Kucinich -- one of few reasoned voices on 60th Anniversay of 1948 war

Please write Congressman Dennis KUCINICH a message of support at http://kucinich.house.gov/Contact/

Congressional Record, April 22, 2008, Page: H2522

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleagues in Congress in celebrating Israel's accomplishments over the past 60 years. I am happy to be co-sponsor of this congratulatory resolution. However, like many Israelis and Palestinians, I have concerns about Israel's future, its stability, its security and the prospect for peaceful coexistence for both Palestinians and Israelis. One of those concerns relates to the ongoing lack of resolution on the dispossession of Palestinian property and the dislocation of Palestinians after Independence. It must be remembered that about 700,000 Palestinians became exiled. Much Arab property was appropriated. And about 500 Arab villages were destroyed. On December 11, 1948, the United Nations passed Resolution 194, affording Palestinian refugees the right to return to their homes in Israel, or to compensation for their property should they choose not to return. To this day, the mandate of U.N. Resolution 194 has not been fulfilled. Unfortunately, this failure remains as one of the most significant barriers to the realization of a two-state negotiated solution.

I am also concerned for those Palestinians who did not flee and who became Israeli citizens after Independence. According to the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, today there exist 20 Israeli laws which explicitly discriminate against the Palestinian minority in Israel, who constitute 20 percent of its population. In its 2005 Annual Report, the U.S. State Department said that ``[There is] institutionalized legal and societal discrimination against Israel's [Arab] Christian, Muslim and Druze citizens. The government does not provide Israeli Arabs with the same quality of education, housing, employment and social services as Jews.''

Finally, Israel has a right to security and a right to defend itself. Accordingly, I am concerned that the 40 year military occupation of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem has been and continues to be brutal and unjust and undermines the security of Israel. It is a fact that the government of Israel continues to support the construction of settlements on Palestinian land, perpetuating the consequences of dispossession and exile. Additionally, I am concerned that the government of Israel has increased the number of checkpoints which destroy a viable Palestinian economy and a vibrant civil society. I am concerned that the Israeli government has erected a wall, often on Palestinian land, that divides Palestinians from Palestinians, rather than divide Israel from the West Bank. As stated by Judge Elaraby of the International Court of Justice in his 2004 Advisory Opinion on the legality of Israel's separation barrier, ``The fact that occupation is met by armed resistance cannot be used as a pretext to disregard fundamental human rights in the occupied territory.'' This conundrum of a dialectic of conflict further separates Israelis and Palestinians alike from hopes for peace.

H. Con. Res. 322 eloquently states the many reasons why I celebrate Israel's accomplishments and I sincerely wish it a bright future. I only wish to add that, in my opinion, and in the opinion of many Israelis and Palestinians as well, Israel's future will be bright only if it includes an open dialogue with Palestinians, a respect for human rights and international law, and a society built on coexistence and tolerance. Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace with justice and I encourage the United States government to help Israel achieve that so the joy of future anniversaries will be unalloyed.

I support the resolution in the spirit of reconciliation to which we must all inevitably turn, to achieve peace and justice with our brothers and sisters from whom we may be estranged.

end

Arab American journalists criticize mainstream American media for selective coverage

Arab American journalists criticize mainstream American media for selective coverage

Group launches new Resource Web Site helps media reporting

PRESS RELEASE/FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2008
Ray Hanania, rayhanania@comcast.net

Chicago – The National Arab American Journalists Association (NAAJA) has launched "Arab American Resource Web Page" to help mainstream journalists improve coverage of Arab American related issues.

Saying mainstream American news media have failed to adequately cover the Arab American community – contributing to American public confusion on important issues such as Arabs, Islam and terrorism –NAAJA identified the top five (5) topics Arab American journalists believe need more detailed attention.

"The mainstream American news media is selective about what it covers in the Arab American community, feeding confusion about facts and events that directly impact this country," said NAAJA coordinator and syndicated columnist Ray Hanania.

Hanania said topics will change periodically as the media improves its coverage.

The NAAJA web site is www.NAAJA-US.com. There is a link to the Resource Page on the upper left-hand corner of the web site.

Among the top issues, according to the web site, are:

1 - Celebrations on Israel’s 60th Anniversary miss or exclude Palestinian commemorations.

2 - Bigotry, racism and discrimination against Arab Americans. Every day, Arab Americans face discrimination but very few instances receive detailed media coverage.

3 – Inadequate coverage on Middle East Christians, especially since this week is celebrated by Orthodox Christians throughout the world and the Middle East as Easter.

4 – TBA (Still being decided)

5 - TBA (Still being decided)

"We are not asking the mainstream media to be pro-Arab. We are demanding that they be objective and fair in coverage of issues where we, as professional journalists, are more knowledgeable," Hanania said.

"We are asking mainstream newspapers, radio and TV news operations to be more professional by covering topics more comprehensively. We believe the media must give Arab Americans a voice and in doing so, help make American journalism more professional."

NAAJA is a partner of the Society of Professional Journalists and abides by the SPJ’s Code of Conduct. There are more than 250 Arab Americans working in mainstream journalism jobs or for the Arab ethnic media. There are 82 Arab American newspapers and magazines, 12 Arab American radio programs, and a dozen Arab American cable TV shows.

End

Churches for Middle East peace meets today on Palm Sunday April 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Warren Clark202-256-2537warren@cmep.org
[Washington, DC - April 18, 2008.] "The Annapolis peace process now underway deserves robust support from the U.S. Congress. The achievement of a two-state peace agreement will be an important step towards durable peace with security for Israel and will help build a positive future for all the people of the Holy Land, including the now rapidly declining Palestinian Christian community," said Warren Clark, Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP).
That will be the message next week in Washington, DC at CMEP's annual advocacy conference with the theme, "Calming the Storm: Middle East Peacemaking in a Turbulent Time." CMEP represents a coalition of 22 U.S. national church and church- related organizations including Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant denominations. Church members and clergy from around the country will hear from high level Christian leaders, policy experts and government officials during two days of meetings, culminating in a Congressional Prayer Breakfast for Peace in the Holy Land at the start of a day of advocacy visits with Congressional Representatives, Senators and their staffs.
"We are pleased to host this important gathering," Clark said. "This is a crucial time for peacemaking in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Next week CMEP advocates will let their elected officials know that American Christians want them to work vigorously towards the peaceful solution that is supported by both Israeli and Palestinian governments and a majority of people on both sides of the conflict."
Major speakers at the conference will include: Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Shibley Telhami, University of Maryland; Gary Sick, Gulf 2000/Project; Ziad Asali, American Task Force on Palestine; Ori Nir, Americans for Peace Now; B. Todd Deatherage, U.S. State Department Office of Policy Planning; and Aaron David Miller of the Woodrow Wilson Center. Workshops will cover a range of topics such as Evangelical Peacemakers, with Chris Seiple from the Institute for Global Engagement; Palestinian Christians, with Dr. Bernard Sabella ; and Iran-Israel-US relations, with Trita Parsi of the National Iranian American Council.
The Congressional Prayer Breakfast will feature greetings from Representatives David Price (NC-4), Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) and Chris Van Hollen (MD-8), a message from Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and prayers and reflections from Rev. Daniel Coughlin, U.S. House of Representatives Chaplain, Bishop John Chane, Episcopal Diocese of Washington and Archbishop Vicken Aykayzian, Armenian Orthodox Church of America.
The full conference schedule is included below and available online. Some presentations are off the record. For questions or to pre-register, please contact Warren Clark at warren@cmep.org or call 202-543-1222.

