New Year’s Eve!

American Friends of Birzeit University (AFBU) and National Arab American Professionals (NAAP) invite you to an evening of fun and celebration!

Thursday December 31
8:30 pm to –2:00 am
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria
801 North Saint Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA

• DJ B
• Arabic, American and Latin music
• Middle Eastern dinner
• Champagne toast
• Noisemakers, hats, raffle
• Cash bar

For Reservations please contact: Samira Nasser, 703.938.3102, samiranasser2000@yahoo.com or Yusif Farsakh, 703.528.2623, ysfasakh1@verizon.net

Tickets – only $100 per person. Payments must be received by December 24. No ticket sales at the door.

Babysitting: $15 per child (ages 3-12)

Please make checks payable to: “AFBU” and mail to 1416 N. Utah Street, Arlington, VA 22201

Proceeds benefit gifted needy Palestinian students. If you are unable to attend please consider a tax deductible donation, please make a check payable to the “Birzeit University Fund” and mail to the address above.

3rd Annual Bethlehem Prayer Service

Saturday, December 199:30 am Gathering, 10:00 am Service
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington

Prayers, readings, and hymns alternate between Washington and Palestine via the internet, bringing together people of different lands, languages, and ethnic backgrounds in celebration of Christmas.

Participants in Washington include the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church; the Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, Episcopal Bishop of Washington; the Rt. Rev. Richard H. Graham, Bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Washington, Synod; the Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III, Dean of the Cathedral, and the Rev. Canon Stephen Huber, Cathedral Vicar.

Participants in Bethlehem include the Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem; the Rt. Rev. Munib Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land; and the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb from Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem.

Wherever you are, watch the service by live Webcast at www.NationalCathedral.org.
For updated information, go to www.BrightStarsBethlehem.org

Showcase of Arab-American Authors

The Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee is hosting an evening with prominent Arab American authors. Featured authors include:

Helen Thomas, Dean of White House Correspondents and trailblazer of female journalists, and co-author, Craig Crawford, MSNBC/Congressional Quarterly journalist, discussing their book, Listen up, Mr. President.

Alia Malek discussing her book A Country Called Amreeka: Arab Roots, American Stories.

Nawar Shora discussing his book The Arab American Handbook, An Introductory Guide to the Arab, Arab-American and Muslim Worlds.

This event will feature remarks by the authors followed by a question and answer period. Following the program there will be individual book signings. Looks like a great time to buy personalized holiday gifts! Refreshments will be served.

6:00 to 8:00 pm
Wednesday, December 9

ADC Heritage Center
732 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington D.C. 20007

RSVP: organizing@adc.org

Ghassan Tarazi, Executive Director and Melinda Borne, Director of Programs of United Palestinian Appeal (UPA) will discuss what they learned from their travels to Palestine (Melinda's trip to Gaza immediately after the end of Israel 's invasion and Ghassan's trip to the West Bank last month). They will share with the Peace Café members first hand experiences they had with Palestinians who are confronted with tremendous challenges in everyday life. They will also discuss UPA's upcoming spring campaign, Greening Palestine.

9:30 to 11:00 am, Sunday, December 6

Busboys and Poets

2021 14th Street NW

Washington DC 20009

202.387.7638

Established in 1978, the UPA is dedicated to providing aid to Palestinians, especially children, in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. UPA provides both emergency humanitarian relief and long-term development programs to Palestinian communities striving for economic and social development in the wake of ongoing conflict.

Annual Souk and Olive Harvest Celebration

The Jerusalem Fund Presents -- Annual Souk and Olive Harvest Celebration

11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday, December 12The Jerusalem Fund

Experience the ambience of a Middle Eastern souk right here in Washington. Enjoy an afternoon of music, coffee, food and the sales of textiles, pottery, jewelry and gifts from North Africa and the Middle East. Celebrate the annual olive harvest in Palestine and support Palestinian farmers by purchasing bottles of fair trade extra virgin olive oil imported from Palestine. Bring your family and friends to this fun and vibrant event! This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required to attend.
Directions and Parking Information

World Hummus and Tabouleh Records

LEBANON: Chefs smash world hummus and tabouleh records

Characters Unite

Characters Unite

Economic Conditions and the Future of Palestine

The Palestine Center invites you to a briefing "Economic Conditions and the Future of Palestine" with Mr. Bassem Khoury Former Minister of National Economy, Palestinian Authority

12:30 - 2:00
Thursday, October 29
The Palestine Center
2425 Virginia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC

202.338.1958 (Jerusalem Fund)
202.338.1290 (Palestine Center)



This briefing is free and open to the public. A light lunch will be served to registered guests at 12:30 p.m. The briefing and question/answer period will be from 1:00-2:00.

Registration is required. Unregistered guests will not be admitted. To register, click here or call 202.338.1958 ext.11 by noon Wednesday, November 28.

Stay connected with the events of the Palestine Center even if you cannot make it to Washington. You can view the video of this and all other Palestine Center events shortly after they take place. View the videos of previous events online by clicking here.

Bassem Khoury is the outgoing Minister of National Economy (MoNE) for the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. Before his appointment, the Minister was Chairman of the Federation of Industries. He founded the Palestine Insurance Company, Pharmacare Premium Malta and Pharmacare PLC. He sits on the Boards of Birzeit University and St. Eves Jerusalem Human Rights Legal Centre.

