The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee's (ADC) 25th Year Silver Anniversary Convention drew to a close this past Sunday. It will be remembered as one of the more dynamic National Conventions in recent memory. More than 2,000 persons took part in the three-day Convention held over the Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29, to celebrate ADC's 25 years of dedicated service to civil and human rights. Attendees from across the nation, including US government representatives, Ambassadors, families, and friends, gathered to support ADC in its mission of protecting civil rights at home, and achieving peace and justice in the Middle East.

Among the highlights this year was the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor American veterans, and a tour of Capitol Hill with ADC President Hon. Mary Rose Oakar. The Silver Anniversary celebration also featured an impressive list of distinguished speakers throughout the convention. Among these were Hon. John Conyers, former Senator George McGovern, Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Dan Sutherland, Prince Al Walid Bin Talal Al Saud, and a taped message by Kasey Casem.

Also contributing to the celebration was world-renowned musician Simon Shaheen, and his band Qantara. Additionally, Syrian musical group Kulna Sawa, and Arab-American comedians Maysoon Zayid and Aron Kader performed.

As with previous years, the convention included a multitude of workshops, panel discussions, banquets, and conversations. 41 exhibitors set up display tables at the Convention site and a two-day film festival took place.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

ADC marked the opening of the 25th Year Silver Anniversary Convention, with a speech by HE Clovis Maksoud, former Ambassador of the Arab League. Maksoud kicked off Friday's events with a speech outlining ADC's achievements, goals, and visions.

It was important to ADC to honor past American Veterans during the Convention. In a moving tribute, ADC President Hon. Mary Rose Oakar, Arab American WWII Veteran Nadim Makdisi, West Point Cadet Lee Habib Roberts, Chairman of the ADC Board Safa Rifka, MD, ADC Treasurer George Majeed Khoury, servicemen and observers, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Attendees also paid homage to public service when they attended a special tour of the US Capitol with Hon. Mary Rose Oakar. While there, they were able to visit the House Floor, an area that is usually restricted to outside visitors.

During the tour, Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV) met with participants to speak about Congress, and the importance of having Arab-American voices on the Capitol. As emphasized by Hon. Rahall, it is imperative that ADC members establish a rapport with their representatives. This year, Lobby Day will be held in September when much of the legislation in Congress and the Senate is finalized. For more information, contact ADC's Director of Legislative Affairs Christine Gleichert at 202-244-2990.

Following these meetings was a lavish dinner reception held at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ADC warmly thanks the UAE Embassy for welcoming ADC and for the generous hospitality of H.E. Abdullah Al Saboosi.

Later that evening at the Convention site Jack Shaheen kicked off the "Evening of Entertainment." Kerri Casey and her famous father Casey Kasem sent their best wishes to ADC via a taped message. Jack Shaheen announced the winners of his Mass Communications Scholarship award. Winners of the $1000 scholarship are: Heidi Saman, Stephanie Abraham Tarik Ahmed Elseewi. Winners of the $500 scholarship are: Stephanie Teebagy, Emman Alleban, Laila Al-Arian. Abraham and Al-Arian were present that evening to receive their awards.

The critically acclaimed musician Simon Shaheen and his band Al-Qantara, gave a much-anticipated performance to a large crowd of fans and attendees. Closing that night's entertainment was comedian Maysoon Zayid, who received boisterous laughter and applause for her politically oriented stand up, followed by the always popular ADC hafle (party).

SATURDAY, MAY 28

On Saturday morning, Vice-Chair of the Progressive Muslim Union Hussein Ibish facilitated the Media Roundtable discussion entitled "Covering the War on Terror," in which fellow journalists outlined the tremendous responsibilities

of investigative reporting, and the discrepancy in the treatment of faulty intelligence from reporters and intelligence officers. The panel was broadcast live on C-Span, and included an array of opinions and personalities from both ends of the journalism spectrum. Among the panelists were: Pulitzer Prize Winner Mike Sallah, Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera Hafez Al-Mirazi, LA Times reporter Ken Silverstein, and American Prospect journalist Jason Vest.

Demonstrating ADC's commitment to being part of the political landscape of the US, Phyllis Bennis, of the Institute for Policy Studies facilitated the "Assessment of US Enterprise in Iraq," panel, that explored aspects of the US presence in Iraq. Joining Bennis were California State University Professor Ayad Al Qazzaz, The American University Professor Edmund Ghareeb, and Colonel W. Patrick Lang, President of Global Resources Group, and also a former Defense Intelligence Officer.

Two other panels focused on US foreign policy and world affairs. One panel was entitled "'Democratization' of the Middle East," featuring HE Clovis Maksoud of The American University and the State Department's David W. Mulenex, Senior Regional Coordinator of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

The other panel "Syria-Lebanon Crisis: Causes, Risks, and Solutions," was moderated by member of ADC's Board of Directors David Khairallah and joining him were Ambassador Theodore Kattouf currently President of AMIDEAST; University of Michigan Professor Juan Cole; and Trinity University Professor David Lesch.

