Loading ...Arab Americans Come to DNC Convention with “Yalla Philly”
Series of Events Highlights Community’s Culture and Concerns During Tense Election
Washington, DC – On Tuesday and Wednesday, July 26 and 27, the Arab American Institute Foundation will host a series of events during the Democratic National Convention to share the community’s cultural heritage and current policy concerns with delegates and the Philly community.
In addition to AAIF’s official events, Arab American delegates from more than one dozen states, including Super Delegate and Platform Drafting Committee Member James Zogby, will be available for press throughout the Convention.
“Ahlan Wa Sahlan Philly: An Arab American Block Party,”Tuesday, July 26 from 9PM-2AM at the Singing Fountain is a celebratory event featuring Arabic food, traditional Dabke dancers, hookah pipes, and culturally based cocktails. Members of the local Philadelphia Arab American community will be on hand to welcome delegates and share in the food and fun. This event is open to the public. Ahlan Wa Sahlan is a common colloquial Arabic phrase used to welcome newcomers and friends.
“Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in a Climate of Suspicion” on Wednesday, July 27 1PM at the National Constitution Center at Independence Mall will examine concerns around profiling, surveillance and the need for due process protections around. Panelists include:
-Maya Berry, Executive Director, Arab American Institute
-Michael German, Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice
-Susan Herman, President, American Civil Liberties Union
-Vincent Warren, Executive, Director, Center for Constitutional Right
“The Untenable Status Quo: U.S. Policy Options for Palestine/Israel” on Wednesday, July 27 3PM at the National Constitution Center at Independence Mall will focus on the future of U.S. policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and plausible steps forward. Panelists include:
-Sam Bahour, Chairman, Americans for a Vibrant Palestinian Economy
-Peter Beinart, Columnist and Author
-Debra DeLee, President and CEO, Americans for Peace Now
-James Zogby, Founder and President, Arab American Institute
A not-for-profit affiliate of AAI, the Arab American Institute Foundation’s goal is to encourage, recognize, and celebrate Arab American participation in American civic life, and to cultivate and mobilize a strong, educated, empowered Arab American community that can play a meaningful role in the betterment of our country. AAIF’s programming provides communities with the platform and hard data necessary to strategically and successfully combat xenophobia, and anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bigotry. Through its numerous outreach programs AAIF builds leadership skills among students and young professionals and informs the public, government agencies, and organizations about the contributions and concerns of Arab Americans.