The Palestine Center is an independent think-tank committed to communicating reliable and objective information about the Palestinian political experience to American policy makers, journalists, students and the general public. Established in 1991, it is the educational program of the Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development. The Palestine Center brings together people and resources within the American and Palestinian communities to educate about Palestine and the Palestinian peoples ongoing quest for sovereignty on their land, civil and political rights and an end to Israeli occupation. The need for an organization such as The Palestine Center can be found in the effects of the economic, cultural and political oppression Palestinians have endured and which continues on a daily basis in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, the surrounding refugee camps and for Palestinians world-wide as they struggle to retain their homeland. Palestinians ability to maintain their daily lives and strengthen their democratic political system depends on international humanitarian and non-governmental organizations such as The Palestine Center.

Check out the Palestine Center Blog. You can also follow on Twitter and on Facebook.

Hummus World Record!

Lebanese chefs prepared a massive plate of hummus weighing over two tons Saturday that broke a world record organizers said was previously held by Israel — a bid to reaffirm proprietorship over the popular Middle Eastern dip.

"Come and fight for your bite, you know you're right!" was the slogan for the event — part of a simmering war over regional cuisine between Lebanon and Israel, which have had tense political relations for decades.

Lebanese businessmen accuse Israel of stealing a host of traditional Middle Eastern dishes, particularly hummus, and marketing them worldwide as Israeli.

"Lebanon is trying to win a battle against Israel by registering this new Guinness World Record and telling the whole world that hummus is a Lebanese product, its part of our traditions," said Fady Jreissati, vice president of operations at International Fairs and Promotions group, the event's organizer.

Hummus — made from mashed chickpeas, sesame paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic — has been eaten in the Middle East for centuries. Its exact origin is unknown, though it's generally seen as an Arab dish. But it is also immensely popular in Israel — served in everyday meals and at many restaurants — and its popularity is growing around the globe.

The issue of food copyright was raised last year by the head of Lebanon's Association of Lebanese Industrialists, Fadi Abboud, when he announced plans to sue Israel to stop it from marketing hummus and other regional dishes as Israeli.

But to do that, Lebanon must formally register the product as Lebanese. The association is still in the process of collecting documents and proof supporting its claim for that purpose.
Lebanese industrialists cite, as an example, the lawsuit over feta cheese in which a European Union court ruled in 2002 the cheese must be made with Greek sheep and goats milk to bear the name feta. That ruling is only valid for products sold in the EU.

Abboud says that process took seven years and realizes Lebanon's fight with Israel is an uphill battle. Meanwhile, he says, events like Saturday's serve to remind the world that hummus is not Israeli. "If we don't tell Israel that enough is enough, and we don't remind the world that it's not true that hummus is an Israeli traditional dish, they (Israelis) will keep on marketing it as their own," he said Saturday.

Some 300 chefs were involved in preparing Saturday's massive ceramic plate of hummus in a huge tent set up in downtown Beirut. The white-uniformed chefs used 2,976 pounds (1,350 kilograms) of mashed chickpeas, 106 gallons (400 liters) of lemon juice and 57 pounds (26 kilograms) of salt to make the dish, weighing 4,532 pounds (2,056 kilograms).

It was not clear what the former Israeli record was, and organizers gave conflicting reports on when it was made. But chefs and visitors broke into cheers and applause when a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records presented Abboud with a certificate verifying Lebanon had broken the previous record. The plate was then decorated with the red, green and white Lebanese flag.

A similar attempt to set a new world record will be held Sunday for the largest serving of tabbouleh, a salad made of chopped parsley and tomatoes, that Lebanon also claims as its own.

Thanks Kareem!

Congratulations to Kareem Shora, ADC National Executive Director. He has been appointed as Senior Policy Adviser for the US Department of Homeland Security and will be leaving ADC as of October 23.

Thank you for your outstanding service and best wishes for a bright future at the DHS!

Yalla, Write!

The Washington Post is asking for people to submit letters of endorsement for their candidate (Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, in our case) in 200 words or less. They plan to publish as many endorsements as they can in next week's Local Opinions page and throughout the week at washingtonpost.com/localopinions . With your endorsement, include your party registration (if any), how you voted in last governor's race, a day and evening phone number (not for publication), and a note disclosing any connection you have to Deeds, his campaign or the Democratic party Email to letters@washpost.com with "My Endorsement" in the Subject Line.

Yalla, Write!

Census Ad

Taylor Royall Casting is casting specific ethnicities for the US Census 2010. This is a print campaign but there will be a casting at their studio as they want to see how candidates look on video.

Casting is Tuesday, September 22 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at Taylor Royall in Baltimore.

For those selected, shoot dates will be on days from October 7 through 16. Time will be a minimum of 2 hrs to a full day per talent and the possibility of more than one day per talent. Compensation will vary dependent on session time (ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand).

Here are the demographics: Ages are 20s and 30s primarily for both males and females. Also some mid-40s males and some late-50s males and females of these particular ethnicities: Iranian, Arab, Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, and Armenian. Accurate ethnicity is important since the images will accompany language-specific materials to each of these groups.

Please email agents@taylorroyall.com or call 410.828.1200. Include the info below in your email: name, phone, preferred audition time and a recent photo/headshot if possible.

