Joumana Kayrouz endorses three candidates for Michigan Supreme Court, donates 30 billboards to help promote their candidacies

Distributed by the www.ArabAmericanNewsWire.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 Contact: Ray Hanania

Wednesday Oct. 31, 2012                                       rghanania     @     gmail   .    com

Joumana Kayrouz endorses three candidates for Michigan Supreme Court,

donates 30 billboards to help promote their candidacies

Declaring women must continue to fight for equality in today’s society, attorney Joumana Kayrouz endorsed three women for the Michigan Supreme Court in the Nov. 6 election.

Kayrouz donated 30 billboards from her vast array of marketing billboards endorsing University of Michigan Law Professor Bridget Mary McCormack, 3^rd Circuit Judge Connie Kelley and 46^th District Chief Judge Pro Tem Shelia Johnson.

“These three experienced and highly qualified members of our judicial and legal system are proven champions of the rights of families and children,” Kayrouz said in announcing her support and donation.

“Their legal knowledge will bring strength and consistency to the Michigan Supreme Court. Running together as a team, Professor McCormack, Judge Kelley and Judge Johnson will strengthen the role of women not only in our judicial system but in our society.”

All three candidates have received strong endorsements from the media and political organizations and professional law associations.

Kayrouz said the billboards went up last month to help raise public awareness of the important Michigan Supreme Court race reaching more than 3 million people each day.

“Too often in past elections, the voter turnout for judicial races has been low, yet these judicial offices are among the most important,” Kayrouz said.

McCormack is a veteran litigator, legal scholar and educator. A law professor, she is Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Michigan Law School.

Judge Kelley practiced law for 27 years representing victims of illegal discrimination before being elected to the Wayne County Circuit Court as a family law judge in 2008 in the 3rd Circuit District.

Judge Johnson worked as both a trial judge in the 46^th District, serving 8 years as Chief Judge Pro Tem, and in private practice defending the rights of people in the community.

Joumana Kayrouz is the owner of the Michigan Center for Personal Injury and the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz PLLC.

She is one of the most recognized attorneys in Michigan, and the only woman attorney to own a major personal-injury law firm in the state.

Kayrouz is as a pioneer in her field, breaking down barriers to serve those in need of her services, growing an immensely successful enterprise.

Kayrouz was named a “Top Lawyer of the Year” for 2012 by members of the Michigan Legal Industry.

Kayrouz received the prestigious 2012 American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) “Economic Bridge Builder of the Year Award” at their 20^th Annual Banquet celebration, and was honored as a “Presenting Sponsor” during the 50^th Anniversary gala of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In 2010 Kayrouz received the Trailblazer Award from the Lebanese American Club of Michigan during their 15^th Annual dinner for her achievements in the legal field.

Her web site is www.JoumanaKayrouz.com.

# # #

Joumana Kayrouz honored for support of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Distributed by the www.ArabAmericanNewsWire.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            Contact: Ray Hanania

Friday Oct. 26, 2012                                                                   rghanania   @   gmail  .  com

Joumana Kayrouz honored for support of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Prominent attorney Joumana Kayrouz was honored Thursday at the 50^th Annual Gala Banquet hosted by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for her support of the organization’s mission.

Kayrouz, who is of Lebanese American heritage, was recognized as a “Presenting Sponsor” for her generous donation of $50,000 to the organization which was founded in 1962 by the late Hollywood actor Danny Thomas.

Thomas was born in 1912 in Deerfield, Michigan, to Maronite Catholic immigrants from Lebanon, Charles Yakhoob Kairouz and his wife Margaret Taouk. When he first entered acting, Thomas vowed that if he succeeded in Hollywood, he would open a shrine dedicated to St. Jude, which he did in 1962 in Memphis, Tennessee.

“Danny Thomas is a role model for every American, whether they are immigrants or whether they are born in this country of immigrant parents or grandparents, who came here to embrace opportunity,” Ms. Kayrouz said.

“Not only did he succeed in this country reaching great heights as an iconic American actor in Hollywood and on television with the popular Make Room for Daddy TV series, but he also took it one step further by taking his success and using it to help others.”

Ms. Kayrouz said that building St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which helps so many children in need is one of the most significant accomplishments of any American Arab in this country.

“I am very proud and honored that I can follow in his footsteps and use my own success to help others, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” she said.”

Since opening 50 years ago, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives and, for every child treated here, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries.

