 The
Arab American National Museum
Survey:
Arab and Jewish Americans
Human Rights in
the US
|
American Arab Forum
www.americanarabforum.org
For Immediate Release
Meeting with Senator Menendez was fruitful and frank
(Paterson, NJ: January 14, 2006) The American Arab Forum hosted a two-hour meeting with
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) on Saturday, January 14, 2006, where he listened
to leaders from the Arab and Muslim community as they apprised him of the
concerns and issues affecting the community.
The meeting was held at the residence of Aref Assaf, President of American Arab
Forum, and was attended by religious leaders, community activists, elected and
appointed officials and Democratic Party operatives. The following issues were
addressed and specific proposals were presented: Civil Rights, Political
involvements, creation of Arab Heritage Commission and the issue of Palestine.
To view the meeting agenda, please go to
http://www.americanarabforum.org/menendez-agenda.htmSenator Menendez acknowledged the growing presence and impact of the
community and addressed the different issues, which were raised by the community
representatives. Stating that a more elaborate discussion is needed to fully
respond to our concerns. He, however, expressed his strong commitment to civil
rights of all Americans and assured the gathering that he will not rush to vote
for the 2001 USA Patriot Act unless sufficient measures are introduced to ensure the Act
does not infringe on the civil liberties of all Americans. The Senator
also welcomed our offer to provide any needed assistance in the formulation of positions
regarding our community.
Aref Assaf, President of American Arab Forum welcomed the opportunity to engage
the Senator as he assumes his job of representing NJ in the US Senate. “As a
growing community, we face great challenges of assimilation, integration and
discrimination,” he stated. “We are ready to shoulder ours responsibility of
being good citizens. Direct and frank contacts with our elected leaders help
mainstream our issues.”
The Senator promised to reach out to our community as he begins his job. The AAF
thanks all the community leaders who attended the event.
End
Sample pictures
1
2 3 4
5 6
7 |
|