Democratic Women of Clifton Meeting

Sunday, September 20 from 3:00 to 5:00
Clifton Community Hall
12641 Chapel Road
Clifton, VA
(Please park in the large parking lot next to, but not in front of, the shops.)

Spend a fall afternoon with friends for lively discussion and important information. The guest speaker is Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA, 11th District) who will share his insider's perspective on the workings of Congress and the making of legislation. If you have ever wondered how totally unrelated proposals for legislation end up in one bill, as when a provision allowing concealed weapons in national parks is attached to a bill placing restrictions on credit card companies, this conversation is sure to engage your interest. We will also hear a report on the upcoming Virginia elections and other issues raised by members.

Contact cliftonwomendems@aol.com or visit http://www.democraticwomenofclifton.org/

Call 'Em Out!

For months, special interests and their Republican allies have been smearing health insurance reform to try to defeat it. As President Obama said last week, "I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it's better politics to kill this plan than improve it... If you misrepresent what's in the plan, we will call you out."

The is starting a new campaign called "Call 'em out!" When a Republican official violates the public trust by lying about reform, they'll be there to expose them.

First up is Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who has claimed that health reform will lead to death panels -a claim so debunked that even former Republican Congressman and conservative pundit Joe Scarborough spoke out about Pawlenty's false claims. Now it's time for us to call him out.

Get started at the new "Call 'em out!" action center.

Set the record straight about Pawlenty's lies by calling him out on Facebook or Twitter. Expose his shameful tactics to his constituents in Minnesota. Call and tell him to stop lying about health insurance reform and playing politics with the nation's well-being. Spread the word about his false statements and extreme views.

If health reform is only a political equation to some GOP politicians, it's time to change the equation. Every Republican official must understand: If you lie about reform, the American people will call you out!

Sabeel Conference

Washington, DC
October 1-3, 2009

The conference will bring together people of faith and people of conscience to explore and affirm their shared commitment to the active, nonviolent pursuit of a rights-based, just peace in Palestine and Israel. Move beyond the artificial polarization of “pro-Israel” and “pro-Palestinian” agendas to capture a pro-justice, pro-peace message that unifies individuals and organizations across religious, ethnic and geographic boundaries. Build a successful case for human rights, justice and peace by learning from and through the experience of others, exploring diverse strategies, and challenging yourselve to construct innovative efforts at peacemaking.

See the lineup of speakers and workshop leaders here:
http://www.fosna.org/content/conference-washington-dc-oct-1-3-2009

Join a delegation to Israel/Palestine
October 26 - November 8, 2009
May 22 - June 4, 2010
July 24 - August 6, 2010
October 30 - November 12, 2010

202.244.0821
office@ifpb.org
www.ifpb.org

Travel to Palestine

If you are of Palestinian origin, live in the DC area, and have recently experienced harassment, denial of entry, or restriction of movement by the Israeli authorities upon your visit to Israel or the West Bank, please email a summary of your experience to Omar Baddar at obaddar@aaiusa.org for a potential opportunity to do a TV interview on the subject for an Arabic TV station. Fluency in Arabic is preferred, but not required.

September 11 With the AAIF

What are you doing on September 11th? Make a difference!

The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will honor those who lost their lives by joining others across the country to volunteer in the spirit of service that was so prominently on display on 9/11.

They will join DC Cares and Washington Parks & People to clean up and enhance Marvin Gaye Park, 5200 Foote Street, NE.

Registering for this project is simple. Just follow the steps below. If you have any questions please contact Kyle Haley at khaley@aaiusa.org or 202-429-9210.

To register, visit http://greaterdccares911.kintera.org/
Click Register Here
Accept the Volunteer Waiver
Click Join a Team
Select the Arab American Institute Foundation Team from the drop-down menu
Add your personal contact information and you will be registered!

Your $25 contribution to participate will support GDCC's mobilization of volunteers and impact on the region. If you aren't available to volunteer on September 11th, you can still support the efforts by making a donation. Simply follow this link: http://greaterdccares911.kintera.org/aaiusa to donate.

Act Now Before It Sells Out!

The Arab American Republican Caucus of Virginia and the Arab American Democratic Caucus of Virginia present the 21st Annual Virginia Candidates' Night

Sunday, September 27, 6:30 to 9:00
Tysons Corner Marriott
8028 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182

This sells out every year. Get your tickets now! https://secure.aaiusa.org/page/contribute/VACandidatesNight2009

Amreeka

Does anybody know where this is playing in Northern Virginia?

Check out the trailer.

UPDATE: I found the release schedule. http://www.amreeka.com/html/rs.html

H. Res. 706 on Lebanon

Darrell Issa (R-CA) submitted the resolution congratulating the people of Lebanon on their recent election. He submitted it on behalf of himself and Nick Rahall (D-WV), Charles Boustany (R-LA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), William Delahunt (D-MA), Russ Carnahan (D-MO), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), before the recess and they will be gathering support for H. Res. 706 upon their return to Capitol Hill. Prime your representatives on this positive message of support for Lebanon and urge them to sign on.
Read H. Res. 706 on Lebanon
Talking points on H. Res. 706

Deeds for Governor

On Monday, August 10 a group of leaders from the newdominionPAC (NDPAC) and the Arab American Democratic Caucus of Virginia (AADCV) met over dinner (thanks, Nora and Sam Burgan!) with the Democratic nominee for governor, State Senator Creigh Deeds. The program included welcoming remarks by the host, Samer Burgan, AADCV past president and current NDPAC vice president; a historic overview by NDPAC president Saba Shami; and a discussion of strategy by Sam Rasoul, the 2008 (and 2010, I hope!) Democratic candidate for Congress from Virginia’s 6th Congressional District.


