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For Immediate Release
American Arab Forum
American Arab Forum is deeply disturbed by character assassination of Arab
American candidate
Contact Aref Assaf, 973-960-2673
Paterson, NJ, March 21, 2006: The American Arab Forum (AAF), a think-tank based
in Paterson, NJ views with grave concern deliberate attempts to defame and
malign the good character and dignity of an Arab American candidate who was
selected to run on the slate for Board of Freeholder in Passaic County, NJ.
Sami Merhi, a longtime Democratic Party supporter, well-respected businessman
and a community leader went through a detailed vetting process and ultimately
received a majority of the vote to win the nod from the Passaic County
Democratic Party. Freeholders are responsible for County affairs, such as public
roads, utilities, and court administration. Mr. Merhi is being targeting for
statements attributed to him that he has long ago refuted. They are not
questioning Mr. Merhi's credentials as a candidate for freeholder but instead
mischaracterizing his views on foreign policy issues to present him as a
supporter of suicide bombers.
Aref Assaf, President of AAF, expressed his “serious reservations about the
malicious and baseless charges of Mr. Merhi’s endorsement of terrorism.” Mr.
Assaf added, “Mr. Merhi is a man of great repute, and his personal convictions
abhor the taking of innocent life by anyone and for any reason.” Mr. Merhi is
categorically against terrorism and has fervently supported peaceful resolutions
to political conflicts.”
Shamefully, certain parties are using their positions of authority to prevent a
most qualified Arab American from serving all of the citizens of Passaic
County.” Mr. Assaf added, “These politicians are indeed the ones whose motives
ought to be questioned and their bigotry exposed.”
AAF calls on the Democratic Party leadership to stand by Mr. Merhi. We are
grateful for Congressman Bill Pascrell for standing firm behind Mr. Merhi. We
are hopeful that both Senator Menendez and Governor Corzine will avail
themselves to a more thorough investigation of the allegations and the character
of Mr. Merhi. The Democratic Party leaders should not taint Mr. Merhi with these
vicious accusations without at a minimum giving him a fair hearing to express
his real views and convictions. He should be judged on these views, not the
distorted clippings of newspaper articles or those who are pushing an agenda not
relevant to the critical issues of Passaic County. Just like every other
citizen, he is entitled to have different views on issues of local and worldwide
concern. If unqualified support for Israeli policies is the key requirement for
local office, then all citizens need to understand the deleterious implications
this would have for furthering the ideals of our great nation. EndRelated stories
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