AAI: Arab Americans Gratified by Support
Washington-The Arab American Institute has been gratified by the overwhelming support that the community has received at this time of national mourning. Officials such as the President, Attorney General, Secretary of State, the U.S. Senate and ordinary Americans have taken time out to express their concern for Arab Americans and their belief that we are all one nation.
Last night the U.S. Senate, led by Senators Tom Harkin and Orrin Hatch passed a unanimous resolution that stated, "the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans, including Arab Americans and American Muslims, should be protected," and "condemn[ed] any acts of violence or discrimination against any Americans, including Arab Americans and American Muslims."
This statement followed a meeting Arab Americans held with the Department of Justice. After that meeting Attorney General John Ashcroft noted, "We must not descend to the level of those who perpetrated Tuesday's violence by targeting individuals based on race, religion or national origin." Assistant Attorney General Ralph Boyd of the Civil Rights Division met with Arab American leaders to plan a national effort to combat hate crimes.
In addition to these and other displays of official support, such as those by Senators Ted Kennedy, John McCain and Russ Feingold, AAI has received a groundswell of positive messages of compassion and solidarity from Americans of every ethnicity and religion. Grassroots organizations representing Americans of Asian, Italian, Jewish, Hispanic, Portuguese, and African American descent as well as national coalitions supporting racial and ethnic understanding have all offered their support.
"It is true that Arab Americans are still being targeted and we have every reason to be concerned and vigilant as reports of violence continue. But it is important to remember that bigots, like the terrorists, are a minority. For every hate call we receive, we get ten from people who just want to express that they care. It has been touching, that as we are all mourning the loss of so many Americans, including Arab Americans, that people have taken time out from their personal grief to share their thoughts with us and to offer us protection and support. In the more than 30 years that I have been fighting discrimination and bias, I don't know that I have ever felt this much support. This is America at its best and it is most gratifying," said AAI President Dr. James Zogby.
AAI is a national organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent.
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