Senator Deeds spoke of diversity in the Commonwealth and the role each group and community can play in moving Virginia further in the direction that the two democratic governors - Warner and Kaine - have move the state. Senator Deeds invited our community to have a seat at the table and play an active role in both his campaign and administration.


The newdominionPAC is planning two fundraisers for Senator Deeds - one in Richmond on Sunday, September 13 and one immediately before the annual Arab American Candidates’ Night at the Tyson’s Corner Marriott on Sunday, September 27. For more information, contact sabashami@comcast.net

Town Hall Meeting on Health Care with Howard Dean and Rep. Jim Moran

7:00PM to 9:00PM (Doors open at 6:00)
Tuesday, August 25

South Lakes High School Auditorium
11400 South Lakes Drive
Reston, VA

This event is free and open to the public. Let's support our friend, Representative Jim Moran.

The NoVa Coordinated Campaign

The NoVa Coordinated Campaign is at 7600 Colshire Rd, McLean, VA 22101. Click here to see all of the Democratic candidates for the November election.

Hooray For Hollywood, Part 2

Taylor Royall Casting is looking for non-union talent who are US citizens and can speak Farsi or Arabic with fluency. If you or someone you know fits this description, read on! This is a radio spot for the government and it pays well. Please send any demos in mp3 format to scott@taylorroyall.com or contact Scott to arrange an audition read. Should you get the job it will record in August.

Hooray For Hollywood!

Heery Casting is looking for background actors who can portray foreign diplomats in "How Do You Know."

How Do You Know is a Columbia Pictures film, directed by James L. Brooks, and starring Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd. Needed are men and women, all ethnicities, age 35-60 who own their own national dress (e.g. saris, kufi caps, kaffiyehs, thawbs, turbans, etc.)

Both SAG and non-union will be considered. These are paid positions.

You must be available for shooting in the Philadelphia area July through September. Please email a photo of yourself wearing your national dress to: howdoyouknowcasting@gmail.com Be sure to make the photo a .jpg attachment and include your phone number.

Rally For Brian Moran

Join Brian Moran at a Rally the day before his primary election Monday, June 8 at 11:30 a.m. Market Square at Alexandria City Hall King & Royal Streets, Alexandria King Street Metro Stop (Blue/Yellow Lines) Please RSVP online. For more information, call (703) 370-3770 then vote for Brian Moran on Tuesday, June 9!

NDPAC Endorses Jody Wagner for Lt. Governor

The New Dominion PAC, which calls itself “the premier political voice for the Arab American community in Virginia,” endorsed Jody Wagner for Lieutenant Governor. New Dominion joins other progressive organizations supporting Wagner, including EMILY’s List, the Arlington Firefighters, the Arlington Police, and the Fairfax Coalition of Police.

“I am so impressed with Jody’s ability to reach out to people to form consensus. With accomplishments that include working with Mark Warner to fix the budget deficit, preserving the state’s critical AAA bond rating, and bringing Democrats and Republicans together in the legislature to pass the landmark 2008 higher education bond package, one thing has become clear: Jody won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. We need more leaders with her experience in Richmond” said Saba Shami, New Dominion’s President.

Said Wagner: “I’m thrilled to have the support of the New Dominion PAC. I look forward to working with them in the coming weeks and months to continue to build a grassroots movement across Virginia. With their help, we will continue to move Virginia forward.”

New Dominion PAC’s support is another sign of Wagner’s statewide strength and growing momentum. Earlier this week, Wagner announced the endorsement of Congressman Bobby Scott. Wagner has now been endorsed by three of Virginia’s six Democrats in Congress, forty-nine of the sixty-six Democratic legislators, fourteen Virginia mayors, as well as hundreds of local elected officials and thousands of grassroots activists and volunteers.

Sunday Event With Brian Moran

Please join hosts

Babur & Tarannum Lateef-Saba & Amira Shami
Mirza & Mona Baig-Salman Tajuddin
Mohamed Abdel-Kader

for their first barbeque of the summer. It will be their first summer social and a meet and greet with Candidate for Governor Brian Moran

Sunday, May 31, 1:00

703.786.7796

The Lateef's Home
13001 Chaddsford Terrace
Manassas, VA 20112 US

There will be food, fun and stuff for the kids: Playground-Moon bounce, pony rides, face painting

RSVP:
sabashami@comcast.net

Come out for a great time and help us show the next Governor of Virginia what our community is all about

AAI Jobs

The Arab American Institute is hiring two new staff members in Washington.

Government Relations and Policy Analyst: Point of contact with policy and advocacy organizations and coalitions: federal agencies, including the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State as well as the FBI; and congressional offices. Reports to AAI Director of Government Relations.

Press Secretary: Responsible for media relations and strategy to enhance and expand AAI's presence in national and international print, broadcast and online media. Reports to AAI Director of Communications and works closely with AAI President.

