Dear friends: It is indeed my distinct honor that I take on this awesome responsibility of leading the American Arab Forum (AAF). I am cognizant of its challenging mandate to provide accurate and timely information and resources to and about the Arab-American community. Without a sustained and credible source for data, our community's voice will not be heard by those who are empowered to make decisions on our behalf.

We take great comfort in the great strides achieved by other leading organizations such as the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and the American-Arab Institute, and the American-Arab University Graduates, among others.

We are employing proven methods to develop and sustain a positive image of our community. It is not enough that we appreciate our self-worth, accomplishments, history and culture. It is equally significant, that the larger American society recognizes our accomplishments, and our positive role in building a great society and a better world.

We hope you will want to share in our vision and we truly welcome your support and opinion. Through the vast experience of AAF staff, directors and executive leadership, we aim to integrate all available data, embark on new original research and provide research papers and position statements on the following major topics:

1. Immigration:
   Link to US Government site
   History of immigration by Arab Americans
   Immigration concerns and resource
2. Cultural Narratives
   History of the NJ Arab American community
   Education
   Customs
3. Political empowerment
4. Civil and political rights
5. Speakers Bureau and Research Center
6. Middle East politics
   

Please join us!

Respectfully,

Aref Assaf, PhD

President, American Arab Forum