Conference Agenda

Sunday, April 20
Location: Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave, NE
3:00pm Registration opens
6:45-8:15pm Gathering and Opening Plenary Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaWarren Clark, CMEP Executive Director and Maureen Shea, Chair of the Board
8:15pm-9:15pm Reception
Monday, April 21
Location: Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave, NE
9:00am-10:30am Plenary: Calming the Storm: Regional Conflicts, Challenges, Solutions Shibley Telhami, University of Maryland and The Brookings InstitutionGary Sick, Gulf/2000 Project
10:45am-11:45am Workshops - Session I
12:00-1:00pm Luncheon with Keynote - B. Todd Deatherage, US Department of State
1:00-2:00pm Plenary: Middle East Peacemaking in a Turbulent Time Ori NIr, Americans for Peace Now Ziad Asali, American Task Force on Palestine Philip Wilcox, Foundation for Middle East Peace
2:15-3:15pm Workshops - Session II
Special Event5:15pm Book Talk with Aaron David Miller, Woodrow Wilson Center "The Much Too Promised Land: America's Elusive Search for Arab-Israeli Peace"
Tuesday, April 22: Lobby Day
8:30-9:30am Congressional Prayer Breakfast for Peace in the Holy Land
Greetings from Members of Congress: Rerp. David Price (NC-4)Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-8)
Prayers and Reflections: A message from Cardinal Theodore McCarrick Rev. Daniel Coughlin, U.S. House of Representatives ChaplainBishop John Chane, Episcopal Diocese of WashingtonArchbishop Vicken Aykayzian, Armenian Orthodox Church of America
Location: US Capitol Building: House Capitol Room HC-5
Monday's Workshop Topics and Presenters
Evangelical PeacemakersChris Seiple, President of the Institute for Global EngagementPalestinian ChristiansDr. Bernard Sabella, Middle East Council of Churches and Member, Palestinian Legislative Council Sharing Jerusalem - Lara Friedman, Americans for Peace Now and Ir AmimIsraeli Political DynamicsMJ Rosenberg, Israel Policy ForumHumanitarian Update Thomas Neu, ANERAGrassroots OrganizingCMEP GAP Coordinators and Anna Rhee, CMEP Grassroots Program CoordinatorCongress and Israeli-Palestinian IssuesBill Harper, Chief of Staff - Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-4) and Julie Schumacher Cohen, CMEP Legislative CoordinatorSyria-Israel Relations and US Role - Ambassador (ret) Theodore H. Kattouf, AMIDEASTIranTrita Parsi, President of the National Iranian American CouncilInterreligious InitiativesRon Young, Consultant for the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East (NILI)

Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Armenian Orthodox Church, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Friars OFM (English Speaking Conference, JPIC Council), Friends Committee on National Legislation, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, Moravian Church in America, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church (GBCS & GBGM).
Contributions to CMEP are tax deductible and can be made by check or online by secure, on-line credit card service.

Churches for Middle East Peace
Email: info@cmep.org
Phone: 202-543-1222
Web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001ovzlbyKdIy7Bp5XDJMHMQ-70GYyaJ0ZNqfcNb2NQWGdgS_suRZzt0b0oliFGiNNibbuRv6TdIGuec3dcYCUBe5nTvZzSJGDVTg_gVERHT8Q=

MidEast Youth launches new online TV network

After months of hard work, Mideast Youth, with the enormous help of ByteSense, finally launched Global Village TV (GVTV). I would especially like to thank Umar for making this opportunity for us much easier than it would've been without his help and guidance.

GVTV is a dynamic, educational platform, co-created by Baha'is and Muslims working hand in hand to cultivate an interfaith community.

For the past few months, we have been working diligently on this initiative, in hopes that it would contribute to improving and advancing serious interfaith.

We realized that in many forums, in the process of interfaith, the Baha'i Faith, Yezidi faith, and many other religions are left out. This community aims to change that.

Our Muslim Network for Baha'i Rights (bahairights.org) also recently translated the 1983 documentary of Baha'is being persecuted in Iran into Arabic, in order to make more people in the region aware of what many Baha'is have to go through. You can view it here.Please help us spread the word about GVTV, and view a brief video demonstration of this network here. The growth and success of this project relies on your support and participation!

Arab League Rep to address 3rd US-Arab Economic Forum

Secretary General of the Arab League Amr MoussaPraises the launch of the 3rd U.S.-Arab Economic Forum
His Excellency Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League announced his support for the launch of the 3rd biennial U.S.-Arab Economic Forum, to be held on May 7-9, in Washington D.C., U.S.A.
“As an active supporter of diplomacy in the Arab world, I am proud that the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum will provide the required platform for leaders from both the Arab world and the U.S. to interact, and build long-lasting relationships to foster peace, through economic partnerships,” said Mr. Moussa.
The Forum will be an opportunity for leaders in politics, business and the civil society from the Arab world and the U.S. to lay the foundation of appreciation for mutual collaboration in areas of shared interest.
“This is an excellent opportunity for leaders from both parts of the world to work together, to establish a common understanding that issues of a collective concern can be addressed and that shared economic prosperity can exist between different heritages, cultures, and peoples,” said Mr. Ahmad Chebbani, the Chairperson and CEO of the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum.
Certain key issues of the upcoming Forum will include promoting the role of women in business, enhancing cultural understandings of the Arab world with the West, bridging the gap in innovation: strengthening partnerships in science between the U.S. and the Arab World, increasing free trade and investment, and addressing the vacillating bias’ of media and media responsibility.
Mr. Moussa went on to say, “My hope is to see the building of relationships, to see that pluralism and expanding tolerance from one culture to another will allow two uniquely distinguished worlds to convene together, as one. The Arab League gives its support to the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum, and I congratulate Mr. Chebbani for his vision to build such unity.”
Mr. Chebbani stated, “I thank Excellency Moussa for his continued support of the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum, and I look forward to working with him, the Arab world and leaders in the U.S., to help foster dynamic economic relationships.”
In the past the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum has addressed issues regarding cultural sensitivities, developing economic partnerships beyond energy, building on technological innovation, and youth development and education.
The first U.S.-Arab Economic Forum held in Detroit, Michigan in 2003, brought together prominent leaders such as former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, and Commander in Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.
In 2006, the second U.S.-Arab Economic Forum in Houston, Texas, drew distinguished guests such as U.S. Undersecretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Ms. Karen Hughes, Chairwoman of the Arab Women Council H.H. Sheikha Hissah Al Sabbah and Chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil Corporation Rex Tillerson.
This year's attendees include: Foreign Minister the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.R.H. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Chairman and President Export-Import Bank of the United States James Lambright and President and Kingdom of Bahrain Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa. For a more comprehensive list of attendees, please visit our web site at: http://usaef.ameeac.org.
For more information please contact:Michelle BonamyMedia DirectorU.S.-Arab Economic ForumMobile: 313-415-0500Office: 313-457-0291Fax: 313-457-0292Email: michelleb@usaef.ameeac.orgWebsite: http://usaef.ameeac.org