Please have resumes sent to Miriam Vitale at mvitale@aaiusa.org.

Middle Eastern Oil

Today, I received a robocall from Tom Davis. He asked a question about reducing our importing of Middle Eastern oil. Middle Eastern oil? Is importing other oil okay?

His message said to call the Thomas Jefferson Institute for more information so I did. I asked why they used the term "Middle Eastern" oil. The number one country from which we get our petroleum is Canada. Number two is Mexico. Third is Venezuela. So why are they concerned with the Middle East? The guy said thanks and abruptly hung up on me. I called back and got the answering machine and left a message asking for the answer to my question. Why did they single out the Middle East?

Since he's not going to answer my question, I thought all of you would call and try to get an answer. Let me know how you make out. Here's their phone number 703.440.9447.

Oh, the source of my information - the good old US Department of Energy. http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/company_level_imports/current/import.html

100,000 Jobs? Really?

“[I] created over 100,000 jobs.”
- Terry McAuliffe, (Farm Team debate, April 19, 2009)

THE FACTS
According to the Washington Post, Terry McAuliffe hasn’t created any jobs in Virginia , as they noted in a front page exposé on his troubled business background:

“…McAuliffe boasted of launching five businesses in Virginia . It turned out that all five are investment partnerships, with no employees, registered to his home address in McLean .” –Washington Post, McAuliffe’s Business Background Could Prove a Liability. May 3, 2009

Here are some companies that have definitely created lots of jobs. No exaggerations or distortions.

Microsoft employs 95,029 people, worldwide. Did Terry McAuliffe really create more jobs than Bill Gates? (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/insidefacts_ms.mspx)

IBM has 115,000 employees in the United States . Has Terry McAuliffe really created as many jobs as the inventors of the personal computer? (ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/annualreport/2008/2008_ibm_annual.pdf, p53)

Google employs 20,164. Has Terry McAuliffe created more jobs than the most successful Internet company of the past five years? (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Google-Earnings-Beat-Street.html)

If Terry McAuliffe’s companies were so big and so successful, how come no one has ever heard of them?

June 6 - 42nd Anniversary of Seizure of Gaza

RALLY & MARCH

Saturday, June 6 - noon

Freedom Plaza (14th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW)

Organizations and individuals in solidarity with the people of Palestine will be taking to the streets once again to demand the end the siege of Gaza!

Sponsoring organizations include ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism), Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), National Council of Arab Americans (NCA) and more.

Contact 202.544.3389 or dc@answercoalition.org

Moroccans For Brian Moran

The Washington Moroccan Club and the New Dominion PAC are working to elect Brian Moran our next Virginia governor.

Now is the rime to get active with these efforts to get behind Brian! There is much to be done and we’re counting on you to step up and be an active part of this grassroots movement.

Want to help? Want more information? Wanto to know about the events they're planning? Please contact
Hassan Samrhouni -703 901 5656
Nacir Assaadi -703 609 6969
Khaled Saffuri-202 256 1111
Saba Shami-703-628 3475

Brian Moran's Hometown Kickoff

Please join Brian Moran, our Democratic candidate for Governor and Democratic elected officials for Brian's Hometown Kickoff Rally

Saturday, April 18, 3:30 p.m.

Charles Houston Rec Center

901 Wythe Street

Alexandria

(Braddock Road Metro Stop on the Blue & Yellow Lines)

Please RSVP at www.brianmoran.com/hometown

Refreshments will be provided.

Arab Americans for Brian Moran

The Arab American community in Virginia is one of the oldest non-European communities with a history dating back to the 1860s. In modern times, Virginia attracted tens of thousands of immigrants who, by now, have become parents and grandparents.
Our young generation, proud of its heritage and grounded in its new roots in the United States, is claiming its rightful place in the American political system. Here in the great Commonwealth of Virginia, the community has become a first row participant, thanks to the work of our activists on the ground and the support we receive from our national organizations, such as the AAI and the ADC.

We have worked with Brian Moran for the past 20 years. We trust him to be the Governor of all Virginians, including our community. Let us deliver the winning margin on Tuesday, June 9th.

How can you help? Contact Brian’s campaign at http://www.brianmoran.com/

Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship

To recognize Arab-American students who excel in Media Studies.

Amount: $1000

Juniors, Seniors, or Graduate Students. Must be attending college in the 2008-09 academic year. Must be majoring in Mass Communications, Journalism, Radio, Television, and/or Film. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a U.S. citizen of Arab heritage.

Applicants should send the following to the ADC Research Institute: A one-page statement stating that you are a US citizen, explaining your goals and why you merit the scholarship. Copies of articles, videos, films, etc. Official academic transcripts including your GPA. Two letters of recommendation from Mass Communications professors. Permanent home address, phone number, email address; also address, phone number, and email address during the school year.

Deadline: April 1, 2009

Awards will be announced and presented during ADC's Annual Convention in Washington, DC.

Send materials to: Attn: Nawar Shora ADC Research Institute (ADCRI) 1732 Wisconsin Ave, NW Washington, DC 20007 Tel: 202-244-2990 Fax: 202-244-7968

AAI Summer Internships

This summer, The Arab American Institute (AAI) will place interns in Washington in the Communications and Government Relations Departments, as well as with advocacy groups, government agencies, the national political parties, and organizations that focus on Middle Eastern affairs. The deadline for AAI's summer internship program is coming up fast. Applications must be received by April 9. Click here for the complete details, including how to apply online.

