Press Room

Mezza in Minneapolis Will be Held as Scheduled

From AAI
Posted on Sunday August 31, 2008

The Arab American Institute will hold its “Mezza in Minneapolis” as planned, on Tuesday, 2 September at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Congressman Boustany serves as co-chair on the “Mezza in Minneapolis” Honorary Committee; in the spirit of his great work for his district and his country, the Arab American Institute will collect monetary donations for relief efforts in the Gulf states. In addition, proceeds from the sale of AAI Yalla Vote tee-shirts will be donated to the relief fund.

Arab Americans at the Conventions

From AAI
Posted on Sunday August 10, 2008

Since 1988, the Arab American Institute has organized a presence at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions to introduce Americans to real Arabic culture. Without fail, these events are among the most popular on the convention calendar. The Arab American Institute Foundation is pleased to continue the tradition with exciting events at both conventions.

WSJ smear article against Mazen Asbahi: NO THANKS

From AAI
Posted on Thursday August 7, 2008

The Wall Street Journal published an article this week detailing how its inquiries prompted the resignation of Mazen Asbahi, a Chicago lawyer who had just been appointed volunteer national coordinator for Arab American and Muslim American affairs for Barack Obama’s campaign.

Dr. James Zogby to Testify before the DNC 2008 Platform Committee

From AAI
Posted on Thursday July 31, 2008

Dr. James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute, Democratic Super Delegate and member of Obama’s Foreign Policy Committee on Arab-Israeli Affairs, is scheduled to appear before the 2008 Platform Committee of the Democratic National Committee to testify on issues that Arab Americans are facing.

Former Career Diplomat Sentenced Today for Sending Obscene and Threatening Messages

From AAI
Posted on Wednesday July 30, 2008

WASHINGTON – July 11, 2008 – Former American career diplomat W. Patrick Syring was sentenced today in federal court in Washington, D.C. On June 12, 2008, Mr. Syring pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights charge for threatening employees of the Arab American Institute (AAI) because of their race and national origin, and to a second charge for the interstate transmission of threatening communications.

Today, Syring was sentenced to two concurrent sentences of 12 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of post-release supervision, 100 hours of community service and was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. The Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly presided over the sentencing.

Letter to Secretary Rice Urges Further Championship of Gaza Students’ Hopes

From AAI
Posted on Monday July 14, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 15, 2008 – The Foundation for Middle East Peace, the Arab American Institute, and five other American organizations who support a two state peace between Israel and Palestine have asked Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to urge Israel to permit hundreds of students in Gaza who have been admitted to foreign universities to exit Gaza. These students are confined to Gaza because of Israel’s closure policy.

The other co-signers of the letter are Americans for Peace Now, American Task Force on Palestine, Churches for Middle East Peace, the Israel Policy Forum, and Brit Tzedek v’Shalom.

AAI, ADC, MPAC Concerned By Alleged DOJ Guidelines

From AAI
Posted on Sunday July 13, 2008

Washington, DC July 3, 2008 The Arab American Institute (AAI), the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and other organizations are concerned by an Associated Press report quoting “senior FBI, Justice Department, and U.S. intelligence officials” concerning new Department of Justice guidelines which are slated for implementation later this summer. The guidelines would allegedly give the FBI authority to “investigate Americans without any evidence of wrongdoing, relying instead on a terrorist profile that could single out Muslims, Arabs or other racial and ethnic groups.”

AAIF Launches Scholarship for Arab American Journalism Students

From AAIF
Posted on Wednesday July 9, 2008

AAI, ADC, and ATFP Continue to Raise Entry Denial Concerns with State Department

From AAI
Posted on Sunday July 6, 2008

WASHINGTON – June 25, 2008 – On June 19, the Arab American Institute (AAI), American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), and the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) met with State Department officials from the Bureau of Consular affairs, and the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs to discuss the practice of denying entry to U.S. citizens of Palestinian or Arab descent into Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).

“Viewpoint with James Zogby” to Feature Rep. Dennis Kucinich and Debbie Almontaser

From AAI
Posted on Wednesday June 25, 2008

In June 26 Episode, Host James Zogby Will Speak With Congressman Who Introduced Articles of Impeachment and Former Khalil Gibran International Academy Principal

WASHINGTON – June 26, 2008 – Today’s edition of “Viewpoint with James Zogby” will feature Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, who earlier this month introduced 35 articles of impeachment against President George W. Bush, and Debbie Almontaser, the former principal of New York’s Khalil Gibran International Academy.

American University in Cairo Honors AAI President Dr. James Zogby

From AAI
Posted on Tuesday June 17, 2008

The American University in Cairo (AUC) granted Arab American Institute President Dr. James Zogby the Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa on Thursday, June 19. Zogby also delivered the keynote speech at the university’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on the same day.

Rep. Ray LaHood to Receive 2008 Najeeb Halaby Award at Kahlil Gibran Awards Gala

From AAI
Posted on Thursday April 17, 2008

WASHINGTON – April 18, 2008 – The Arab American Institute (AAI) and Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will honor U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois at the 10th annual Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards gala on Wednesday, April 23 in Washington, D.C. LaHood will receive this year’s Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service, presented annually to an Arab American who has excelled in public service while displaying strong and visible pride in his or her heritage. Sen. John E. Sununu of New Hampshire will present the award to LaHood, who is retiring from Congress after representing the 18th District of Illinois for seven terms.

Reporters Without Borders to Receive Award for Institutional Excellence at 2008 Kahlil Gibran Awards Gala

From AAI
Posted on Monday April 7, 2008

Rami Khouri, Editor of Beirut-based Daily Star, to Present Award to Organization Founder Robert Menard

WASHINGTON – April 7, 2008 – The Arab American Institute (AAI) and Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will recognize Reporters Without Borders with the Award for Institutional Excellence at the 10th annual Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards gala on Wednesday, April 23 in Washington, D.C. The organization will be honored for its advocacy on behalf of journalists, as well as its support for freedom of the press worldwide. Daily Star editor Rami Khouri will present the award to Reporters Without Borders founder and Secretary-General Robert Menard, who will travel from Paris to attend the gala.

AAIF to Honor Refugees International at 10th Annual Kahlil Gibran Awards Gala

From AAI
Posted on Wednesday April 2, 2008

Actor Sam Waterston to Present Organization With Award for International Commitment at April 23 Event

WASHINGTON – April 3, 2008 – The Arab American Institute (AAI) and Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will honor Refugees International at the 10th annual Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards gala on Wednesday, April 23 in Washington. Actor and Refugees International board member Sam Waterston will present the organization with the Award for International Commitment in recognition of over 25 years of contributions to the humanitarian field, confronting the world’s worst refugee crises through a unique combination of advocacy and action.

2008 Kahlil Gibran Awards Gala to Honor Refugees International, Reporters Without Borders; Event to Include “Law and Order” Star Sam Waterston

From AAI
Posted on Wednesday April 2, 2008

U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois, Barenboim-Said Foundation Also to Receive Recognition at April 23 Event

The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will host the tenth annual Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards gala on Wednesday, April 23 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. This year’s gala will honor Refugees International for its advocacy on behalf of the world’s displaced people and its recent work on behalf of Iraqi refugees, and Reporters Without Borders for its courageous mission to promote press freedom worldwide.

“Law and Order” star Sam Waterston (above), a board member of Refugees International, will present the organization with the Award for International Commitment. Rami Khouri, editor of the Beirut-based Daily Star, will present the Award for Institutional Achievement to Reporters Without Borders.

Find out more about the gala here and click here to purchase your tickets online!