Community leaders meet with Sen. Levin, discuss immigration issues
Representatives of the Congress of Arab American Organizations (CAAO) met with U.S. Sen. Carl Levin at his office in Detroit on Wednesday to discuss immigration issues. Various cases reported to the regional chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and other community entities involving Immigration and Customs...Locals rally in solidarity with Gazans
With over 1,300 activists from a total of 43 different countries, the Gaza Freedom March from Egypt into the battered, blockaded territory was the culmination of over a year of frustration for those who felt they had no choice but to help in any way they could. The planned Dec. 29 march to meet and provide aid to locals inside Gaza on...New revelations tear holes in nuclear trigger story
WASHINGTON (IPS) - New revelations about two documents leaked to The Times of London to show that Iran is working on a "nuclear trigger" mechanism have further undermined the credibility of the document the newspaper had presented as evidence of a continuing Iranian nuclear weapons program. Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad...
2009 Year in Review
December 29th, 20090 The Arab American News' top headlines and front pages of 2009 Local • Community protests Gaza genocide • Arab American quarterback to play for Wolverines • District denies Arabic will be banned at Fordson • Jewish group selling olive oil to benefit Palestinian farmers • MLK rally highlights support for...
Locals headed for Gaza; Dearborn vigil supports march
December 25th, 20090 Since Hamburg Township resident Yusif Barakat left his Haifa, Palestine home with his family in 1947 at age 12, he’s only had a chance to go back to his homeland one time, in 1970. Heavy machinery is seen on the Egyptian side of the border with the Gaza Strip December 22, 2009. Hamas and other militant groups called on Egypt...Israel’s fictional undivided Jerusalem
Israel's near hysterical reaction to a Swedish proposal to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state, their stubborn refusal to include East Jerusalem in their questionable "settlement freeze" and their defense of repressive policies imposed on Palestinians in that holy city are framed in language that masks...
With video: Santa Claus visits south-end school
December 24th, 20090 Santa Claus poses with a Salina Elementary School student Dec. 18 at the south-end Dearborn...
Bilingual holiday banners posted in Dearborn
December 24th, 20090 Local news in brief: Holiday banners to be posted in English and Arabic in Dearborn DEARBORN — In celebration of the holiday season, 90 decorative banners are to be posted back to back on 45 street lamps along Warren Avenue this weekend featuring greetings in English and Arabic. The Arab American News, Dish Network and ART...Minaret ban indicates evolving fascism
There are many reasons to be worried about the Swiss minaret ban, but one of the most important – and least discussed – is the fact that a far right party was successful in mobilizing people to institutionalize racism. The success of the Swiss People's Party in this endeavor points to the dark truth that fascism isn't dead, but...
Groundbreaking study examines Arab Americans
December 24th, 20090 This is an excerpt from the newly published book,"Citizenship and Crisis: Arab Detroit After 9/11," by the Detroit Arab American Study Research Team, of the University of Michigan. The team conducted in-depth interviews with a scientific sample of 1,016 Arab Americans and Chaldeans from southeast Michigan in 2003. Ron Stockton is a...Western Union rewards customers in promotional giveaway
Sending money back home has always been a major part of the immigrant experience. This season, some who transferred money overseas got a little something back. Western Union Market Development Director Darrin Russell, right, presents customer Amin Nadi, of Dearborn, with an $1,800 travel voucher at Super Greenland Market on...Transportation service with a smile
The ability to move around freely is something many people take for granted, but others aren't so lucky. Pride Ride’s spacious, custom-designed vans help to accomodate customers’ needs. For those who get around in a wheelchair or have ambulatory difficulties or other injuries, simple rides to the doctor or to visit friends...
