Local Arab American community figures comment on The Arab American News’ silver anniversary:

“The Arab American News is the premier Arab American newspaper in the United States.

We take great pride in continuing to support such a professional journalistic endeavor, having had a relationship with the newspaper since its inception. As the Arab American and Chaldean Council celebrates its own 30th anniversary, we thank Osama Siblani and his staff for 25 years of dedication and hard work, and wish them every success in the future.”

Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, President and CEO, the Arab American and Chaldean Council

”

The Arab American News is a vital resource within the Arab American community. We have relied on the paper countless times as a conduit to communicate our information to the community. The Arab American News has been part and parcel of Detroit Arab American community development for the past 25 years. We’d like to sincerely congratulate The Arab American News.”

Hassan Jaber, Executive Director, ACCESS

“At a time when confidence in the Fourth Estate is at an all-time low,

The Arab American News provides a fresh alternative to the morally bankrupt corporate palaver its mainstream competitors offer… Today, more than ever, we need bulwarks like The Arab American News. Who else has the capacity to speak truth to power and advise our people of the many inequities that a poorly informed citizenry unwittingly allows to exist? On this occasion of our community voice’s silver anniversary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations.”

Attorney James P. Allen, Past Chairman, American Arab Chamber of Commerce

“The Arab American News is an invaluable resource for covering unfiltered news about the Arab world and the Arab American community that escapes most of mainstream media.”

Dawud Walid, Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations – Michigan

“When I first moved to Dearborn in 1973, the Arab American community was small and not well organized. Now they are a successful, vibrant community with major institutions to represent their views. One of the most important of those institutions is The Arab American News. When an issue arises that concerns the community, they are there to cover it, to inform their readers, and to explain how Arab Americans feel about it. This is an invaluable service. Congratulations on your 25 years of success.”

Ronald Stockton, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science Researcher, Center for Arab-American Studies, University of Michigan-Dearborn

“It was around 1990 when I first saw a copy of The Arab American News.

Reading through the paper, I realized that it was a genuine voice of the Arab American community. TAAN is still a much-needed balancing voice, vigilant and courageous, expressing the political and cultural perspective of this underrepresented and in many cases ill-represented community. Twenty-five years later, Osama Siblani and the bold staff at TAAN have endured many turbulent and difficult circumstances but continue that progressive tradition, epitomizing the voice of the Arab American community in an uncompromising, constructive and responsible way. TAAN is an important community achievement that should be nurtured and advanced.”

Hashim Al-Tawil, Ph.D., Professor of Art History, Henry Ford Community College

“There is an old Arab saying which states, “The same fire that melts butter hardens steel.” Through the test of time, especially, recently, where Arab Americans have been confronted with tremendous challenges and adversity, The Arab American News has served as a strong pillar for the community, and has consistently provided a voice for those who have had their rights infringed upon.”

Attorney Shereef Akeel, Civil rights attorney, Akeel & Valentine, PLC.

“The Arab American News is certainly the point of light in the lives of countless numbers of community members in the tri county area. Despite years of turbulence in the

community, The Arab American News has proven that resilience is a huge part of its success. It has been and will continue to be a valid source of information, news and knowledge.

I cannot imagine our Arab American community without The Arab American News. It has become a very effective and dear part of our lives.

Equally important is the voice of The Arab American News publisher and editor-in-chief, my good friend Mr. Osama Siblani. His voice shines through while he represents us in the mainstream media, through difficult and pleasant times – a smart, sincere and knowledgeable voice for the community. Congratulations.”

William Salaita, Host, Maal Jalia radio show WNZK AM-690

”

The Arab American News is not only a newspaper for the Arab American, but it is also the heartbeat of the Arab American community and a source of information to all Americans… The Arab American News serves as a record of the history of the Arab community since it was established. Referring back to it will shed light on the activities and challenges of our community here in the U.S. and abroad covering both minor and major issues that concern Arab Americans.

We congratulate The Arab American News and Osama Siblani on keeping our history while facing unbearable challenges. You have our full support.”

Nassib Fawaz, Ph.D., Founding Chairman, American Arab Chamber of Commerce, President, Lebanese International Business Council

“DC Michigan extends its heartfelt congratulations to The Arab American News as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. ADC Michigan salutes Mr. Osama Siblani, the paper’s founder and publisher and a profound community leader, for providing local, national, and international news coverage relevant to the Arab American community through his weekly newspaper. ADC also commends the staff, reporters, interns, and volunteers at The Arab American News for their contribution to the ongoing success of this publication.”

Imad Hamad, Regional Director, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee