As world events and ultra-conservative commentators continue to wear down on the public image of Arab identity, some Facebook users hope to give Arabs a boost, one hug at a time.
Hug an Arab Day, listed as an event on the popular social networking website, as of Thursday evening had 20,299 confirmed “guests.” The day was to be observed on Friday.
Another 18,310 Facebook users rejected Hug an Arab Day invitations.
The listing gave clear instructions on what to do: 1. Find an Arab. 2. Hug the Arab. 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.
Group to launch Bethlehem campaign in December
The American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights is organizing a nationwide effort to show films and distribute information during the holiday season on the plight of the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.
“Bethlehem is one of the most historically significant towns in Palestine. It is known as the birthplace of King David and of Jesus,” the group said in a release. “Today, Bethlehem resembles an open-air prison, occupied by Israel’s military and encircled by Israel’s wall. These circumstances have caused Bethlehem’s population, particularly its historically, religiously and culturally significant Christian population, to emigrate from the town in dramatic numbers.”
The group is launching its third annual Free Bethlehem Campaign in December, reaching out to activists throughout the country to hold their own educational events.
Visit www.aaper.org for information.
IMAX to hold discounted “Journey to Mecca” screening
The Henry Ford IMAX Theater and the Islamic Center of America will hold a special screening of the film “Journey to Mecca” on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m.
The film follows 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta as he journeys from Morocco to Mecca.
Tickets for the film will be available for a discounted price, available at www.thehenryford.org/events/journeyToMecca.aspx.
ADC announces new national director
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) on Wednesday announced that Sara Najjar-Wilson was appointed the rights group’s new national executive director.
Former Executive Director Kareem Shora recently left the group to accept a senior policy advisor position at the Homeland Security Department’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
Najjar-Wilson is an attorney with over 30 years of service in the federal government, ADC spokespeople said, having worked for the Justice Department, NASA, the Federal Bar Association and the Washington Foreign Law Society.
She’s received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal.
“Sara has been active in ADC for many years and has great knowledge of ADC’s mission of defending the civil and human rights of people of Arab descent and promoting their rich cultural heritage,” said ADC President Mary Rose Oakar.
Najjar-Wilson said she looks forward to working with the group to fight for equality.
“I look forward to continuing to foster ADC’s non-sectarian and non-partisan mission of protecting the civil and human rights of all people and upholding the American beacon of hope, equality and freedom.”
ADC National Organizing Director Nabil Mohamad will act as Deputy Director.
Museum seeks stories, artifacts from Arab American families
The Arab American National Museum is searching nationwide for stories and artifacts in preparation for a 2012 exhibit to feature Arab American service to the U.S.
“We seek individual and organizational stories, artifacts and historical documents that reflect the Arab American experience through public service in the following areas: Peace Corps; AmeriCorps; City Year; Teach for America; all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces; people who have served in the U.S. diplomatic corps; and those in municipal police and fire departments,” museum spokespeople said.
Curators seek oral histories, medals, awards, letters, personal objects, uniforms, photographs or other memorabilia for the exhibit “Arab Americans in Service to Our Country,” scheduled to open in February 2012.
Artifacts can be submitted for potential inclusion by contacting Suzy Mazloum, curator of collections, at 313.624.0229 or smazloum@accesscommunity.org. Artifacts would be needed at least a month ahead of the opening. They can be returned after the exhibit closes in August, 2012.
Cancer foundation grants 115K to Arab American program
The Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure has awarded a $115,000, one-year grant to the ACCESS Community Health & Research Center to increase awareness of the benefits of early detection of breast cancer.
ACCESS is to use the funds to educate metro-Detroit women older than 40 and refer them to low-cost or free mammograms and clinical breast exams.
The social service organization’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program will also work to break down educational, logistical and financial barriers that prevent many women from obtaining early detection services, the group said.
For more information, call Hiam Hamade at 313.216.2206. Visit www.komen.org for more on the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which is to hold its 19th annual race May 22, 2010 at Comerica Park.
WSU law school holds ADC event
Representatives of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee – Michigan on Wednesday spoke at Wayne State University’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at an event dedicated to the group’s efforts.
The group spoke on its civil rights initiatives and announced a new internship program for law students at the event entitled “The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee: The Role of Law, Community, and Media in Fighting Discrimination.”
ADC Michigan awarded Judge Damon Keith a Guardian of Justice Award at its annual Judges Night reception in October.
The group, which has struggled financially for months, is fighting to keep its doors open, according to ADC Regional Director Imad Hamad. ADC hold its annual fundraising gala on Dec. 11 in Dearborn. Visit www.adcmichigan.org for information.
Airport Authority to honor Arab American
The Wayne County Airport Authority is expected to honor well-known Arab American attorney Michael Berry during a ceremony on Nov. 24, 11 a.m. at Detroit Metro Airport’s North Terminal.
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