Ms. Kayrouz is the owner of the Michigan Center for Personal Injury and the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz. As one of the most recognized attorneys in Michigan, and only woman attorney to own a major personal-injury law firm in Michigan, Ms. Kayrouz has served as a pioneer in her field, as she has effectively broken down barriers to reach out to those in need of her services, thus growing an immensely successful enterprise.

Kayrouz has received many recognitions for her community leadership and professional achievements as a lawyer. She was named a “Top Lawyer of the Year” for 2012 by members of the Michigan Legal Industry. Ms. Kayrouz also received the prestigious 2012 American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) “Economic Bridge Builder of the Year Award” at their 20^th Annual Banquet celebration.

In 2010 Ms. Kayrouz received the Trailblazer Award from the Lebanese American Club of Michigan (LACOM) during their 15^th Annual dinner for her achievements in the legal field.

For more information, visit www.JoumanaKayrouz.com.

###

Arab American Festival 2012 Phoenix Oct. 20-21, 2012

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Arab American Festival 2012

For additional information contact:

Debra Darlene at: debra@arabamericanfestival.com

Phone: (602) 412-1525

Fax: (602) 412-4457

202 E. Mc Dowell Road. Suite # 131

Phoenix, AZ 85004

When: Saturday, Oct. 20^th 2012

Sunday, Oct. 21^st 2012

Where: Steele Indian School Park

 300 E. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ. 85012

Arab American Festival

The Arab American Festival is an exposure of the Arab countries, culture and the history of the world’s oldest civilization. The Festival targets all Americans to develop a sense of enlightenment of the diverse and ethnic groups while being entertained. It is an event that allows all ages to enjoy music, arts and crafts, entertainment, children’s activities, and services from local businesses, foods, and vendors. The Festival has been successful with 80,000 attendees within the last three years. This year the Arab American Festival will take place at the Steele Indian School Park (Central Ave & Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ) on October 20^th & 21^st 2012, from 12:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. (Free Parking)

A Multicultural Event, titled as the largest multicultural event in Arizona representing 22 countries. It gathers thousands of people of all different cultures in Arizona with the participation of singers, musicians, and dancers from all over the Arab world. The Arab American Festival is open to the public, there is a $5.00 admission for adults, kids 12 years of age and younger are admitted for free.

The Festival is divided into five areas including: Entertainment, Kid Zone, Hookah Lounge, International Food Court, and Vendors of Arts & Crafts and more.

The Arab American Festival 2012 has gathered an exciting variety of entertainers including Syrian Superstar Samy Shamsi, Egyptian Megastar Singer Eslam Farouk, Belly Dance groups such as the Shahrazad Dance Troupe, Instrumental music by Pathos and many others from around the globe. 

This event is for the community, uniting Arabs and friends of Arabs in celebrating the Arab cultural heritage in this great nation of the United States of America.

For more information on the Arab American Festival please go to www.ArabAmericanFestival.Com

###

Joumana Kayrouz to receive Economic Bridge Builder of the Year Award from American Arab Chamber of Commerce at 20th Anniversary Gala

Distributed by the www.ArabAmericanNewsWire.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 Contact: Ray Hanania

Wednesday Oct. 10, 2012                                       rghanania   @   gmail  .  com

Joumana Kayrouz to receive Economic Bridge Builder of the Year Award

from American Arab Chamber of Commerce at 20th Anniversary Gala

Prominent attorney Joumana Kayrouz Wednesday said she is thrilled to be one of the recipients of this year’s prestigious American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) “Economic Bridge Builder of the Year Award.”

The award will be presented to Ms. Kayrouz at the AACC 20th anniversary Building Economic Bridges Gala at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center on Friday Oct. 26.

Ms. Kayrouz is the owner of the Michigan Center for Personal Injury and the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz. In addition, John Antakli, President of INTRACO, will also receive an award.

Both will receive their honors in recognition by the Detroit business and leadership community “for their commitment to excellence and leadership in their respective fields,” said Fay Beydoun, AACC Executive Director.

"Joumana Kayrouz has served as a trailblazer, not only within the Arab American community, but within the business community as a whole,” Beydoun said. 

“Her innovative business sense has allowed her to grow a prosperous enterprise, provide sought after legal counsel to her clients and give back to the community that she is a part of.  We are pleased to recognize her incredible accomplishments during our 20th Anniversary Gala."

As one of the most recognized attorneys in Michigan, and only woman attorney to own a major personal-injury law firm in Michigan, Ms. Kayrouz has served as a pioneer in her field, as she has effectively broken down barriers to reach out to those in need of her services, thus growing an immensely successful enterprise.

“I am very honored to receive the Economic Bridge Builder of the Year Award from the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, its board and members,” Ms. Kayrouz said.

“I have dedicated my life to championing the rights of individuals injured in everyday life, and also to stand with individuals, groups and organizations to strengthen their rights and to bring organizations and leaders together for the betterment of our community through network empowerment.”

Ms. Kayrouz called the American Arab Chamber of Commerce “one of the most important organizations serving the people of the Detroit region.”

In addition to honoring Mr. Antakli and Attorney Kayrouz, the 20th Annual Gala will also serve as an opportunity for the AACC to recognize its founding members and current board, who have been instrumental in the organization’s growth over the past 20 years. The event will also serve to further promote the mission of the organization, which is to build economic bridges by promoting and empowering the business community it serves on a local, national and international level.

AACC Officials said, “During a key election year, where job growth and the economy remain a priority for candidates and voters, we are pleased to announce its two distinguished award recipients, who have served as key contributors to economic growth, locally, nationally and internationally.”

For more information, visit www.JoumanaKayrouz.com.

###

Joumana Kayrouz hosts gourmet reception for Lebanese Energy Minister His Excellency Gebran Bassil

Distributed by the www.ArabAmericanNewsWire.com

Joumana Kayrouz hosts gourmet reception for

Lebanese Energy Minister His Excellency Gebran Bassil

(Detroit, MI/09-28-12) – Celebrated personal injury attorney Joumana Kayrouz hosted a first class gourmet style reception in honor of the visit of His Excellency Gebran Bassil, the Lebanese Minister of Energy, during his recent tour of Michigan.

Bassil was visiting with Lebanese communities throughout the United including in Detroit Sept. 27 thru Sept. 28, to meet with community leaders and to listen to their concerns hoping to strengthen their support of Lebanon.

In Bassil’s honor, Kayrouz hosted an elegant reception at her Bloomfield Hills, Michigan home that was attended by 75 of the most influential members of the Lebanese and American community including local judges, elected office holders, business leaders and government officials.

The event was covered by Lebanese television stations that accompanied Bassil to the United States and the Kayrouz-hosted reception was featured in their reporting.

Described as the most spectacular of the events held in honor of the Minister’s tour, the dinner featured a 5-course gourmet meal specially prepared by the award winning Lebanese American Chef, Robert Nahra. Known for his exquisite meal presentations, Nahra is the owner of Lakeland Banquet & Events Centre on 9 Mile Road in Saint Clair shores. Nahra caters to many venues, such as the GM Heritage center, Michigan Opera Theatre, the Royal Oak Music Theatre, the Birmingham Community Center, and the Masonic Temple.

“Ms. Kayrouz told me she wanted a dinner that was presidential and first class in honor of the Lebanese Minister,” Nahra said. “What we did was what would have been prepared for the President of the United States or for a Fortune 500 Company event. She personally selected the menu including lobster tail from South Africa, Prime Fillet, and also the decorations which included about 3,000 flowers, gold gilded crystal and china settings.”

Nahra said to enhance the presentation he created several large cylinders of boiled cinnamon placed over dried ice that generated a white mist that imbued a fragrance during the dinner of freshly made apple pie.

"Joumana wanted to serenade her guests with elegance and fragrant gourmet cuisine using black and white truffle shaved over tortellini and served in glass sealed jars that when opened overwhelmed the gathering with the scent of truffles," Nahra said.

"The apple spice technique was used for an all-American dessert, which is the Lakelands' signature apple pie presentation using  dry ice and apple spice infused solution."

Bassil called Kayrouz, who is the only woman attorney to own a major personal-injury law firm in the State of Michigan, a “role model” for every woman who aspires to equality and a successful career.

“His Excellency Gebran Bassil is an effective voice for the people of Lebanon as they move the country forward and energize American Lebanese throughout the United States to remain proud and involved in their heritage,” Kayrouz said.

“I was honored to accept his invitation to join him during parts of his visit to Michigan’s Lebanese community, and to host His Excellency at a spectacular social evening that I hope reflected the best of our community.”

Attendees raved about the event.

“No foreign dignitary has ever been treated to a more classy reception than the one you hosted in your lovely home,” one attendee later said. “Everything – every last detail – was exquisite.   The most impressive thing about the evening, however, was the great heart behind it that made every guest feel welcome and at home.  Our people are known for their hospitality, but you really took it to another level.”

In March, 2012, Kayrouz was appointed by the Government of Lebanon to serve as President of the Miss Lebanon Emigrants USA Board of Directors.

During the Detroit leg of the International Pageant held in June, His Excellency Fady Abboud, Lebanese Minister of Tourism, presented Kayrouz with the “Lebanese-American Heritage” Award.

The award read, “… for your tireless efforts in strengthening ties between your native Lebanon and the home of your choice, the United States, we honor you for understanding the shared values and the historic relationship between our two great nations… we especially are grateful for your generosity to and leadership in highlighting the unending work St. Jude Children Research Hospital of Beirut.”

END

ALFILM – Arab Film Festival Berlin from 5.- 11. November 2012

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ALFILM – Arab Film Festival Berlin from 5.- 11. November 2012

ALFILM – Arab Film Festival Berlin will take place from the 5th to the 11th of November 2012 and is presenting, for the fourth year in a row, films from the Arab world. ALFILM shows over 40 films from Arab directors and productions from Arab countries, which until now have been rarely available to European audiences.

The Main Program of the festival is going to screen recent fiction and documentary films from Algeria, Iraq, Morocco, Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon, amongst others.

This year’s opening film Fidaï (2012, Algeria/France/ Qatar/Kuwait /China/Germany) from the young and upcoming director, Damien Ounouri, tells the story of the Algerian independence movement based on vivid memories of his great uncle.

Many such inspirational documentary films will be screened at this year’s ALFILM, such as Uncle Nashat (2011, Jordan/Palestine) by Aseel Mansour, which reconstructs the story of a political murder, The Virgin, the Copts and Me (2011, Egypt/Qatar/France) by Namir Abdel Messeeh, a film that traces apparitions of the virgin Mary in Egypt or Yamo (2011, Lebanon) by Rami Nihawi, which focuses on a mother, who slowly unveils the emotional wounds of civil war. In a variety of ways, the films portray the current political conflicts and social upheavals in the respective countries.

Well worth seeing are feature films such as the Moroccan comedy Andalousie, mon amour (2011) by Mohamed Nadif or the Iraqi docu-drama Leaving Baghdad (2010) by Kutaiba Aljanabi. Ismaël Ferroukhi's Free Men (2011) tells the story of the great Parisian Mosque at the time of National Socialism, which led to salvation for numerous Algerian Jews.

The special program section Generation in Transit focuses on perspectives of youth in times of civil unrest by means of historical works such as: Return of the Lost Son from Youssef Chahine (Egypt, 1976) and West Beyrouth from Ziad Doueiri (Lebanon, 1998).

This year’s Retrospective sponsored by the Center of Modern Orient (ZMO), is devoted to the Moroccan director Farida Benlyazid, whose work deals intensively with the roles of women in Arab society and forms of resistance. In attendance of the film director, Une porte sur le ciel (1989), Keid Ensa(1999), Casablanca, Casablanca (2002) and Juanita de Tanger (2005) will be screened.

Two Short Film Programs as well as an Experimental Film Program will add to the program.

ALFILM is organised by Friends of Arabic Cinematheque Association, Berlin. The organization is an independent association, which was founded with the goal of offering a platform for film productions of Arab countries in Germany to confront cultural stereotypes about the Arab world through pictures and stories.

ALFILM will take place from 5.-11.11.2012 at the Babylon and Eiszeit cinemas.

A Press Sneak Preview will take place on 24.10.2012 at 12:30pm and 15:00pm at the cinema Babylon.

Further notice of this event will be circulated in the near future.

Accreditation for the 4th edition of ALFILM – Arab Film Festival Berlin - is now open. The Accreditation form is available at http://alfilm.de/data/2012/Accreditation-Form-ALFILM-2012.pdf.

To receive an accreditation for ALFILM, please fill out the accreditation form <http://alfilm.de/data/2012/Accreditation-Form-ALFILM-2012.pdf>  and send it to us together with a portrait photo in JPEG format (file name: last name_first name.jpg) via email to akkreditierung@alfilm.de, via fax to +49-30-40301864 or via post to ALFILM Festival / Accreditation / Potsdamer Str. 151 / 10783 Berlin. Please note that the deadline is October 22nd, 2012. After this deadline, accreditations can be issued during the festival week at the guest office, where a late accreditation fee of 5 EUR will be charged.

Festival accreditation costs 30 EUR for film industry visitors. The fee can be paid in cash only at the time of collecting your accreditation badge. Press visitors and film guests are accredited free of charge. Press visitors are kindly asked to additionally provide either a copy of their press ID, a supporting letter from their editor, or links to/scans of two recent articles.

Further information concerning your accreditation will be found in a confirmation letter, which will be sent to you by the end of October.

For press inquiries please contact:

Katherin Erdelyi katherin.erdelyi@alfilm.de, Mascha Wilke mascha.wilke@alfilm.de or ALFILM Office: Potsdamer Str. 151, 10783 Berlin, Germany

email: info@alfilm.de, tel: 030 40 30 18 63, fax: 030 40 30 18 64.

 <http://alfilm.de/index.php?option=com_acymailing&ctrl=stats&mailid=60&subid=863

FEAST OF THE MIDDLE EAST SHOWCASES GREAT FOOD, MIDDLE EASTERN HOSPITALITY AND PEACEFUL COMMUNITY Oct. 5-7

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FEAST OF THE MIDDLE EAST SHOWCASES GREAT FOOD, MIDDLE EASTERN HOSPITALITY AND PEACEFUL COMMUNITY Oct. 5-7

Get your fix of authentic Middle Eastern food at the St. George Feast of the Middle East to be held this weekend October 5-7, 2012.  This annual event features an incredible menu of Middle Eastern favorites including hummus, tabouli, shwarma, kebabs, gyros, falafel and more.  The signature 50-foot long dessert table is a spectacle in itself featuring: baklava, mamoul, ghriebeh, and many other sweet treats to tempt your taste buds. All of the food and pastries are freshly prepared using recipes that have been passed down for generations. 

The purpose of the St. George Feast of the Middle East is to positively share Middle Eastern food, culture, hospitality, and tradition with the greater Phoenix community. 

Very Reverend Father Christopher Salamy, the pastor of St. George, explained that the Feast of the Middle East was an important way for everyone to gather around the table of peace in light of the current crises in the Middle East. 

"The current crises in the Middle East expose the ultimate failing of humanity: division and fracture.  For people to sit down together and break bread reveals that at our core, we all share the same basic needs and desires.  Through the Feast of the Middle East, the community of St. George hopes to show Phoenix and the world that we can come together around the table, eat together, put aside our differences, learn from one another, and embrace peaceful community." 

In addition to the incredible food, the St. George Feast of the Middle East features fun for the whole family.   Entertainment includes Arabic dancing performed by the youth of St. George, live music, and a children's area featuring games, face painting, and inflatable bouncers.  This year the festival will also feature a hookah lounge sponsored by XHALE Hookah Lounge.  

Church tours will be available and the St. George bookstore will be open selling books, icons, and gifts.

The festival is held annually at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church located at 4530 E. Gold Dust, one block South of Shea and West of Tatum.  St. George Church has been a fixture in the Valley for over 60 years and is one of only two Antiochian Orthodox churches in the Greater Phoenix Area. 

St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church is part of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Sometimes called the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Orthodox Church is the first Christian Church.  The Orthodox Church can be traced in unbroken continuity all the way back to Christ and His Twelve Apostles twenty centuries ago. The Church of Antioch was established by the Apostles Paul and Barnabas in 42 A.D., with St. Peter serving for the next eight years as its first prelate. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church, along with Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome.

St. George Feast of the Middle East

Dates:   October 5th 5pm-9pm

October 6th 11am-9pm

October 7th 11am-8pm

Cost: Free Admission

Location: St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 4530 E. Gold Dust Avenue, Phoenix  85028

Cross Streets: South of Shea/ West of Tatum

More information at: www.StGeorgeFoodFestival.org

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StGeorgeFeastOfTheMidEast

HERE IS A GREAT RECIPE FOR YOU TO SHARE!

