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

“My sincere congratulations to The Arab American News and its publisher and my friend Osama Siblani. Your success over the last 25 years doesn’t just stem from simply reporting the news, but from being actively and positively involved in this community and contributing to its social, economic and political progress. We are glad you are here and we hope that you stick around for many many years to come. Congratulations.”
Attorney Abed Hammoud, Endorsement Chair, Arab American Political Action Committee

“If I want to know what is happening in the Arab American community, I pick up The Arab American News. If I want to read different editorials that pertain to issues of importance to me, I read The Arab American News. Having their hand on the pulse of our community makes a big difference to me and allows me to stay connected.”

Jumana Judeh, President and Founder, Arab American Women’s Business Council

“I remember sitting in Big Boy’s Restaurant 25 years ago with a few guys when Osama Siblani came in and announced that he was going to start a newspaper. My first thought was, ‘Good luck, it’s been tried before and the community will not support it.’ On the occasion of the the paper’s 25th anniversary, I am willing to admit I was wrong!

In all seriousness, Osama Siblani and the staff have produced the finest bilingual paper in the country. Whenever I need to get to the truth of what is going on in the Middle East, I use the paper as my reference. Whenever I need insight as to what is going on in the community, I go to the paper. I am extremely proud to count Osama as my friend and proud to say that I have been a supporter of the paper from its inception. Best of luck and may your success continue. ”

Ron Amen, Program Director, Arab American National Museum

“The Arab American News is a free voice that truly represents Arab Americans. It is a credible paper and a voice against aggression, injustice, occupation and discrimination, whatever the source. This is the secret of the paper’s success and sustainability. The Arab American News is a distinguished paper with deep roots in the community. Congratulations on its silver anniversary.”

Dr. Daad Bakir Katato, Board Member, American Muslims for Palestine

“As The Arab American News celebrates 25 years of journalistic excellence, I commend Osama Siblani and TAAN for bringing the voice of the Arab American community to the world. With stories that break down barriers, honor the successes of a community and celebrate the rich heritage of Arab Americans, The Arab American News has empowered the community to reach new heights in business, education and public service. The Arab American News has become a powerful force, creating a publication that has educated and united the cultures and communities across Metro Detroit. Congratulations to The Arab American News on their Silver Anniversary and wishing you many more successful years to come.”

Dr. Yahya Basha, Founder and President, Basha Diagnostics, Board of Governors, Arab American Institute

“Having followed The Arab American News since its inception, I commend Publisher Osama Siblani and his great team for putting out such a product that has served the Arab American community for 25 years, in spite of the difficulties that media organizations go through. I wish the community would support The Arab American News more in the form of advertising, and I hope to see the newspaper celebrate 50 years.”

Nabby Yono, Vice President, Community Relations, Arab American and Chaldean Council

“The Arab American News is the conscience of our community. While far too many propagated the false ideologies of assimilation and apology, The Arab American News remained the unmistakable echo of the better part of our collective conscience. On this 25th year which TAAN and I share, I pray that the stalwart, indelible ink of this institution will continue to flow long after the blood in my veins. Thank you, Mr. Siblani and staff for making the sacrifices necessary to preserve our voice and for making us proud to be Arab and American.”

Tarek Baydoun, Dearborn community organizer, Past President, Arab Student Union, University of Michigan-Dearborn

“We salute The Arab American News and its staff and Publisher Osama Siblani on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, for serving as the voice of Arabs in America, bridging gaps between communities in Michigan and defending Arab causes.

This bilingual newspaper has overcome obstacles that brought down many other publications, and it did it while voicing the concerns and exploring the issues of a complex community.

Congratulations on 25 years.”

Ali Baleed Almaklani, Director, Yemeni American Benevolent Association

“The Arab American News is not only the voice of Arab Americans in Michigan to the American public, not only a bridge between first generation Arab Americans and American-born generations, but also a news forum between the Middle East and the U.S..

In the 20 years I have been in the U.S., The Arab American News has taken on the responsibility of putting the main issues and concerns of Arab Americans on the table and presenting them powerfully.

Congratulations to Sada al Watan, Osama Siblani and the community on the 25th anniversary of The Arab American News.”

Sufian Nabhan, President, Islamic Center of Detroit

“I congratulate The Arab American News on its monumental 25th Anniversary of serving this community. The Arab American News is a testament to this community’s long and rich history of solidifying generations into the fabric of this great nation. The paper has withstood many challenges to rise as the authority on Arab American issues and concerns throughout this country. The Arab American News could not have weathered such challenges without a strong and dedicated, tell-it-as-it-is publisher like Osama Siblani at the helm. The Arab community is stronger today for the works of The Arab American News, as this 25th Anniversary is truly one to be celebrated by all Arab Americans.”

Attorney Nabih H. Ayad, Michigan Civil Rights Commissioner, Chairman, ADC Michigan Advisory Board

“The Arab American News is a well respected Arab American publication that addresses all points of view and perspectives of our community. I personally want to thank the entire staff and leadership for ensuring a balanced message to the community. In past years, The Arab American News has reported on issues affecting military service of Arab and Muslim Americans and their families – for that we thank you.”

Jamal S. Baadani, First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, President and Founder, Association of Patriotic Arab Americans in Military