National Call-in Day

Tell Virginia Senators to Give Cluster Bombs the Boot!

Monday, March 30th

Call toll free: 1-800-590-6313

On Monday, March 30, make a free phone call to help save lives and limbs. Call your senators at 1-800-590-6313 and urge them to co-sponsor the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2009 (S. 416), a bill that would ban the use of cluster bombs.

Two weeks ago, Congress and the president permanently outlawed exports of nearly all U.S. cluster bombs. Now, we need to take the next step and make sure the U.S. never again uses its vast arsenal of these weapons, which always end up harming more civilians than soldiers. Right now, 24 senators support S. 416. Your call can help increase this number by getting Senators Warner and Webb onboard—so far, neither one is a cosponsor. Growing co-sponsorship will show President Obama that he has the support he needs to sign the new global treaty banning these weapons and send it to the Senate for ratification.

Take Action: On March 30th, call toll free 1-800-590-6313, which will redirect you to the Capitol Switchboard. Ask for your senator’s office. Once you reach someone in the senator's office, identify yourself as a constituent and ask to speak to the legislative assistant who deals with foreign or military policy issues. If that person is not available, either give the below information to the receptionist or ask for the legislative aide’s answering machine and leave your message there.

Suggested talking points for your call:
· My name is [NAME], and I live in [CITY, STATE]. Thanks for taking my call.
· I am calling to encourage Senator [NAME] to cosponsor S. 416, the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act.
· Senator [NAME’s] co-sponsorship of this bill will help align U.S. policy with that of our closest NATO allies and ensure that we no longer use weapons that are known to have a record of killing more civilians than soldiers.
· Will co-sponsorship of this bill be possible? (Give or leave your phone number if you would like a call back.)

Tell your friends and family about the call in day. To learn more about cluster bombs, visit http://www.fcnl.org/weapons/mar30_more_info.htm

Virginia Democrats Grassroots Rally

Join the rally with Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Dick Cranwell to kick-off the 2009 campaign season and to show the strength and excitement for all of our great candidates.

Saturday, March 28th, 11:00 am

Mason District Park
6621 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003

Please RSVP: http://www.vademocrats.org/page/s/CampaignKickOff
804.644.1966 x237

Congressman Keith Ellison and Congressman Brian Baird's Gaza Video

Tuesday, March 17 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm

North Orientation Theater
Congressional Visitor Center
Washington

Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) will hold a screening and discussion of his video on Gaza along with Congressman Brian Baird (D-CA.) Both Congressman recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank. They were the first Members of Congress to travel to Gaza in almost three years. Using first hand footage filmed while there, they created a 45-minute video.

An rsvp is required and bags will be searched upon entry into the Congressional Visitor Center.

Please rsvp@adc.org by 5pm March 16

Hillary Clinton Offers Handshake of Friendship to Syria

Check it out here

Qatar Philharmonic - Complimentary Kennedy Center Tickets

I received the below message and requested tickets and got them. Give it a try.

PS I found a sample of the orchestra - they sound great.
http://www.vimeo.com/2123879?pg=embed&sec=2123879



Write only to kc-scotty-owner@ yahoogroups. com and use subject line: Complimentary tickets to Qatar Philharmonic for Tuesday, Feb 24th at 7:30 p.m. DO NOT CHANGE THE SUBJECT LINE, ALL OTHERS WILL BE IGNORED.

Be there for the public opening of the Kennedy Center's newest festival, Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World. There are a limited number of complimentary tickets available for the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra on Tuesday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. If interested, please let me know yourfull name and count no later than 11 a.m. Monday, February 23rd by replying kc-scotty-owner@ yahoogroups. com Should the tickets run out before then I'll send an email update. Please remember I have no control over location of seats, any requests for more than two tickets may require splitting your party up, and please reply by email only. Also, requests for complimentary tickets for future events cannot be accepted, I merely post what's been offered to me. And finally, once 11 a.m. comes and goes, please do not email me asking if you can still get tickets, this only puts me in anawkward position. Tickets will be held in the names provided at our Will Call window for pickup after 6 p.m. and an email confirmation will be sent to the requestor.

Lorin Maazel conducts the Arab and western musicians of the orchestra inits international debut program that includes two new works by their Artistic Director Marcel Khalifé and Beethoven's immortal Fifth Symphony.

About the Program: INTERNATIONAL DEBUT! Based in Doha, Qatar, the newly formed Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, MarcelKhalifé, music director and resident composer, makes its international debut.

Maestro Lorin Maazel, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, conducts the Arab and western musicians of the orchestra in a program thatincludes Beethoven's powerful and ageless Symphony No. 5 and two new works by Khalifé: Arabian Concerto and Salute.

Performance timing: Approximately1 hour and 45 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission. Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World Program:KHALIFÉ - Arabian ConcertoKHALIFÉ - SaluteBEETHOVEN - Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Feb 24, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Opera House

Thank you,Arthur "Scotty" Scott
Subscription Manager
The Kennedy Center

Walk With Brian Moran in Alexandria's George Washington Birthday Parade

Please join Brian Moran in Alexandria's George Washington birthday parade.

