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Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, May-June 2008, page 68 Arab-American Activism Second Annual Arab-American Yearbook Released
IN A FORMAL inaugural gala at the Library of Congress on March 4, TIYM Publishing Company presented the second edition of the Arab American Yearbook. Speaking at the event, Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, said, “The Arab American Yearbook puts between two covers a portrait of who we are.” The Yearbook intends to be a comprehensive resource for and about the Arab-American community. Included in the latest edition are nationwide directories of Arab-American organizations and businesses, profiles of distinguished community members, information on financial aid for Arab-American students, as well as statistics, charts and graphs of data about the community. Speakers at the event lauded the Arab-American community, citing the positive contributions and influence that are captured in the Yearbook. “Coming from 22 Arab nations and with the wide diversity that represents, we created and became a community,” Zogby noted. “Children from the first generation of immigrants saw common values, and a commitment to democracy and opportunity. You can see reflected in the Yearbook the accomplishments of our community—an American success story.“ Zogby acknowledged that 9/11 has presented serious challenges to Arab Americans. “But I look at 30, 20 or even 10 years ago and I look at today,” he said, “and I see the trajectory for our community is upward.” He emphasized that even though the United States has pursued policies that have been “wrongheaded,” Arab Americans must be part of the debate, especially in this election year of 2008. Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) echoed Zogby’s call for Arab-American participation in the political process. “There is currently a fight for the understanding of the hearts and minds of people around the world and here in the United States,” he said. “Arab Americans need to step forward and teach America to not just pick sides, but to be a part of solutions in the Middle East.” The Arab American Yearbook is available at <www.arabamericanyearbook.com>. —Josh Walsh |
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