Mormon Senator, Arab singer create Hanukkah tune
December 18th, 20090 A Republican, Mormon U.S. Senator has teamed with an Arab American singer to record a song for Hanukkah. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and singer Rasheeda Azar from Indiana, recorded "Eight Days of Hanukkah," a cheerful pop ballad, in New York in October and released it through a Jewish online magazine...The lobby within dictates policy
A just and peaceful solution to the protracted Palestinian-Israeli conflict is only possible if the U.S. ceases to block every attempt made towards it. This assertion might raise many questions. For example, just how is one to define a just and peaceful resolution? And for what reasons would the U.S. obstruct such a possibility,...Confronting radicalization online
The recent arrests of five American Muslim youth in Pakistan on suspicion of attempting to join militant groups there has provoked deep concern about the existence of homegrown extremism among Muslim American youth. Until recently, it was believed that this was a problem confined to other Western countries such as the UK. The fact that......
Smokers under siege, businesses will have to adjust to new law
December 18th, 20090 Dozens of restaurants and hookah lounges in Dearborn and throughout the region could struggle to stay open after the state smoking ban that Gov. Jennifer Granholm was expected to sign Friday goes into effect May 1. A Mangos Cafe customer smokes argeela on the restaurant/hookah bar’s crowded patio last summer. PHOTO: Nafeh...Community fundraises for 2010 Gov. candidate
DEARBORN — A group of Arab American businesspeople and activists held a fundraising dinner for 2010 gubernatorial candidate Michael Bouchard on Tuesday at Byblos Banquet Hall. Osama Siblani, who is publisher of The Arab American News, stands with 2010 gubernatorial candidate Michael Bouchard during a campaign fundraiser......
ADC vows to fight on for civil liberties
DEARBORN — Despite the civil rights organization's financial struggles, the mood was upbeat and celebratory as the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee – Michigan on Dec. 11 honored those in the community who have made a difference. Arab American of the Year awardee Ashley Ansara speaks before a packed house...Trust is crucial to dispelling H1N1 hype
From New America Media DETROIT — While recent news of H1N1 suggests the virus may have reached its peak, Center for Disease Control officials say reaching out to communities to clarify serious misunderstandings remains crucial. At a Detroit ethnic media roundtable discussion on the issue last week, Dr. Corey Herbert, medical...
WITH VIDEO: Boxing battles at Byblos
December 12th, 20090 It was showcase night for local boxing talent on Thursday night as Knockout Promotions brought its "Battle at Byblos " event to a popular Dearborn banquet hall. Kronk boxer Hassan Bousi, age 18, 152 pounds, poses after defeating Andre Murray on Thursday. A sellout crowd along with well-known boxing figures like legendary Kronk...
Economic hope for the ingenious
December 12th, 20090 While jobs continue to be scarce in the current United States economic climate, the Internet continues to provide a bastion of hope for those looking for alternate ways to make a living. Mohammad Al Adham, 24, co-founded the popular video-sharing site TwitVid.com. Oftentimes, all it simply takes is an idea, a vision, and a......
Old ways of fighting for rights must change
This week, we've seen a perfect example of how the rejectionists over-press their support for Palestinian rights in Europe and end up creating disasters that harm the Palestinian cause. The activists have been pressing European Union officials to declare that Jerusalem is to be a shared city. A proposal condemning Israel's expulsion of...Michigan lawmakers pass smoking ban
Michigan will become the 38th state to adopt a ban of some sort on smoking in public areas if Gov. Jennifer Granholm, as expected, signs a bill sent to her by the state House on Thursday. The ban would take effect on May 1, prohibiting smoking in bars, restaurants and most other workplaces excluding casino gaming floors, cigar bars,......
Arab Americans on both sides of oath of office ceremony
DEARBORN HEIGHTS — City Councilman Tom Berry, who was re-elected in November, took his oath of office on Tuesday at city hall with the help of Judge David Turfe, marking one of the first times in history an Arab American elected official swore in another Arab American to public office. Dearborn Heights City Councilman Tom...Group distributes Qur’ans to front doors
DEARBORN — Many Dearborn residents have been wondering about the source of paperback Qur'ans found hanging from doorknobs throughout the city in recent months. A copy of an English translation of the Qur’an hanging from the front door of a west Dearborn home in November. PHOTO: TAAN The group distributing free copies of an......