DEARBORN — The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) in Michigan will continue its unique tradition of honoring exemplary judges during its Annual Judges Night on October 16, 2007 at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center here.

The event will mark the 6th year of this prestigious event, where select judges are honored for their dedicated commitment to civil rights. The dinner will host numerous local and federal officials and will feature Julie Myers, Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, as the keynote speaker.

Julie Myers

Myers, who heads U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will speak for the first time at an ADC Michigan event. ADC Michigan Regional Director, Imad Hamad, emphasized the importance of having Myers present at the event.

“Ms. Myers’ presence at our Annual Judges Night celebration is very important to ADC and the community as a whole, as it marks her first appearance at an Arab American event in Michigan,” he stated. “Having her speak at this event is consistent with ADC’s efforts to engage actively with government representatives, and it exemplifies the government’s ongoing commitment to outreach in the Arab American community.”

Hamad added that maintaining dialogue is the key to strengthening the relationship between the community and governmental entities like ICE.

“Like any other relationship, the one between the Arab American community and ICE is not without its challenges,” Hamad continued. “We have had our share of differences on a variety of issues. What is most important, however, is the continuation of this much-needed dialogue, which we hope to sustain. To engage actively with the head of ICE is imperative as we deal with the many ongoing challenges our community has faced since 9/11.”

The event will also give special recognition to United States District Court Magistrate Charles Binder, who presided over a case regarding three Texas men who were charged with terror felony charges in Caro, Michigan, in September of 2006. Judge Binder eventually dismissed the charges, due to a lack of evidence presented by federal prosecutors. Binder will be presented with the “Guardian of Justice Award” for his service to the bench.

Wayne County Circuit Court Judge David Allen will also be honored for his dedicated service to his constituents, both in and out of the courtroom.

Judges Night is hosted and supported by ADC Michigan’s Advisory Board, which plans the event every year. ADC Michigan Director of Policy and Community Affairs, Nadia Fadel, who serves as co-chair of the Advisory Board, said that the event is unique in that it celebrates individuals who are dedicated to upholding civil rights.

“Our Annual Judges Night is among ADC’s most prestigious events, with 500 attendees, including judges, attorneys, officials, and community members with a common interest in upholding the letters of our constitution and maintaining equality for all under our judicial system,” stated Fadel.

Hamad added that what contributes to the distinctiveness of the event is that it is the first of its kind to focus specifically on the judicial community. He acknowledged that the need for open communication between the local community and members of the bench is vital.

“This prestigious event provides a setting for all of us to interact with each other under one roof in a beneficial, constructive manner,” concluded Hamad. “It has become one of ADC’s unique trademark events. We take pride in this program and are honored to have the opportunity to recognize these exceptional members of our judicial community.”