Iraqi Shi'ite militia slaughter Palestinians there

For immediate release
Media contacts: Ali Alarabi
Phone: 312-593-0575
Shia death squads murder Palestinians in Iraq.

Palestinians in Iraq are facing gradual extermination by Shias militants who are supported by Iran.Chicago

Palestinian Doctor Layla Ali Taha and her young daughter were brutally killed yesterday by Shia death squads in their apartment in the area of Zayounah, in Baghdad

Dr. Layla and her daughter were attacked and stabbed with knives until death , then their attackers burned their bodies and the entire apartment.This heinous crime comes as part of systematic extermination campaign of Palestinians by Shia death squads, who are supported by Iran, according to reports from Iraq.

Dr. Layla's and her young daughter charred remains will be brought to mosque for prayer and burial in the Baladiyat area tomorrow.

Palestinians in Iraq are facing more hardship and extreme danger because they are Palestinian Arabs and non Shia Iraqis. Palestinians who have been living in Iraq for over 60 years, since 1948,have never been allowed to own property, or have IDS, and have no Iraqi citizenship, or any other citizenship.

In the past 5 years, Palestinians were targeted by Shia militants and death squads for extermination and murder campaign designed to drive them off out of the country.

Thousands of Palestinians have fled Iraq thus far, many were taking by Latin American countries, as far as Chile and Brazil, and some European countries. Arab countries have refused to admit those refugees in their countries, thus, perhaps inadvertently,helping Israel in keeping the Palestinian refugees as far as possible from the Middle East.Palestinian in Iraq are living in mortal fear of being identified as Palestinians , and those who live outside the Palestinian ghetto, are being murdered when their neighbors identify them as Palestinians thus bringing Shia death squads to brutally kill them as in the case of Dr. Layla Taha.

Most of the remaining 14000 Palestinians who are trapped in Iraq are living in the Ghetto in the Baladiyat area in Baghdad , in addition to another 1000 Palestinian live in the city of Mousel.

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H.R.H. Prince Saud Al-Faisal to Address 2008 U.S.-Arab Economic Forum

For Immediate Release:2 April 2008

H.R.H. Prince Saud Al-Faisal to Address 2008 U.S.-Arab Economic Forum

H.R.H. Prince Saud Al-Faisal Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will address the 3rd annual U.S. Arab-Economic Forum, May 7-9, 2008 in Washington, D.C.

Appointed in 1975, Prince Saud is among the longest serving foreign ministers in the world and has been a prominent figure in the international community. Prince Saud has been a tireless advocate of stability and peace in the region, acting as a key mediator in recent talks between Palestinians and Israelis playing a leading role in negotiating regional disputes. Currently, he is also the Managing Director of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development.

Prior to becoming Foreign Minister, Prince Saud served as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Member of the High Council of Petroleum. He received a B.Sc. in Economics from Princeton University in 1964.

H.R.H. Prince Saud Al-Faisal said in 2003 at the USAEF, “It is our hope that the turmoil our region has undergone in the past few years will be replaced by stability, prosperity, and peace. For this to happen, we must focus on finding solutions to the regions problems and improving the lives of its inhabitants. The United States can play a constructive role by providing leadership, talent and resources. And the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum can help shed light on the importance of trade and economic development not only in the region, but to American businesses as well.”

The U.S.-Arab Economic Forum, hosted by the American Middle East Economic Affairs Committee (AMEEAC) in cooperation with the League of Arab States, strives to enhance bilateral relations between the U.S. and Middle East. By bringing together top business, government, academic, and cultural leaders, the Forum acts as a catalyst for change and facilitates economic collaboration, cultural dialogue and innovation.

Past Forums have given U.S. and Arab leaders the opportunity to highlight their commitment to a shared civil society vision wherein diversity, tolerance, and the spirit of collaboration serve to create a better future for us all. This year’s forum will continue to promote this message with the theme “Open Markets and Open Societies”.

Playing politics with alleged abuses in war-linked contracts

Playing politics with alleged abuses in war-linked contracts
By Ray Hanania

As the public demands answers to why billions of dollars in war related contracts have been abused and mismanaged, the response from the Bush administration has been to target individual employees and ignore the clout heavy corporations themselves.

Several individual employees mostly tied to Halliburton and a sub-contractor, Kellogg Brown & Root Inc., (KBR), have been indicted, charged and convicted of corruption.

Halliburton and KBR, on the other hand, remain the Bush administrations most favored contractors, even though they have admitted to under-balling cost estimates and despite the unending circus of alleged corruption in their rank and file management. Why?

Halliburton was run by Dick Cheney before he became vice president. Many believe Cheney will benefit from the war profiteering from Halliburton’s success when Cheney retires from in January.

All of the corruption cases bristle with questions of political hypocrisy involving American foreign policy, double standards in selective prosecutions, and the apparently intentional snubbing of Federal Laws by the prosecutor.

Some of those charged appear to be political targets and scapegoats targeted to take pressure off Halliburton and KBR. If these cases are so important, why are they being handled out of the low-visibility courtrooms of Springfield, Illinois rather than on a high profile stage in Washington D.C.?

Later this month, one of the indictees will be brought to trial, not in Washington DC, but in Springfield. Jeff Mazon, a former KBR employee, is accused of defrauding the U.S. Government of $3.5 million.

The second indictee is Ali Hijazi, who legally is out of reach of American prosecution.

The Mazon and Hijazi indictments were politically timed, announced two days before the two year anniversary of the start of the Iraq war. The indictments were announced March 17, 2005 by then U.S. Attorney Jan Paul Miller of the Central Illinois District. A Bush appointee, Miller joined a prestigious law firm a few months later and was replaced by Rodger Heaton.

Hijazi is a Lebanese citizen living in Kuwait. Although American law does not allow prosecutors even in downstate markets to prosecute foreign citizens living in foreign countries, Miller has refused to drop the indictment, as is common practice. The prosecution is a violation of Federal Law. There is no extradition agreement.

