The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) in press release this week commended the decision by IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman to publicly commit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to tackling the issue of U.S. charities that launder tax exempt U.S. donations into illegal Israeli West Bank settlement activities.

IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman

The construction of settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory is illegal under international humanitarian law. The use of tax-exempt status to raise funds for these types of activities is against American public policy, ADC said.
Shulman’s statements came during a live on-air interview over National Public Radio.

“If a charity is breaking the tax law, is engaged in activities that they are not supposed to be engaged in, we certainly will go after them,” Shulman said.

The comment was in response to a question of whether the IRS would go after charities that are helping fund settlement development in the West Bank.

By investigating organizations that use tax exempt contributions to fund the construction of illegal settlements, the IRS could revoke tax exempt status. ADC has identified hundreds of non-profit organizations that use donated funds to settlement development.

Taubman named chair of New Detroit board

DETROIT — William S. Taubman has been elected chair of the board of New Detroit, Inc., the nonprofit race relations coalition. Taubman, chief operating officer of Taubman Centers, Inc., succeeds John Rakolta, CEO of Walbridge, who has served as chair for the past seven years.

Taubman

“New Detroit plays a critical role in fostering honest communication in our community across social, economic and political divides,” Taubman said. “To fully resolve the economic challenges in this region we must address issues raised by race.”
New Detroit, Inc., established after the 1967 civil disorder in Detroit, is the region’s only leadership coalition dedicated solely to race relations.

“New Detroit’s success depends on the willingness of community leaders like Mr. Taubman to step forward to address these critical issues,” said New Detroit President and CEO Shirley Stancato.

New Detroit is a coalition of leaders from civil rights and advocacy organizations, human services, health and community organizations, business, labor, foundations, education, media and clergy addressing the issue of race relations by positively impacting issues and policies that ensure economic and social equity.

Takreem awards in Lebanon looking for nominees

The first annual Takreem Awards ceremony honoring outstanding Arab achievements will be held in Lebanon on March 25, at Casino du Liban in the city of Jounieh.

Ricardo Karam, Lebanese talk show host, author, writer and media figure created the Takreem Arab Achievement Awards last fall.

Nominations are currently being accepted for each of the ten awards categories at www.takreemawards.com/takreem_application.php and the deadline to apply is Jan. 31.
The Takreem Awards’ stated goals include: “Uniting people by rising above social and cultural barriers” and “Rallying Arab communities by recognizing positive Arab achievements around the world.”

The awards categories include: Advancement of Peace, Philanthropy and Charitable Contributions to the Community, Arab Woman of the Year, Exceptional International Contribution to Arab Society, Cultural Accomplishment, Excellence in the Field of Education, Young Entrepreneur, Sustainable Development of the Environment, Scientific and Technological Advancement, and Outstanding Corporate Leader.

For more information send an e-mail to info@takreemawards.com.