Show your support for Brian by meeting at 12:30 on Monday at 417 South Royal Street, Alexandria VA. The event will end about 3pm.

Please register here.

On the Ground in Gaza

A briefing sponsored by Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich

TODAY - Wednesday, February 4
2203 Rayburn House Office Building
2:00 to 4:00

Experts will speak about the current situation on the ground in the Gaza Strip and address what is needed in the near and long term to abate the crisis and ensure reconstruction.

Presenters include:
Andrew Whitley, Director of the Representative Office of UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) in New York. Mr. Whitley is responsible for the Agency’s relations with the United Nations and with the U.S. and Canadian Governments. He joined UNRWA in July 2002.

Samer Badawi, Director of United Palestinian Appeal. Established in 1978, United Palestinian Appeal (UPA) was the first Palestinian-American charity to be registered with the USAID. UPA continues to respond to the urgent needs in Gaza while raising awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis there.

For further information, please contact Cate Veith at Catherine.veith@mail.house.gov

Arabesque

The Friends of the Kennedy Center is recruiting volunteers to assist with the ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World Festival taking place from Monday, February 23 through Sunday, March 15.

Volunteers will be assisting with the visual art installations, interactive installations, and helping with crowd management. Arabic speaking volunteers are especially needed. To download an application please visit: www.kennedy-center.org/support/volunteers/ArabesqueApplication.pdf

Arabesque is an international festival showcasing the varied cultures of the 22 Arab nations that represent the Arab world. In cooperation with the League of Arab States, the three-week festival brings together some 800 Arab artists, many of whom are making their U.S. debut, in performances of music, dance, and theater, as well as exhibitions featuring art installations, fashion, a cuisine, a souk (market), and much more.

Tickets: BROWSE THE ARABESQUE WEB SITE AND BUY ONLINE

GAZA IN OUR HEARTS

Please join a special evening of culture and prayer in support of Health Outreach to the Middle East (HOME) and their efforts in Gaza.

Saturday, January 31, 2009 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Arabic Baptist Church

4605 Massachusetts Ave NW

Washington, DC

This will be an evening of Palestinian songs, music and poetry as we honor and pray for the Palestinians in Gaza. There will also be a message of peace and hope from Pastor Esper Ajaj.

Featuring:
Fuad Forty-DC's most well known lute player and Arabic vocalist.
Remi Kanazi-NYC based poet, activist, and editor of "Poets for Palestine".
Other special guests to be announced.

The mission of HOME is to provide high quality health care services to communities all over the Middle East. This month, they are working with the American Bible Society in Jerusalem to provide monetary, medical, and other services to support the people of Gaza. Afterwards, a coffee hour and Arabic sweets as you mingle with friends and make new ones.

There is also a 5pm prayer vigil for those that would like to attend. This will take place outside of the church. We will be remembering those that have lost their lives and continue to suffer in Gaza. Feel free to attend both events or the portion that you choose.

For information please call: 202.363.3911

ADC Live on C-Span's Washington Journal

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) will be represented by Policy Analyst Yousef Munayyer live on the C-SPAN program "Washington Journal." Washington Journal is a live roundtable on public affairs and is a call-in show. Munayyer will comment on the steps the Obama Administration should take to make progress toward ending the conflict.

The discussion will be hosted live by Pedro Echevarria on C-SPAN Saturday mprning, January 30th from 9:00 to 9:30 EST. You may call the show to ask questions and discuss this issue.

Call-In numbers, divided by political affiliation as per C-SPAN:

Support Republicans: 202.737.0001
Support Democrats: 202.737.0002
Support Independents: 202.628.0205
Outside U.S.: 202.628.0184
Email: journal@c-span.org

Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards

Thursday, April 23

5:30 reception
6:30 gala

JW Marriott Hotel
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC

Black Tie

Ticket information

The Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards are named for the world-renowned, Lebanese-born author of The Prophet whose work underscored his respect for the dignity of man, his belief in the sanctity of individual freedom, and his universal love of humanity. The Awards further symbolize Gibran's pride in his Arab heritage and respect for the freedoms that he found in the United States.

At the awards gala, the AAIF honors individuals, corporations, institutions, and communities for their work in promoting greater understanding and appreciation of diversity and inclusion.

Youth Leadership Awards

The Arab American Institute Foundation is looking for qualified individuals to apply for Youth Leadership Awards.

The Helen Abbott Community Service Awards and the Raymond Jallow Awards for Public Service are given annually by the AAIF for outstanding candidates who have shown a commitment to public or community service.

The Helen Abbott Community Service Awards honor students and student organizations whose devotion to community service, selfless acts of care, and interest in improving the quality of life for others reflect the life of the Awards' namesake. Each year the AAIF awards a maximum of two $1,000 individual prizes to exceptional undergraduate students and one $500 grant to a high school student. Previous recipients have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to balance success in their academic endeavors with selfless service to their respective communities.

The Raymond Jallow Awards for Public Service are presented to two deserving candidates whose commitment to public service reflects the life of the Awards' namesake. Two $500 grants are given to students and adults who are actively involved in, or plan to participate, in public service. Previous recipients have displayed a strong commitment to service in the public interest.

Please contact Kyle Haley for more information

The AAI Gala Was The Place To Be!

What a week in Washington!