Three years later, Hijazi lives in a virtual imprisonment, according to filings by his Washington DC attorneys. Hijazi’s life and reputation have been nearly destroyed and his travel rights have been restricted.

There have been numerous examples of wasteful spending by employees of Halliburton, yet Halliburton continues to enjoy billions more in American military contracts. Headlines, like those generated by the case against Mazon and Hijazi, give the public the false impression that war related corruption is aggressively being pursued.

And there is so much more.

In other Halliburton/KBR related cases, many people have pled guilty and pointed fingers at others, including, allegedly, at individuals at First Kuwaiti General Trading & Contracting. But there hasn’t been followup.

First Kuwaiti has clout and was awarded the contract to build the new U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The embassy promises to be one of the most expensive ($592 million) and most fortified American embassy in the world.

In September 2007, the Associated Press reported the director of First Kuwaiti, Wadih al-Absi, also a manager for KBR, was named in grand jury testimony by another former KBR manager, Anthony J. Martin. Martin pled guilty in July to taking kickbacks in 2003 and is a witness against Mazon. Al-Absi has not been charged with any crimes and First Kuwaiti is continuing with the embassy contract.

Luck, not justice, spared First Kuwaiti.

According to the AP story, "Although the government has tried to keep First Kuwaiti's name out of public records related to Martin's case, details from his grand jury testimony were found by a defense lawyer, J. Scott Arthur of Orland Park, Ill., who included a summary in a six-page document filed last Friday in an unrelated federal court case in Rock Island, Ill. The AP downloaded a copy of the document from the court's Web site shortly before a judge ordered the document sealed and removed from the public record."

AP reported Martin told the grand jury he engaged in the kickback scheme with al-Absi. First Kuwaiti is not accused of any crimes and details of individuals involved in corruption remain under seal. Although several congressmen have already challenged millions of dollars in cost overruns in the project, First Kuwaiti officials told AP "Martin's allegations are ‘without merit’."

Some observers believe that politics is behind the embassy contract. Is the Bush Administration concerned about what Hijazi may or may not know about cost overruns and other criticism involving the new embassy?

We’ll never know these answers even if Mazon’s trial proceeds.

But what we will have are headlines that give the public the false impression that there is a serious focused effort by the Bush administration to reign in corruption and wasteful spending on war related contracts.

What we won’t have, though, is an end to the corruption. That may have to wait until Bush and Cheney finally leave office and a new prosecutor takes over.

But, can the American taxpayers afford it?

(Ray Hanania is an award winning columnist, author and Chicago radio talk show host. He can be reached at http://www.radiochicagoland.com/.)

AAI Khalil Gibran Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Director of Communications: Christina Zola <mailto:czola@aaiusa.org> , 202-429-9210, ext. 21 or 202-494-9859 ________________________________



Tenth Annual Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards Gala to Honor Refugees International, Reporters Without Borders for Commitment to Advocacy



U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois, Barenboim-Said Foundation Also to Receive Recognition at April 23 Event; "Law and Order" Star Sam Waterston to Present Award to Refugees International

WASHINGTON - March 20, 2008 - The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will host the tenth annual Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards <http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/693b759d3148665f/5SZ9n1/VEsE/> gala on Wednesday, April 23 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. This year's gala will honor Refugees International for its advocacy on behalf of the world's displaced people and its recent work on behalf of Iraqi refugees, and Reporters Without Borders for its courageous mission to promote press freedom worldwide.

"Law and Order" star Sam Waterston, a board member of Refugees International, will present the organization with the Award for International Commitment. Rami Khouri, editor of the Beirut-based Daily Star, will present the Award for Institutional Achievement to Reporters Without Borders. The organization's founder, Robert Menard, will travel from Paris to accept the honor.

U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois will receive the fifth annual Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service in recognition of his seven distinguished terms in Congress and his career long commitment to serving the public. The Barenboim-Said Foundation will receive special recognition for its programs to bring together young musicians from across the Middle East, a project begun by Daniel Barenboim and the late Edward W. Said. Said's widow, Miriam Said, will accept the recognition on behalf of the foundation.

Launched in 1999 by the Arab American Institute (AAI) and AAIF, the leading organizations in the promotion of the policy and community interests of Arab Americans, the awards gala focuses attention on acts of leadership that promote the common good and features prominent leaders from the diplomatic, business, philanthropic, and government sectors. The Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards are named for the renowned Arab American poet and author of The Prophet, whose message of human endurance and triumph was so evident in his life and work. This year's honorees epitomize that message:

* Refugees International has worked tirelessly for more than 25 years to focus attention on and advocate solutions for the world's more than 35 million displaced people and 11 million without a nationality. It is being recognized for its inspiring and life-saving work. Acting as a witness to the suffering of the displaced, Refugees International is able to translate its field interviews with war-affected populations, non-governmental organizations, and aid agencies into advocacy with decision makers that produces results.

* Reporters Without Borders is being honored for its advocacy on behalf of the rights and welfare of journalists, its support for freedom of the press, and its efforts to support the families of imprisoned journalists. Founded in 1985, Reporters Without Borders is now represented on all five continents. The organization is a founding member of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, a virtual network of non-governmental organizations that monitors free expression violations worldwide and defends journalists, writers, and others who are persecuted for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

* Rep. Ray LaHood is serving his seventh and final term representing the 18th District of Illinois. First elected in 1994, Mr. LaHood has carried on a rich tradition of leadership from a U.S. House district which has been represented by American leaders such as Robert Michel, Everett Dirksen, and Abraham Lincoln. Early in his Congressional career, Mr. LaHood successfully worked with other Arab American members of Congress to persuade President Clinton to lift the travel ban to Lebanon. He has also been a champion for the increase in ASHA funding to universities in Lebanon.

* The Barenboim-Said Foundation grew out of the friendship between Daniel Barenboim, currently music director of the Staatsoper Berlin, and the late Edward W. Said, University Professor at Columbia University. Begun as a 1999 workshop in Weimar for young musicians from Israel and various Arab countries, the West Eastern Divan Orchestra was formed to combine musical study and performance with the sharing of knowledge and awareness between people from different cultures and backgrounds. The Foundation is grounded by the principle that music cannot be isolated from society. Its projects span across the Middle East with special attention to new programs for music education infrastructures in Palestine. These include the creation of a Palestinian Youth Orchestra, the Edward W. Said Music Kindergarten in Ramallah, and the Barenboim-Said Conservatory in Nazareth.

Past participants in the awards gala include former President Bill Clinton, Her Majesty Queen Noor al-Hussein, former President of Poland Lech Walesa, former Sen. George Mitchell, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, former Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham, former professional boxer Muhammad Ali, and recording star Sting.

The Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards gala is the only annual event that supports the advocacy, research, and policy development that AAI and AAIF conduct throughout the year on behalf of Arab Americans nationwide.

The JW Marriot Hotel is located at 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. in Washington, D.C. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m.; the gala dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here <http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/693b759d3148665f/5SZ9n1/VEsF/> for additional background and details on the gala on AAI's website.

Media RSVP: If you are interested in covering this year's gala, please contact AAI Public Affairs Coordinator Andy Sabino <mailto:asabino@aaiusa.org> at 202-429-9210, ext. 26.

Vermont Academy offers Arab students scholarships to improve their Arabic language skills

The Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy is offering scholarships to students of Arabic heritage who want to continue and improve their knowledge of Arabic. We offer a four-week, residential, Arabic immersion summer camp in Vermont or California. See the MMLA website http://www.mmla.middlebury.edu
David Toomey
___________________
David C. Toomey, Ph.D.
Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy
72 South Main Street, Suite 350
White River Junction, VT 0500

1802.296.2459
www.mmla@middlebury.edu
mmla.info@middlebury.edu

AAI Condemns Congressman's Anti-Muslim Remarks, Calls on Congressional Leaders to Censure Rep. King

AAI Condemns Congressman's Anti-Muslim Remarks, Calls on Congressional Leaders to Censure Rep. King

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDirector of Communications: Christina Zola, 202-429-9210, ext. 21 or 202-494-9859

WASHINGTON - March 10, 2008 - The Arab American Institute (AAI) condemns remarks made by Congressman Steve King (R-IA) linking Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) to al-Qaeda and Islamist extremism and suggesting that the senator's election as U.S. President would jeopardize national security. AAI calls on Congressional leadership to formally censure these comments. AAI is deeply troubled that Senator Obama's name continues to raise suspicions about his religious affiliation and is especially concerned about how commonplace and acceptable it has become to defame and degrade Islam. Any notion that questions the fitness of any loyal American to elected office because of race or religion is unacceptable and must be addressed.

Congressman Steve King (R-IA) said this weekend that "if [Obama] is elected president, then the radical Islamists and their supporters will be dancing in the streets in greater numbers than they did on September 11 because they will declare victory in this War on Terror."

The congressman went on to say that "[Obama's] middle name does matter...because they read a meaning into that in the rest of the world...They will be dancing in the streets because of his middle name [and] because of who his father was and because of his posture that says: pull out of the Middle East and pull out of this conflict." These disparaging and dishonest comments by Congressman King only demonstrate how anti-Muslim rhetoric and general Islamophobia have come to be accepted in our national discourse since September 11, 2001.

"We believe that Congressman King's comments and behavior go beyond politics and partisanship and must be addressed by Congress as a whole," said AAI President Dr. James Zogby. "It is outrageous when a radio talk show host spews such venom, but it is much worse and sends a dangerous message when such statements come from the ranking Republican member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law. He must be held accountable by his colleagues."

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 http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/69972188e345b449/q2xYul/VEsE/. 1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC 20006phone (202) 429-9210 fax (202) 429-9214 http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/69972188e345b449/OqYjqh/VEsF/ aai@aaiusa.org http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/69972188e345b449/ZAHaMk/VEsC/

Statement on the Kidnapping of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDirector of Communications: Christina Zola, 202-429-9210, ext. 21 or 202-494-9859

Statement on the Kidnapping of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

WASHINGTON - March 3, 2008 - The Arab American Institute is outraged by the kidnapping of Paulos Faraj Rahho, Archbishop of Mosul, and the killing of three men in his party. This despicable act against a peaceful leader of a vulnerable minority community violates every moral code.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the murdered men and the Chaldean community. We have every confidence that Archbishop Paulos will shame his captors with his moral bearing, and can only hope that his abductors will see that justice demands his immediate and unconditional release.

Sadly, this incident is evidence of a grave situation faced by most Iraqis since the U.S.-led invasion. The suffering of the entire Iraqi people is widespread, defining daily life in most areas of the country. This is due to the lack of a plan to secure the peace. While all Iraqis live in fear, the circumstances facing minority populations is worse. With no political factions or large private militias to protect them, Iraq's embattled minorities are at the mercy of their environment. As the abduction of Archbishop Paulos and the murder of his colleagues show, when there is no security, there is too little mercy.

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 http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/56d614285e8b43ff/DFMKY1/VEsE/.

1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC 20006
phone (202) 429-9210 fax (202) 429-9214
http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/56d614285e8b43ff/RWVxJt/VEsF/ aai@aaiusa.org

New distributor named for Wild Garden push in African American community

Leading African-American distributor will rep
Wild Garden’s Chicago Trail Mix market

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mark Smith
FEBRUARY 25, 2008
708-222-8330

(Chicago, IL) – Harold Triche, president and CEO of JakPan Enterprises Ltd. And a veteran national food distributor, was named exclusive distributor for Wild Garden’s popular Trail Mixes.

JakPan Enterprises Inc., a snack food company based in Chicago, was established in 2001. It is 100% minority owned. JakPan has worked with major retail food chains in 30 states including Jewel, Albertsons, Dominicks, Safeway, Cubs Food, Super Value and Walgreens.

Wild Garden™ was founded in 2003 with the specific mission to deliver healthy, vegetarian and authentic Mediterranean food products to the mainstream North American market. Based in Cicero, Illinois, Wild Garden produces the increasingly popular Wild Garden Hummus Dip, along with an assortment of health-focused and natural Mediterranean foods.

"I feel it’s very important to give back to our community, in which I sit on the Salvation Army’s advisor and New Concepts Tutor Mentor Connections board, which provided one on one and team mentoring to grammar and high school students in Chicago," explained Triche.

The Trail Mix line sits at the heart of Wild Garden’s mission to provide not only great tasting food, but food products that cater to America’s health conscious consumers.

"We are very proud that Wild Garden is steadily becoming recognized for its health-driven products and we are excited to enter into this partnership to insure that our products reach the widest possible distribution," said Mark Smith, Wild Garden Vice President for National Sales.

For more information, visit Wild Garden’s web site at
http://www.wildgarden.biz/

# # #

Israeli Supreme Court rejects international rule of law in Gaza Strip

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE
30 January 2008

In response to Supreme Court’s rejection of petition against fuel and electricity cuts:

Gisha and Adalah: “This decision sets a dangerous legal precedent that allows Israel to continue to violate the rights of Palestinians in Gaza and deprive them of basic humanitarian needs, in violation of international law.”

Today, 30 January 2008, Israel’s Supreme Court rejected a petition by ten Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations to stop Israel from cutting supplies of fuel and electricity to the Gaza Strip, as part of a governmental decision authorizing punitive measures against the population of Gaza. The petitioners had argued that cutting fuel and electricity supplies constitutes forbidden collective punishment and violates the prohibition in international law against deliberately targeting civilians. The fuel cuts, which have forced Gaza’s only power plant to reduce production of electricity, have severely disrupted the functioning of vital humanitarian services, including hospitals, water wells, and sewage pumps.