HUMMUS

Makes 2 cups

1 15 oz can chickpeas

1/3 cup sesame tahini (available at Middle Eastern grocery stores – choose MidEast or Tarazi brands)

4-5 Tbsp lemon juice

2 cloves garlic

1/2 tsp salt

olive oil for drizzling

paprika and chopped parsley for garnish

Drain chickpeas, reserving the chickpea liquid.  Place in a food processor with the sesame tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt.  Process until smooth, adding reserved chickpea liquid, a tablespoon at a time to achieve a smooth consistency. Spread on a plate and drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with paprika and chopped parsley.  Serve with pita chips and assorted fresh vegetables for dipping. 

Variations: Add to processor and pulse when hummus is almost smooth. 1.  1/2 cup roasted red peppers OR   2.  1 diced jalapeno and 1/3 cup cilantro

Press inquiries? 

Please contact:

Natascha Karadsheh

Karadsheh Consulting  cell: 602-909-4995

American Syrians hosting fundraisers Sept 14-16 in Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland

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American Syrians hosting fundraisers Sept 14-16 in Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland

PRESS EVENT ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            Ray Hanania

Sept. 5, 2012                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Rayhanania@comcast.net

American Syrian Community Rallies for the People of Syria

Mural reminiscent of Spanish Civil War to be displayed

American Syrian activists will host three fundraisers on behalf of the people of Syria to help cover medical costs.

The fundraisers will be held in Detroit on Sept. 14, Chicago on Sept. 15 and Cleveland on Sept. 16, and are sponsored by the Syrian American Medical Society and the Syrian Sunrise Foundation.

In addition to speakers from Syria, a key feature at the fundraisers will be a mural painted by renown French artist Roger Dale in the tradition of the famous effort by the late Pablo Picasso’s mural, Guernica, which was painted and used as a rallying cry for Spanish independence during the Spanish War in 1937.

“We are taking an important page from the history of people standing up for freedom in holding these fundraisers,” explained Dr. Malaz Alatassi, one of the fundraising coordinators.

“In 1937, Picasso painted a famous mural that was displayed at the International Fair held that year in Paris, France and that mural helped awaken the world to the plight of the oppressed people of Spain. We expect hundreds of people to attend the fundraisers in each of the three cities, Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland, and to be inspired by this effort to parallel history.”

Picasso was commissioned by the Spanish Republican Government to create the painting memorializing Guernica, a city in the Basque region of Spain that had come under attacked earlier that year by Nazi Germany and Italian forces.

The “Guernica” mural became a symbol of protest against oppression and fascism and helped to rally world support against the Nazis and in support of freedom for the people of Spain. It was displayed at the 1937 World Exposition in Paris.

The Picasso mural brought the plight of the Spanish Civil War to the world’s attention.

This year, world renown French Artist Roger Dale will strive to do the same with a mural he has painted in support of the people of Syria and the Syrian pro-Democracy movement.

“Thousands of civilians are being injured and killed by Syrian military forces and the civil war in Syria reminds us of the civil war in Spain and the rallying of support for human rights it provoked around the world,” Alatassi said.

The Dale mural has been named “Homs 2012” and measure 351 x 780 cm. Dale and his students displayed the mural in Strasbourg and then later in Paris. Dale has promised that the painting will be permanently placed in Homs at the Clock Square once Syria is freed.

The Detroit Fundraiser will be held Friday Sept. 14 at the Auburn Hills Marriott, 3600 Centerpoint Parkway, Pontiac, Michigan.

For Detroit Tickets Contact:

Raya Rass at 248-824-0442

Malaz Alatassi, 248-953-0526

Malaz71@hotmail.com

Hanadi Alatassi, 248-953-0899

Heba Dlewati, 810-410-5590

The Chicago Fundraiser will be held Saturday Sept. 15 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center Hotel, 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, Illinois.

For Chicago tickets, contact:

312-758-3995 or by email at cmgdra@yahoo.com

The Cleveland Fundraiser will be held Sunday Sept. 16, and the location will be announced very soon.

The contact there is Dr. Ihsan Mamoun

ihsanmamoun@gmail.com

216-258-8931

For more information online, visit: www.ssfusa.org  or  www.sams-usa.net

END 

PLO Delegation denounces Israeli assault on Gaza and Jaba Moosque

Distributed by the www.ArabAmericanNewsWire.com

Assault on Gaza and Jaba Mosque

                                                                                          

The General Delegation of the PLO to the US strongly condemns the current Israeli assault on Gaza and the recent attack on the mosque in Jaba. The international community has to protect Palestinians from Israel and its extremist settlers.

