Special
 The
Arab American National Museum
Immigrants in NJ
Freezing Charity
Survey:
Arab and Jewish Americans
Human Rights in
the US
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Happy Eid-Ul Fitr greetings from American Arab Forum
(Paterson, NJ- 10/01/08) -- On the occasion of the end of the
blessed month of Ramadan, the American Arab Forum wishes you a
blessed Eid marked by faith, prosperity and joy. May we always
remember to bounty of this holy month crowed by personal
sacrifices and a caring heart towards the needy and the pursuit
of a wholesome life.
If you were to look East towards the skyline of Manhattan, NY,
you would notice among the unique commemorations of this
holiday, New York's
Empire State Building is being lit green Wednesday in honor
of Eid. Officials announced last year that the green lighting
will become an annual event in the same tradition of the
lightings for Christmas and Hanukkah.
Eid ul-Fitr, the Festival of Fastbreaking, is the three-day
holiday that concludes the month of fasting. The holiday is a
time for family, friendship and goodwill, a time for forgiveness
and making amends and coming together. Muslims refrain from food
and drink from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the month in
during which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the
Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.
Founded in 2004, the American Arab Forum is an American
institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy
by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in
government, media and policy institutions. AAF is focused on
developing institutions both public and private through which
the proud Arab and Muslim heritage can be celebrated. To this
end , we worked tirelessly towards the soon-to-be-created
Arab Heritage Commission. A public signing ceremony will
soon feature Governor Jon Corzine and distinguished public and
community leaders gathered to witness the signing of the
Executive Order. AAF is also committed to developing
leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic
participation of Arab and Muslim Americans.
AAF extends its thanks to all the public officials who have sent
their personal greetings on this momentous occasion. Of
particular honor are statements from Congressman Bill Pascrell
and Senator Bob Menendez. NJ Governor, Jon Corzine will
personally share his greetings at the Eid prayers at the Islamic
Center of Passaic County.
AAF President, Aref Assaf, stated that "our celebration
will be more complete if the US government were to
announce that they have ended their legal campaign against our
blessed Imam Mohammad Qatanani." As many of you know, the US
government has till Monday , October 6, 2008 to file an appeal.
On September 4, 2008, an Immigration judge sided with
us that the Imam must stay in the United States.
We extend our wishes to all our friends, neighbors and
supporters and we promise to continue our endeavor for
what is right and just.
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The autumn/winter edition of
Banipal Magazine is dedicated to the
memory of Palestinian poet Mahmoud
Darwish.
Click here for more... 