The court’s decision allows the state to proceed with its plan to cut electricity sold to Gaza directly by Israel’s Electric Company from 7 February 2008. Gaza is already experiencing a 20% electricity deficit, which is forcing rolling blackouts in hospitals and other vital humanitarian institutions. The petitioners submitted extensive documentation showing that cuts in supplies of electricity and the industrial diesel needed to produce electricity will necessarily mean longer and more frequent power outages across Gaza, from which vital humanitarian institutions will not be spared.

At the last hearing held on Sunday, 27 January 2008, utility officials from Gaza were prevented from attending the hearing, in violation of the state’s commitment to the court. The state offered oral testimony by a military official, unsubstantiated by affidavit as required, claiming that the cuts would not harm humanitarian needs.

According to Sari Bashi, Director of Gisha: “This is an unprecedented decision authorizing collective punishment in its most blatant form. The court ruling relies on unsubstantiated declarations by the military and ignores the indisputable and well-documented evidence of harm to civilians caused by the fuel and electricity cuts – with no legally valid justification.”

According to Hassan Jabareen, General Director of Adalah: “According to the Supreme Court’s decision, it is permitted to harm Palestinian civilians and create a humanitarian crisis for political reasons. This constitutes a war crime under international criminal law.”

For more information: Noga Eitan, Gisha spokeswoman: 0547-533644, Sari Bashi, Gisha Director, 054-8172103; Adalah Attorney Fatmeh El-’Ajou: 050-907-2729; Rina Rosenberg, International Media, Adalah: 052-849-8807, or 04-950-1610, ext. 118.


Background

Currently, the Gaza Strip is suffering from a 20% deficit in electricity. During the winter, the demand for electricity in the Gaza Strip is approximately 240 mega-watts or more per day, depending on the weather. Currently, Gaza is receiving 120 mega-watts sold by Israel and 17 megawatts supplied by Egypt to Rafah. Gaza’s power plant is able to produce 80 megawatts per day, but the restrictions imposed on the supply of industrial diesel sold to Gaza limits the power plant to generating just 55 megawatts. As a result, the Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) is unable to provide the electricity needed to operate hospitals, water pumps and schools, and so institutes rolling blackouts across main lines. Some humanitarian institutions have back-up generators, but the restrictions on the supply of diesel have disrupted the operation of the generators, too.

Israel controls Gaza’s borders and does not allow Gazans to purchase fuel except via Israeli-controlled crossings.

The petition was submitted on 28 October 2007, the day that Israel cut supplies of petrol (benzene), diesel, and industrial diesel to Gaza. Residents of Gaza purchase fuel from an Israeli company and receive it via Israeli-controlled crossings.

A prior decision of the Supreme Court temporarily prevented Israel from cutting supplies of electricity sold to Gaza by Israel’s Electric Company. Today’s court decision allows the direct electricity cuts to be implemented on 7 February 2008.

The organizations which petitioned the Supreme Court are:
Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel
Gisha - Legal Center for Freedom of Movement
HaMoked: Center for the Defence of the Individual
Physicians for Human Rights-Israel
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights-Gaza
The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel
Gaza Community Mental Health Programme
B’Tselem – The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories
Al–Haq
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights

-- Julia FitzpatrickHuman Rights Advocacy FellowAdalah: The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in IsraelP.O. Box 510Shafa'amr 20200, IsraelTel: +972-4-950-1610 ext. 117Fax: +972-4-950-3140E-mail: julia@adalah.org
www.adalah.org/eng/index.php

Chicago Profiles: Big ddreams turning into big realities

Big Dreams Turning Into Big Realities
Four Chicago based businessmen doing their part to change Chicago

Chicago is a big city with big dreams and its residents are turning their dreams into reality everyday. These four Arab-American businessmen are of the top business men in the country. What do they all have in common? They are changing the world as we know it with their relentless motivation and drive.

Talat M. Othman- Mr. Talat Othman is the President of Arab-American Business & Professional Association in Chicago. The AABPA is a non-profit, cooperative, voluntary-joined organization of business and professional Arab-Americans, organized to assist its members in dealing with mutual business and professional concerns. The purpose of the Association is to promote the common interests of the Arab-American Business and Professional community. Both Mayor Daley and Governor Blagojevich serve as Honorary Chairman in this association.

Ahmed Abdelaziz- After his hard work and perseverance, Ahmed Abdelaziz is now the successful owner and CEO of Omarica Builders, Inc. After coming to the US in 1980, Ahmed worked his way in the hotel business in Chicago and Boston to the management level before establishing his presence on Wall Street in 1987. After trading for several firms in the financial markets, he decided to diversify his experience by going into real estate development. His solid success in this field led him to expand his contracting services to the public sector. With Ahmed’s his extraordinary talents as a real-estate developer Omarica not only designs and builds dream homes for his clients but has also branched out into hotel renovations, including prominent, upscale hotels across the nation.

Dr. Naser Rustom- Beginning as just a family practitioner Dr. Naser Rustom has come along way to be one of the most prominent and successful businessmen in the Chicagoland area. Dr. Rustom not only has expanded his practice into several offices across the city, but also has three full diagnostic facilities and a surgical center all to provide the top medical care to Chicagoans. However, his day does not end there; instead Dr. Rustom goes to his other, more entertaining business venture, Alhambra Palace Restaurant in which he recently spent several million dollars building. There Dr. Rustom provides an authentic cultural getaway featuring Moroccan cuisine and his hand-picked array of live entertainment including belly dancing, flamenco, salsa and jazz.

Ali Al-Arabi- As the President of Vanguards for Human Rights and Freedom Mr. Ali Al-Arabi organizes meetings to address issues of bigotry and discrimination between victims, support groups and government agencies. Al-Arabi organized the meeting with Mayor McLaughlin and Police Chief McCarthy and the mayor vowed to create several community liaisons to address Arab American concerns.

For media inquiries please contact:

Lina Khalil
Account Executive
Empower PR
O: 312.255.4017
C: 312.479.2162
Lkhalil@Empowerpr.com

Khoury exhibition at Arab American National Museum

ABSTRACT IMAGERY, PROFOUND THOUGHT UNITE IN KHOURY EXHIBITION AT AANM

Cranbrook Grad, CMU Teacher Spotlighted in Solo Show


Dearborn, MI (January 22, 2008) – Sari Khoury was many things – a student, an artist, a writer, a college professor, a philosopher, an immigrant, a family man. He was a pillar of the community in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and a citizen of the world who treasured his Palestinian heritage. The combination of these various identities made Khoury an eloquent communicator, who used both words and art to express himself and engage those around him.

