Arab youth make an impact at Michigan Democratic convention
DETROIT — Several Arab Americans attended the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) convention Feb.23, but it was the youth who made the Arab community more visible to the more than 3,600 delegates there. About 35 members of the Arab Student Union (ASU) from the University of Michigan Dearborn and Fordson High School (FHS) engaged...Twenty-five students awarded scholarships at ADC’s 14th Annual MLK reception
DEARBORN — The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. shined through this past Friday at Byblos Banquet Hall when the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Michigan (ADC-MI) hosted their 14th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Awards Reception, co-hosted by American Citizens for Justice (ACJ).For 14 years now, the ADC has...Arabs in the media: National journalists briefed at AANM
(L-R): Rana Elmir, Osama Siblani, Imam Al-Qazwini and Robert Foley. PHOTOS: Laura FawazDEARBORN-Nearly 20 journalists from around the world who're part of the prestigious Knight Wallace journalism fellows program visited the Arab American National Museum (AANM) Tuesday where a panel discussion on reporting about Arabs living in and...Mayor O’Reilly discusses crime prevention, budgeting, and Dearborn’s future at annual address
DEARBORN — On Wednesday evening Mayor Jack O'Reilly held his 2013 State of the City Address at city hall, where he discussed the city's recent developments and upcoming projects. Dignitaries and officials at the event included Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad, 19th District Court Judge Sam Salamey, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano,...Dehumanizing the Palestinian cause on campus
Last week, StandWithUS and I-LEAD brought two Israel Defense Forces soldiers to campus with the goal of humanizing the IDF because they felt that the “media presented a skewed portrait of them.” How did the soldiers attempt to do this? By dehumanizing the Palestinian narrative — its culture, politics and people. The discourse used...The Tehran I remember
As someone who lived in Tehran, Iran back in the 1970’s, I especially enjoyed seeing the movie Argo win the Best Picture Oscar. It’s a great story, with compelling characters and lots of suspense. The fact that the story is true makes it even more incredible because the plot is like something that would spring from the...State recognizes Dearborn Public Schools for its anti-bullying efforts
DEARBORN — The Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) recognized Dearborn Public Schools (DPS) for its anti-bullying program, which is now being used as a model in other school districts. According to the district, MASA awarded DPS the Winners’ Circle award this year for its anti-bullying program. ...Border Patrol’s new policy praised by immigrant rights leaders
DETROIT – This week, the Alliance for Immigrants Rights and Reform and Michigan Organizing Project praised the release of a new policy memorandum from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The memo explicitly provides guidelines and some protection for people attending places of worship, schools and human service...Will Washington reciprocate? The Iranians and unconditional friendship
TEHRAN — Truth be told, this American observer has attended his share of international conferences and has traveled in more than 70 countries. But never has he visited such a complex, evolving, striving and energized society, populated by idealistic people of great warmth, sense of humor and caring for those in need...FBI: Convicted killer targets two community leaders
Richard SchmidtDETROIT — According to the FBI, a convicted killer, and reported neo-Nazi sympathizer who was arrested last year with an arsenal of weapons in Ohio had compiled a list with the names of two local leaders, Rev. Wendell Anthony, president of the Detroit Branch NAACP, and Scott Kaufman, CEO of the Jewish Federation...Civil rights groups challenge judge’s gag ruling in McDonald’s non-halal case
DEARBORN — Dearborn attorney Majed Moughni, who earlier this month tried to intervene into the McDonald’s non-halal settlement and was denied by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen MacDonald, now has the backing of two civil rights groups in hopes to have the judge rescind an order which prohibited him from speaking publicly on...Officials plan on making sex between students and school officials illegal
LANSING — Elected officials in Lansing are planning on making sexual intercourse between students and school officials illegal regardless of the student’s age. The state’s senate passed SB 135 which would make sex between school officials and students a felony, and considered, “criminal sexual conduct in the third...Dearborn residents now eligible for energy savings grant program; deadline Mar. 31
DEARBORN-Residents can benefit from reduced energy bills and potentially save hundreds of dollars by participating in a BetterBuildings for Michigan program available to them for the first time because of a new partnership with the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.The deadline for residents to sign up for the cost-savings...Hundreds gather in Kalamazoo to demand immigration reform
KALAMAZOO — Nearly 400 people packed the St. Jo Gym in Kalamazoo. They were there to tell U.S. Rep. Fred Upton that now is the time for immigration reform, and that it's time he met with immigrant advocates to make real commitments on the issue. Members came from across Upton's district - Kalamazoo, Sturgis, Hartford, Fennville,...Top five home improvement projects that increase your home’s value
Selling a home in today’s aggressive marketplace can be challenging. The good news is there are a few tweaks that can give homeowners a serious leg up on the competition.With the warmer months being the most active time of year to buy and sell real estate, it’s important to ensure your home is seen in the best light......
Bill prevents child safety seat violations from being waived
LANSING — Under a bill that was passed 35-1 by the state senate recently, judges would no longer be required to waive court penalties for child safety seat violators. Those who violate child safety seat laws can avoid up to $103 in court fines by purchasing a child safety seat before their scheduled court appearance. Provisions...Arab American purchases Cheli’s Chili Bar
DEARBORN — Najib Rizk, the owner of Le Cigar and Martini Bar and La Hookah located on Michigan Avenue has reportedly purchased the closed Cheli’s Chili Bar here. Rizk is expected to move his businesses into the vacant building after he remodels it. It was open for 10 years. The Cheli’s in downtown Detroit will remain open....Internationally recognized surgeon to be awarded at ACCESS dinner
Marwan Abouljoud, director of the Transplant Institute at Henry Ford HospitalDEARBORN - Marwan Abouljoud, director of the Transplant Institute at Henry Ford Hospital, will be honored as Arab American of the Year at ACCESS' 42nd anniversary dinner on April 27 at the Marriott Detroit Renaissance Center.Abouljoud is considered an...
Sophomore’s sudden death shocks community
February 22nd, 20130 DEARBORN — A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday night for Fordson High School sophomore Ali Hachem, who died suddenly Sunday night. “He was a good kid and full of life,” said Yasmine Ferris, Hachem’s cousin and a teacher at FHS. Family of Ali Hachem were joined by his friends, classmates and community members as......
Middle Eastern entrepreneurs launch new businesses in metro Detroit
February 22nd, 20130 The Arab American News is continuing to keep track of Middle Eastern entrepreneurs who’re launching new businesses across metro Detroit, and contributing to the region’s economic stability. Here’s our latest piece on some businesses that haven’t been open for a year, and are thriving. Five Star Flower Boutique...Iraq war-Ten years later: Local scholar traveling to Sweden to discuss deteriorating conditions
DEARBORN —Henry Ford Community College (HFCC) Art History Professor Dr. Hashim Al-Tawil will be traveling to Sweden from March 6-9, where he will be giving a series of lectures and presentations at two different venues; The Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities in Stockholm and at the University of Uppsala, where he was......
Regarding America’s misplaced priorities
Editor,In the corporate/banking world the term "stakeholder" is used to describe investors who are given special preferred treatment. How does this exclusionary perspective compare with a government that is charged with the responsibility to look at and after all Americans as "stakeholders"? In the 1950s American President Dwight...
Dearborn attorney testifies against Ireland man charged with terrorism
February 22nd, 20130 DEARBORN — Attorney Majed Moughni testified in a trial via video conference on Wednesday against Ali Charaf Damache, who is on trial in Ireland for threatening to kill Swedesh artist Lars Vilks, a man who drew a caricature depicting prophet Muhammad as a dog. Damache allegedly threatened to kill Moughni after he had organized an......