The ADC Legal Department also held two panels on Saturday. The first, "Questions and Answers with Your Federal Government," was broadcast live on C-Span, and offered participants the opportunity to ask questions to Federal Government Representatives. The panel was facilitated by ADC Director of Law Enforcement Outreach Program Nawar Shora. Panelists included Stephen Thorne, Community Relations Service, Justice Department; Sebastian Aloot, Office of Special Counsel, Department of Justice; Rebekah Tosado, DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; Michael Rollince, Special Agent in Charge, Washington Field Office, FBI; Russ Knocke, Director of Public Affairs, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, DHS; Joseph Mansour, Employment Discrimination, Federal Corrections Officer, US Bureau of Prisons; and Walied Shater, U.S. Secret Service.

The "Civil Rights Discussion: Liberty and Security," addressed the delicate, but imperative balance between homeland security and civil rights. Facilitated by ADC's Director of Legal Policy Kareem Shora, panelists included: ACLU Legislative Counsel for National Security Issues Timothy Edgar; President of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) Noel Saleh and National Director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council Ahmed Younis.

Among the other intriguing panels that took place on Saturday was the "Arab-American Women: Making a Difference." The Arab American Women's panel was moderated by ADC Michigan Deputy Director Rana Abbas-Chami, and she was joined by the Executive Director of the Arab American Institute Foundation Helen Samhan; member of ADC's Board of Directors Linda Mansour-Ismail; and author Samar Jarrah. The panel addressed the contributions of women here in the US and elsewhere.

Once again, the "Growing Up Arab American" panel was highly anticipated and well attended. ADC's Communications Coordinator Siwar Bandar moderated the panel, and panelists included: Policy Analyst at the Arab American Institute Rebecca Abou-Chedid; Bobby Ina; Tarek Ismail; and Noor Najeeb.

In keeping with the theme of social challenges, ADC also provided a panel on Academic Freedom addressing the issue of open and positive academic debate on campuses. Moderated by ADC's Legislative Director Christine Gleichert; panelists included Michael Hudson of Georgetown University; and Issa Mikel.

At the Saturday Luncheon, Daniel Sutherland, Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at DHS, was the guest speaker. In his speech, he reiterated his commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans and thanked ADC for its tireless efforts on behalf of, not only Arab-Americans, but also all minority groups.

Additionally, there was a tribute to Laura Murphy, retiring Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for her years of dedicated service to protecting civil rights and liberties. Also honored at the Luncheon were Judge George Caram Steeh, Assistant Attorney General Alex Acosta, and Acting Director of the ACLU Gregory Nojeim, among others.

Later that evening, at the Anniversary Gala the keynote speaker was Prince Al Walid bin Talal Al Saud, recipient of ADC's Global Achievement Award. Also receiving awards were, Mike Sallah, Sheikh Walied Al Ibrahim, Joseph R. Haiek, Al Jazeera, the Maloof family, William Hanna, Fawaz Ismail, Naseeb Saliba, Hon. Nick Rahall, and Hon. John Conyers, who also gave remarks during the Gala.

The Banquet hall was filled to the capacity on Saturday night when Prince Al Walid bin Talal Al Saud gave the keynote address. The speech was received with thundering applause and was covered on C-Span and rebroadcast multiple times.

In his speech the Prince outlined the importance of the Arab-American community as a bridge between the Arab world and the West. He said, "Needless to say, we in the Arab World derive a good measure of pride and reflected glory, for your accomplishment provide a corrective antidote to what is often said about us abroad. And they deepen the recognition that success can indeed be realized in the Arab World if only we are to create a suitable setting to foster and unleash the abundant talent that we have at home." He later added, "The more I reflect on the state of relations between the United States and the Arab and Muslim worlds, the more I am convinced that what unite us is infinitely greater than the elements that divide. Many of the fundamental values of each of the three great monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, are shared by all. And the admiration that Arabs in general have for American institution, and principles of governance, especially as articulated by the US Constitution, runs deep and wide." Prince Al Walid also extended his generosity to ADC when he pledged to help ADC purchase a building that will house its National office and a cultural center.

SUNDAY, MAY 29

On Sunday morning, "Prospects for Peace in Palestine" featuring Salman Abu Sitta, was the only panel. George Majeed Khoury, Treasurer of the ADC Board of Directors, introduced Abu Sitta who discussed the Palestinian right of return and its implementation.

ADC held its members-only General Assembly meeting and workshops on creating organizations on campuses, chapter organizing, and broadcasting on cable access. The Sunday Luncheon featured the Rachel Corrie Award Recipient; Brian Avery who movingly spoke about his experience in Palestine after he was shot in the face by Israeli Defense Force soldiers. Rachel Corrie's father and sister Sarah Corrie Simpson were present in the audience. ADC Founder James Abourezk also presented an award to Alison Weir of "If Americans Knew." The Sunday Luncheon was also an opportunity to thank and honor those who have served ADC and the larger Arab-American community. ADC also thanked long-standing staff member Marvin Wingfield for his commitment to ADC over past two and a half decades.

ADC thanks all of you for helping to celebrate ADC's 25th Year Silver Anniversary.

For permission to reprint and or request for photos, contact Laila Al-Qatami or Siwar Bandar at 202-244-2990.