The Arab American National Museum’s new exhibition, Fragmentation & Unity: The Art of Sari Khoury, presents 25 late-period works paired with quotations from Khoury’s prolific writings. Among the pieces on display January 31 through April 27 is the artist’s final work, a brilliant untitled triptych that has never before been displayed in public.

This exhibition also brings with it two “firsts” for the Arab American National Museum (AANM). The Museum is offering its first-ever series of free gallery talks, in this case for those who find abstract art intimidating and hard to understand (dates/times listed below). In addition, the Museum’s first-ever online-only companion exhibition – focusing on Khoury the man, his personal interests and his friendship with fellow Palestinian artist Kamal Boullata – will be offered at www.arabamericanmuseum.org.

Sari Khoury (1941-1997) left Jerusalem, Palestine at age 17 to forge a new life in the American Midwest. He earned an MFA from the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1965 and settled in at Central Michigan University, where he taught in the Department of Art for three decades, serving as its chairman for several years. Exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in major galleries and museums, Khoury earned a glowing global reputation.

“In his art and in his words, Sari Khoury often explored what he called the ‘non-tangible allegories’ of fragmentation and unity,” says Steve Williams, manager of the AANM’s Curatorial Department. “He reflected on these contradictory themes in terms of his own life as an Arab American, and as an artist - fragmenting his life’s experiences into abstract forms and potent symbols. Abstract art – being spontaneous and intuitive – excited him as an artist and continues to excite the viewer,” he says.

Read more by and about Sari Khoury at www.khouryart.org.

An opening reception with complimentary refreshments is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, January 31. At 7:30 p.m. that same evening, the winter-spring season of the Comerica Ford Global Thursdays world music concert series kicks off with a sizzling performance by New Orleans zydeco zealots C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band.

The opening reception for the exhibition is free and open to the public; please RSVP to Fay at 313.624.0200 or fsaad@accesscommunity.org.

Tickets for the C.J. Chenier performance are $10 in advance; $8 Museum Members and students; $12 at the door. Advance tickets are available online with a credit card at www.arabamericanmuseum.org; by phone at 313.582.2266; or in person at the Museum. For music clips and more, visit www.myspace.com/aanmglobalthursdays. The Global Thursdays series was named “Best Place to Concertize in Color Year-Round” in the Metro Times 2007 Best of Detroit issue.

The Arab American National Museum documents, preserves, celebrates, and educates the public on the history, life, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. It serves as a resource to enhance knowledge and understanding about Arab Americans and their presence in this country. The Arab American National Museum is a project of ACCESS, a Dearborn, Michigan-based nonprofit human services and cultural organization. Learn more at www.arabamericanmuseum.org and www.accesscommunity.org.

The Arab American National Museum is a proud Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Read about the Affiliations program at http://affiliations.si.edu.

The Museum is located at 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI, 48126. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday; Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $6 for adults; $3 for students, seniors and children 6-12; ages 5 and under, free. Call 313.582.2266 for further information.

Arab Writers Group columnist hired by mainstream daily newspaper

I am happy to inform you that on Thursday, January 24th, The Record (formerly known as The Bergen Record, New Jersey's second largest daily newspaper and the 60th in the nation) will be launching my new weekly opinion column! The column will be appear every Thursday.

I will be using the column to express views and analysis on issues related to both New Jersey, and the issues facing our international society as well. This is a major breakthrough for an important perspective which I and others feel is severely lacking in the public discourse. I hope that ALL OF YOU will do what you can to support this new development in balanced media.

A showing of support and appreciation for this new column can include (1) obtaining a subscription to The Record for those of you who live in North Jersey, stating that you are subscribing in order to read Ahmed Soliman's column; (2) writing letters to the editor in response to the column's I write and subsequently showing a solid following and increased discourse; and (3) for all of you, who live in North Jersey and outside that area as well, to hit the online version fo the column to show a demand for the perspective it provides (webpage address forthcoming).

More updates to come. Thanking you in advance and reminding you to feel free to share your ideas and perspectives with me: it might make it to the pages of a newspaper that has hundreds of thousands of readers.

Your friend,Ahmed Soliman

New Award winning Middle East film premieres Feb 1

CARAMEL, a new award-winning Middle Eastern film (from Lebanon) that will open next month at a theatre near you. This film is special for many reasons.

First, it critically acclaimed. A hit at the Cannes Film Festival this past year, Caramel went on to win the Audience Award at The San Sebastian Film Festival. And it is Lebanon's Official Submission to the Best Foreign Language Film Category of the 80th Annual Academy Awards next month.

Second, Caramel is an Arab film that is not only directed by a woman, it also features an all-women cast. This is, in and of itself, an exceptional achievement.

Third, it is utterly charming. Caramel centers around five women whose lives intersect in a beauty salon, a colorful and sensual microcosm of Beirut. The salon is a place where several generations come into contact, talk and confide in each other. Between haircuts and sugar waxing with caramel, they engage in intimate and liberated conversations that reveal their joys and fears surrounding men, sex and motherhood.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it marks one of the widest U.S. theatrical releases of a film from an Arab nation in recent years. Supporting this film sends a message to the film industry that there is a viable market for films from this part of the world. It also affords those outside the Arab-American community an opportunity to gain a wider perspective on a region of the world that most know far too little about. Films like Caramel remind us that our similarities oftentimes vastly outweigh our differences.

We urge you to help us spread the word by forwarding the following blurb (along with the website link below it) to the members of your organization, and your friends and neighbors.

“Caramel” is opening February 1. This award-winning and critically acclaimed film is directed by a woman and features and all-women cast. Caramel centers around five women whose lives intersect in a beauty salon, a colorful and sensual microcosm of Beirut. It’s important that we support this film to show the film industry there is a viable market for Arab films in the U.S. To find out more, please

visit:http://www.newamericanvision.com/Caramel.html

If you have any questions, please contact us at caramel@newamericanvision.com Thank you. http://www.newamericanvision.com/Caramel.html

end

Christian groups press for support of Christians in Palestine and Israel

Church Coalition Welcomes Bond-Rockefeller Christmas Letter to Bush Highlighting Decline of Palestinian Christians & Need for Holy Land Peace
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Julie Schumacher Cohen, 202-543-1222; 917-655-4273; julie@cmep.org

[Washington, DC- December 21, 2007] Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) welcomes the letter to President Bush sent today by Sens. Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO) and John "Jay" Rockefeller (D-WV) commending his efforts to reinvigorate the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and bringing to his attention, ahead of the Christmas holiday, the rapid decline of the Palestinian Christian community. The CMEP coalition, comprised of 22 Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant national church bodies, shares the Senators' concerns regarding the increasing emigration of Palestinian Christians and agrees that the achievement of a peaceful, two-state solution would greatly benefit the long-term viability of this historic community, and indeed all the peoples of the Holy Land.

