PHOTO: American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee-Michigan Regional Director Imad Hamad (center, wearing hat) poses with judges honored at the 9th Annual Judges Night event at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn on Thursday, October 28. PHOTOS: Nafeh AbuNab/American Elite Studios

DEARBORN — Around 400 people gathered at the Byblos Banquet Hall on Thursday, October 28 in honor of local “Guardians of Justice” at the ADC’s 9th Annual Judges Night.  The night featured awards given to two local judges, a human rights group, and former members of ADC for their commitments to preserving justice and civil rights.

“Even in this difficult financial time, ADC has made it a huge priority that this night take place annually because they value the work of judges around them in Michigan,” said Kathleen McCarthy, the Judge’s Night committee chair.

Fifty judges, as well as government officials and community leaders, attended the event, whose sponsors included DTE and the U.S. Border Patrol.

Worthy: “The theme is perfect for the prosecutor’s office, ‘Guardians of Justice.’ Our role is that of a gatekeeper.”

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy opened the program as the keynote speaker, feeling that the night’s theme was one she could personally relate to.

“The theme is perfect for the prosecutor’s office: Guardians of Justice.  Our role is that of a gatekeeper,” Worthy said. “I learned that a prosecutors’ most important role is to control what cases get into the system, to ensure that justice is done for everyone.”

Worthy spoke of 10 points that her office is working on to ensure that the community is aware that the prosecutor’s office is committed to conserving justice and engaging the local community in our justice system.

She spoke of the safe schools initiative in Dearborn, diversity programs, the possibility of a community court, grant funding from the capital, an anti-bullying statute for Michigan, diversity training for the staff, informational brochures available in more languages, working to relieve the tension between the African American and Arab American communities, diversifying staff by hiring attorneys from different ethnic backgrounds, and handling immigration problems, which she says is the department’s biggest issue.

“If you commit a crime American-born, and commit a crime not American-born, I think it is unfair that one is deported and one is not just because of where they were born,” she said. Worthy spoke of working with the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) to find a way to prevent deportations for minor offenses.

“I want people to say when they were in the Wayne County prosecutor’s office that they were treated fairly due to our commitment to civil rights and social justice,” Worthy said.

Attorney Abed Ayoub, legal director for ADC National in Washington, D.C., alerted those present that this night was just part of ADC’s work.

“Despite challenges we are addressing our issues,” he said. Currently ADC’s national office is handling 556 open cases, with only two staff attorneys handling them free of charge.

“We are in a predicament in our community,” Ayoub said. “The challenges we are facing are big (especially in regards to discrimination).”

The highlight of the evening was the “Guardians of Justice” award presentation ceremony. Awards were presented to 20th District Court Judge Mark J. Plawecki and Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Annette J. Berry.

“To everyday people Judge Plawecki might be the only guardian of justice against the cruel indictment of our laws,” said Zenna Faraj Elhasan, member of the ADC Michigan advisory board.

Plawecki has served as Chief Judge in the 20th circuit court since 1994, and is the youngest-serving judge in the history of Dearborn Heights.

“His very spirit, rooted in right and wrong, is (displayed) in every case he handles,” said Elhasan.

Wayne County Third Circuit Court Judge Annette J. Berry also received the “Guardian of Justice” award. Berry was elected to the circuit court in 2000 and is serving in the criminal division.

“I said to my husband that’s wonderful but there are so many people who work tirelessly everyday to see that justice is served,” Berry said, “I salute every one of you with this award.”

The “Guardians of Democracy,” a special award, was presented to the Freedom House organization, which is a temporary home for persecution survivors who are seeking asylum in the United States and Canada. Imad Hamad, director of ADC Michigan, said his own relatives were hosted by the Freedom House who helped them become Canadian citizens.

“This is a special overdue tribute to a sister organization that has been a champion of human rights,” Hamad said. “(It’s) to say a simple thank you to a great organization.”

Hamad also presented  a special farewell to Delia Habhab and Nabih Ayad, who both left the organization this year.

“It has been a true pleasure being a part of this organization for the past four years. This organization is truly needed now more than even and I am happy to have played a part,” Habhab said. Nabih Ayad’s farewell award was accepted by his business partner and fellow attorney Mona Fadel.

“It is important to bring a sense of true justice and morality in our community, especially those who sit in office,” said Prosecutor Worthy. “We are glad you honored our judges who are dedicated to justice.”