Since Monday the 18^th of June, Israeli forces have launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip killing nine Palestinians and injuring 17 thus far. The fatalities include an infant and a 14 year-old boy. This is a dangerous escalation at a time when the regional situation is tense and unpredictable.

Last Tuesday, extremist Israeli settlers vandalized and set fire to a mosque in the West Bank village of Jaba near Jerusalem. Graffiti saying “Ulpana War” and “price tag” were written on the mosque’s walls referencing the illegal settlement outpost near Ramallah that the Israeli government is planning to evacuate. This is the fourth mosque to be attacked in the last 18 months. Yet Israeli officials have contented themselves with merely denouncing the attacks without taking any serious steps to stop or deter them. This lack of action by Israel is emboldening the extremist settlers to increase their incitement and attacks against Palestinians.

This proves again that this Israeli government does not have an agenda for resolving the conflict. Without pressure from the international community including the US administration, there will be no safety for Palestinians and no progress in the political process.

The General Delegation of the PLO to the US demands that the Israeli government immediately cease its attack on Gaza and take firm action against extremist settlers in the West Bank. We also call on the US administration and the international community to put pressure on Israel to cease its latest onslaught and to ensure Palestinians and their property are protected in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

NEW MINOR IN ARAB STUDIES DEBUTS AT UH

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new minor in arab studies Debuts at UH

Emran El-Badawi Named First Director of Program

HOUSTON, May 14, 2012 – The University of Houston (UH) has launched a new minor in Arab Studies and named Emran El-Badawi as the first director of the Arab Studies Program. Beginning in fall 2012, UH students may declare the minor, which will be housed in the department of Modern and Classical Languages (MCL) within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS).

                “We are very excited about the new Arab Studies minor,” said Hildegard Glass, chair of the MCL department and director of the German program at UH. “The University of Houston has been offering courses in Arabic language and culture for more than a decade, and now we are adding more advanced courses to our Arabic curriculum. While this is an area we wanted to expand for quite some time, we could not do so without the faculty in place to build the program.  With the support of the CLASS Dean, John Roberts, we were able to make a tenure-track appointment in Arabic, the first in the history of this university. With Dr. Emran El-Badawi joining our department as its director, we could move forward with developing the Arab Studies minor.”

The new Arab Studies minor will require 18 credit hours, nine of which must be in Arabic language courses focusing on Modern Standard Arabic and another nine in content courses taught in English. The credit hours taught in English may be selected from a range of courses including “Introduction to Arabic Culture, Language, and Islam”; “Qur’an as Literature”; and “Modern Middle East.”  Since the minor is interdisciplinary three of these credit hours may be in courses offered outside the MCL department. The program is designed to help students develop functional abilities in the four language skills: listening; speaking; reading and writing; and to provide the opportunity for interdisciplinary study of the Arab world and greater Middle East, as well as Islamic civilization.

“UH students want to be part of a meaningful conversation about the Arab world,” said El-Badawi. “The Arab Studies Program is growing at a rapid pace, and I get several inquiries every week from students interested in the minor. Much of the intellectual curiosity is fed by media coverage of widespread political unrest in the wake of the ‘Arab Spring,’ especially political developments in post-revolutionary Tunisia and Egypt. Students want to know what role Islamic and secular forces play in reimaging Arab societies today.”

El-Badawi joined the department of Modern and Classical Language in fall 2011 as assistant professor of Arabic language and literature. Prior to joining the UH faculty, he earned his Ph.D. with distinction from the University of Chicago in the department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. He received his master’s degree in religion from Temple University and a bachelor’s degree in religion and computer science from Rutgers University.

“Over the last year, Dr. El-Badawi has taken an active role on campus and in the Houston Arab community to promote the Arab Studies Program,” said Glass. “He has delivered guest lectures on the Qur’an to the ‘Human Situation’ course at the Honors College and is working with various cultural organizations, as well as public and private schools in the Houston area to promote the study of the Arabic language and public awareness about the Arab world. The minor in Arab Studies is the first step in building a strong academic curriculum addressing the rich cultural tradition of the Arab world and the contemporary Middle East.”

 “Since students are exposed to a great deal of information – and misinformation – concerning the Arab world and Islam in the media, many students will have questions that can best be answered through the Arab Studies minor,” El-Badawi said.  