The Bond-Rockefeller letter describes the difficulties faced by the dwindling Palestinian Christian community "caught in a storm of violent conflict, religious extremism and economic deterioration, often unable to access their holy sites, and lacking reliable law and order." Senator Rockefeller, chair of the Select Intelligence Committee and ranking member, Sen. Bond, highlight the important role that Palestinian Christians play in any future democratic and pluralistic Palestinian state and cite the decline of indigenous Christian communities throughout the Middle East as having "serious implications for U.S. national security interests and the stability of the region". Their letter also points out the impact that the decline of the Christian community has in Jerusalem, saying that if the trend does not change, the city "with its universal and sacred importance, will cease to be the home of three living faith communities."

The Senators conclude by encouraging the President's continued peacemaking efforts, which can help transform the Holy Land "from the tragic symbol of strife and discord that it has become, into the powerful beacon of hope and tolerance that it can and should be."

Commenting on the letter, Corinne Whitlatch, CMEP's Executive Director said, "We commend Sens. Bond and Rockefeller for bringing attention to the plight of the Christians in the Holy Land and the urgent need for peace at this time when Christians everywhere are preparing for Christmas and are reminded of the place of Christ's birth. The American churches have long been concerned about the situation of Palestinian Christians, who are increasingly emigrating due to political and economic instability. The loss of this historic community would not only be a tragedy for world Christianity, but as the Senators say, would have serious ramifications for a future Palestinian state, the interreligious nature of Jerusalem, and regional peace and security."

Whitlatch added, " We join with the Senators in urging the President's continued efforts, with the support of the Congress, to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace. A two-state solution where a viable Palestinian state lives alongside a secure Israel is the best hope for preserving the Palestinian Christian community and for ensuring a positive future for Israelis and Palestinians, Jews, Christians and Muslims alike."

Following, is the full text of the letter:
December 25, 2007

The Honorable George W. BushPresident of the United States1600 Pennsylvania AvenueWashington, DC

Dear Mr. President,

We commend your efforts to reinvigorate the peace process with last month's international meeting in Annapolis, and your vision of "two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security." As you work to achieve this vision, and as Christmas approaches, we wish to draw your attention to the decline of the Holy Land's Christian community. A necessary element of a peaceful, stable Middle East- in which Jews, Christians and Muslims can live together-is the vitality of Christianity in the land of its birth. The small Palestinian Christian community is increasingly emigrating and it is clear that the achievement of a peaceful, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would greatly benefit the long-term viability of this vulnerable population.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict affects the lives of all peoples of the Holy Land - including the Palestinian Christians, who comprise a small minority that is today less than 2 percent of the Palestinian population. Caught in a storm of violent conflict, religious extremism and economic deterioration, often unable to access their holy sites, and lacking reliable law and order, many Christians are emigrating. Progress toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would greatly improve the lives of the Palestinian Christians, who will play a critical role in any future democratic and pluralistic Palestinian state.

The dwindling of the Christian community in Jerusalem, for 1300 years the shared focal point of Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious devotion, is especially troubling. For all these centuries, the Christian community has breathed daily life into the sacred sites of Christianity - caring for them, worshipping at them, preserving them. However, while the overall population of Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem is increasing, the Palestinian Christian community is steadily declining. If this trend does not change, the sacred sites of Christianity will soon be reduced to museums for visiting tourists - and Jerusalem, with its universal and sacred importance, will cease to be the home of three living faith communities.

The fate of Palestinian Christians should not be a matter of interest only on religious and cultural grounds. Rather, the decline of this population, as well as the decline of other indigenous Christian communities throughout the Middle East, has serious implications for U.S. national security interests and the stability of the region. The presence of Christian populations and their active participation in civil society is critical to maintaining a pluralistic Middle East and developing tolerant, open, democratic forms of government that respect human rights, including minority rights. Ensuring the vitality of the Palestinian Christian community is integral to achieving peace and stability in the Holy Land and throughout the region.

Mr. President, we welcome the commitment to Israeli- Palestinian peace that you articulated in Annapolis. As this process moves forward and you work to bring peace, stability, and security to the Holy Land and all of its inhabitants - and as hundreds of millions of Christians throughout the world celebrate Christmas - we ask you to keep in mind the plight of the Palestinian Christian community. The health and viability of this community, and indeed the coexistence of all three faith communities, is essential to the transformation of the Holy Land from the tragic symbol of strife and discord that it has become, into the powerful beacon of hope and tolerance that it can and should be - a beacon illuminating a path to better relations between peoples and religions in the region and around the world.

Sincerely,
Christopher S. Bond
John D. Rockefeller
###

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of 22 Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant church bodies and organizations including the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, Armenian Orthodox Church, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Mission Service, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, Moravian Church in America, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church.

email: info@cmep.org
phone: 202-543-1222 web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001YlYpZIURjyGZ7ksHNTBIsuVN4hZRyhEl5Qumysg4W633MgXIOpMnD2l7zJbiMOcMXTgPRiu8dVf2NOnOrTcn-d9jfcWRpmSHF1UsWPt34CE=

CAIR calls on racist Giuliani aide to resign

(WASHINGTON DC, 12/31/07) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called upon Republican presidential candidate, Rudy Giuliani, to repudiate anti-Muslim remarks made by one of his campaign workers in New Hampshire.

John Deady, co-chair of that state's Veterans for Rudy, told Britain's Guardian newspaper that Americans need to chase Muslims "back to their caves." When Deady was later asked if he was referring to all Muslims, he said: "I don't subscribe to the principle that there are good Muslims and bad Muslims." He added that he "wasn't necessarily referring to genocide." Deady later resigned his post.

SEE: Giuliani co-chairman quits after Muslim remark
SEE ALSO: Rudy Surrogate: "I Don't Subscribe To The Principle That There Are Good Muslims And Bad Muslims"

“There is no need to point out why these chilling comments have absolutely no place in the public or political discourse of a serious presidential campaign – that’s obvious,” said Ahmed Rehab, a spokesman for CAIR. “The troubling reality is they were made by a representative of Giuliani’s campaign and he has yet to repudiate them. His silence sends a terrible message.”

American Muslims have expressed concerns about the anti-Muslim views of several advisors on the Rudy Giuliani campaign. In September, CAIR criticized Rep. Peter King (R-NY), who is on Giuliani's Homeland Security Advisory Board, for claiming "we have too many mosques in this country."
SEE: NY Congressman Says 'Too Many Mosques' in U.S.

CAIR had previously called on Giuliani to drop Daniel Pipes, whose controversial discourse on Muslims is widely criticized as being agenda-driven.
SEE: Giuliani Advisor Supports Terror Group

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 33 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

- END - CONTACT: CAIR Media Relations Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166, E-Mail: arehab@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com