Arab American heritage on display at the White House
This year, a celebration of our White House decorates trees as part of their annual Christmas celebration, ornaments representing Arab American heritage will be on display.
AAI participated as part of an effort to involve America’s ethnic communities in creating designs for a White House Christmas tree. Design ideas submitted by AAI members were realized by Eileen and Sarah Zogby and members of the AAI staff. The ornaments portrayed the rich variety of Arab American culture and heritage, and included images of Arabian horses, dabke dancers, Bedouins crossing the desert at night, Egyptian papyrus. The dove of peace was a prominent feature of the designs, as well.
Thanks to all who sent in their ideas and suggestions and made this project such a success.
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We Are Not Europe
In the wake of the Ft. Hood massacre and recent arrests involving some young men seeking association with dangerous international terrorist activity and others who appeared to be on the verge of carrying out terrorist actions in the U.S., questions have been raised by politicians and the media. “Do we have a homegrown terrorist problem?” “Are we becoming like Europe?”
It was in this context that I accepted an invitation, last week, to testify before a Congressional committee. I was pleased that the committee wasn’t buying into the media frenzy, but was seeking, instead, a sober discussion, because I believe that this entire matter is critical not only to our national security, it also represents a test of our national character….
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2009: The Year in Review
In November 2008, the Arab American Institute and Foundation (AAI) wrapped up our most comprehensive Yalla Vote initiative to date. Our staff and volunteers, partners and interns had done incredible work—not just in 2008, but since the day we launched the program in 2007. And, in the wake of the largest Arab American voter turnout in history, we were proud and energized.
It turned out that we needed that energy, because 2009 has been just as eventful a year. AAI was your voice on domestic issues, from introducing Arab Americans’ issues to a new Administration to coordinating with both major political parties to ensure outreach in our communities nationwide; from fighting the most egregious provisions of the PATRIOT Act to hosting the 21st Annual Virginia Candidates Night. And on the international front…
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