arabia Office: (202) 558-7504 Cell: (901) 219-2041 Fax: (202) 448-1392
Email: hazami.barmada@fsaus.org
Web: www.fsaus.org
SOURCE Friends of Saudi Arabia -0-
03/24/2007 /CONTACT: Hazami Barmada, Director, Public Relations & Outreach,
Friends of Saudi Arabia, Office: +1-202-558-7504, Cell: +1-901-219-2041, Fax: +1-202-448-1392, hazami.barmada@fsaus.org
Web site: http://www.fsaus.org /
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