The AAI Inauguration Gala was the place to be. Everybody was there (check out the photos below) including Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (with former Central Falls, RI Mayor Tom Lazieh), and Her Majesty Queen Noor.

Join The Fun!

Some loyal readers requested permission to post articles on this blog. Let's do it!

If you're interested in contributing by writing articles, please send me an e-mail message with your name and contact information and I'll do the rest.

Thanks for your interest!

Fred

GAZA: THE SPOKEN TRUTH

The Arab American Anti Discrimination Committee (ADC) invites you to an evening of poetry and spoken word featuring the Iron Sheik, Tala A. Rahmeh, Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah, Serin Atiani, Hani Almadhoun and others.

Community members will also be given an opportunity to share their favorite poem or share their spoken work about the atrocities in Gaza.

Thursday, January 15, 7:30 p.m.
ADC National Headquarters
1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC

This Event is free and open to the public, however space is limited, so please send RSVP to rsvp@adc.org.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Beyond Band-Aid Solutions

Wednesday, January 14 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

The Brookings Institution
Saul/Zilkha Rooms
1775 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC

The latest conflict in Gaza has exacerbated an already fragile humanitarian situation and created another humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Even before Israeli airstrikes began, humanitarian agencies faced restrictions on personnel and shortages of vital supplies. The current round of fighting has left almost 800 people dead, thousands wounded and many more with limited access to food, water and health care. Though limited humanitarian aid has been allowed into the territory, humanitarian aid alone cannot be the answer to the problem. As with all conflicts, the answer lies in a political settlement.

The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement will host a discussion on the humanitarian situation in Gaza within the broader context of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Brookings Senior Fellow Elizabeth Ferris will provide introductory remarks and moderate the discussion. After their presentations, panelists will take audience questions.

Panelists
Michael Khambatta, Deputy Head, Regional Delegation for the United States and Canada, International Committee of the Red Cross

Tamara Cofman Wittes, Senior Fellow, Saban Center for Middle East Policy,The Brookings Institution

Andrew Whitley, Director, New York Representative Office of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

To rsvp, please call the Office of Communications at 202.797.6105 or click here.

The Continuation of Hope and Real Change

The American Arab Anti Discrimination Committee commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday, January 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00.

Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ
5301 North Capitol Street NE,
Washington

Featuring the following speakers and artist:
Phyllis Bennis - Institute for Policy Studies
DC Labor Chorus
Omekongo Dibinga - Free Your Mind Publishing
Bill Fletcher, Jr. - Author, Solidarity Divided
Sarita Gupta - Jobs with Justice
Rev. Graylan Hagler - Plymouth Congregational Church
Linda Leaks - Empower DC
Tram Nguyen - Virginia New Majority
Hilary O. Shelton - NAACP Washington Bureau
Christylez Bacon - Progressive Hip-Hop Artist
Voices of Praise - Plymouth Congregational Church

Join Plymouth’s Board of Social Action, Men’s Club Ministry, and a host of progressive and diverse organizations in this celebration!

For more information, please contact organizing@adc.org or Jane English at janeengli@gmail.com 202.488.4375.

Please Volunteer With The ADC

The Arab American Anti Discrimination Committee has extended its hours of operation and community members are encouraged to volunteer their time at the office, which now will be open Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm.

To volunteer, please contact: organizing@adc.org

They are working so hard for all of us. We all need to support the ADC.

National Day of Service

President-Elect Obama is calling for a National Day of Service on Monday, January 19. It's actually been extended to include the weekend.

The Democratic Women of Clifton will participate with a clean up of Clifton Road. Please join them in this community improvement effort by meeting them at the Clifton Elementary School parking lot, 7010 Clifton Road, Clifton, VA 20124 on Sunday, January 18 from 1:00 to 3:00. Please call Barbara Tuset for details - 703.638.4746.

Can't make it? You still can participate in the National Day of Service.

As the economic downturn has hit us, the number of people who don't have enough food has increased dramatically in our area. Food banks and other programs are struggling to do the best they can to address the hunger problem in Fairfax County. Some of the families they serve are one step from homelessness. To help, as part of the National Day of Service, the DWC is collecting gift cards for local grocery stores. These gift cards will be distributed through Our Daily Bread, a Fairfax County non-sectarian, non-profit that serves 60 families every month. Please purchase a gift card for a grocery store (e.g., Giant, Shoppers Food, Safeway) in $25 to $100 denominations and bring to the DWC meeting on January 11th at the Clifton Community Hall, or mail it to DWC, P.O. Box 143, Clifton, VA 20124. If you can't purchase a gift card, please make a check out to Our Daily Bread and put "Food Program" on the memo line and mail it to the DWC address above. We will see that it gets to Our Daily Bread so that they can purchase the gift cards. They plan to deliver your donations on Monday, January 19.

Democratic Women of Clifton

The Democratic Women of Clifton is an organization that provides a friendly, social atmosphere where Democrats can gather to discuss and educate themselves on important issues, learn about the political process, increase awareness in their communities, and help to elect great Democrats to local, state, and national office.

You don't have to be a woman or live in Clifton to join. Check them out - they do great work helping Democrats in Virginia!

Sharon Bulova

Let's do what we can to keep Fairfax County blue. Please support Sharon Bulova for Chair.

Vote for Sharon Bulova on Tuesday, February 3.