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Lebanon seeks most beautiful Lebanese expatriate at Dearborn pageant

Distributed by the www.ArabAmericanNewsWire.com

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 Contact: Joumana Kayrouz

THURSDAY MAY 3, 2012                                               1-866-662-9106

www.MissLebanonEmigrants.com

 Lebanon seeks most beautiful Lebanese expatriate at Dearborn pageant

Dearborn, Michigan – Lebanon is looking for the most beautiful Lebanese expatriate to represent their culture and country, and Dearborn has been selected to host this year’s US competition.

The American pre-pageant competition, open to Lebanese American women between the ages of 17 and 27, will be held Thursday, May 24 at the Greenfield Banquet Hall, 4770 Greenfield, in Dearborn, Michigan. Applications must be submitted no later than May 10 at www.MissLebanonEmigrants.com.

The winner of the Dearborn beauty pageant will join pre-pageant winners from more than 35 other countries at Castle Assouf in Dhour Shweir, Lebanon on August 11.

Georgina Rizk Lebanon’s first Miss Universe in 1972, and the only Arab to win the contest, will be attending along with Lebanese Minister for Tourism HE Fady Abboud, and other Lebanese and American dignitaries including the founder of AUD (American University of Dubai).

Krystelle Khoury, winner of the 2011 Miss Lebanon Emigrants competition, will also speak about her experiences during the past year before turning over the crown to the 2012 winner in Lebanon. Khoury was recognized as one of the 50 most beautiful women in the world out of hundreds beautiful women who emerged in the Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Earth, Miss Supranational and Miss International pageants.

“This is an excellent opportunity for young women of Lebanese heritage to proudly represent the Lebanese people in a worldwide beauty contest and to also open a door to great opportunity,” said Joumana Kayrouz, President and owner of the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz, P.L.L.C.. Kayrouz was recently appointed President of the Miss Lebanon Emigrants USA Board of Directors by the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism.

“Many of the Miss Lebanon Emigrants USA contestants have gone on to international fame including Rima Fakih who won in 2008 and was named Miss USA at the pageant in 2010.”

Kayrouz said the winner of the USA contest will receive an all-expense-paid 15-day trip to Lebanon to participate in the Miss Lebanon Emigrants 2012 beauty pageant. There are other benefits, too, Kayrouz said including tuition for one semester at one of the American Universities in Beirut, a 3-day vacation cruise and more. The winner of the Miss Lebanon Emigrants 2012 pageant held in Lebanon will receive more than $50,000 in prizes and benefits.

“It is a great chance for young women who are looking to break into a modeling career or maybe even go on to the big screen,” said Kayrouz who noted that there are an estimated 18 million Lebanese expatriates living outside of Lebanon.

Additional benefits include entry into the Miss Supranational Beauty Pageant to be held in Poland and a chance to win  $25,000 in cash; a chance to participate in local and international charity events as well as fashion shows around the world; the chance to appear on selected magazine covers and on television talk shows in the USA and Lebanon, a one year spa membership and hair and makeup services for a full year.

Candidates must be between the ages of 17 and 27 at the time of local pageant May 24, be of Lebanese origin, (one parent must be of Lebanese origin, 2nd and 3rd Lebanese Generations are welcome), be a resident of the US at least six months prior to the pageant competition, and have a high school degree or GED (by June 1).

The contestants must also be able to travel to Lebanon to participate in Miss Lebanon Emigrants 2012 (costs will be covered by the pageant) and must be available to represent the Miss Lebanon Emigrants USA at charity and honoring events all over USA (will be notified at least 15 days prior to appearance dates).

The Miss Lebanon Emigrants 2012 Beauty Pageant is organized with the collaboration of the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, the Lebanese embassy in the USA, MTV, and the WLCU.

Kayrouz said she expects many contestants to enter the competition. She noted that Fakih left the US Pageant to place third in the Miss Lebanon Emigrants contest held in Batroum, Lebanon in 2009, finishing behind Carina El Kaddissi of Brazil and Jessica Kanawaty of Australia. Fakih won the Miss Michigan USA pageant on September 19, 2009 at the McMorran Place Theater in Port Huron before taking the Miss USA title and becoming the first Miss Michigan USA to win the national title since Kenya Moore in 1993.

“The message is contestants from the United States and Michigan have a good chance to excel and represent the Miss Lebanon Emigrants in the international contest later this year,” Kayrouz said.

For more information visit www.MissLebanonEmigrants.com or visit the groups Facebook Page at www.Facebook/groups/285559908196342.

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