March
4, 2003
City of Kalamazoo
241 W. South Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Dear
Mayor Robert Jones:
I
hope this letter reaches you well and in good spirits.
I am writing on behalf of the American-Arab Anti-
Discrimination Committee (ADC) and the Arab and Muslim American
communities at large to bring your attention to a significant matter
that affects us all.
In
follow-up to Secretary of State Colin Powell’s address at the UN
Security Council on February 5, 2003, a U.S. lead war on Iraq seems
eminent in the near future. As
I am sure you are already aware, such a war will have a tremendous
impact on all of us living here in the United States.
In
addition to the affect that the War will have on the economy and
well being of the nation, a looming threat exists against Arab and
Muslim Americans. With
the emergence of war, it is apparent that emotions will rise and
anger will be fueled among some Americans.
This reaction can have a detrimental affect on people,
particular those of an Arab or Muslim background.
ADC
and the Arab American community it servers have always valued its
relationship with you and continue to admire your efforts to ensure
that our needs are met. Please regard this letter as a request to
you as the Mayor of the City of Kalamazoo, to carry out this duty
and send out a strong precautionary public message that the war is
in no way reflective of feelings towards Arab and Muslim Americans
and that no act of hate against any individual will be tolerated.
Please note that a similar letter has been sent to other
state officials, including US Attorney Margaret Chiara, Governor
Jennifer Granholm, Kalamazoo County Commissioner Deb Buchholtz-Hiemstra,
and Portage Mayor
James Graham.
It is essential at this time to remind our fellow Americans
that the Arab and Muslim American communities are an integral; part
of Michigan and our nation as well.
I
also encourage you to continue to use the ADC as a resource, should
you need to. Rest
assured that our organization will work hard to maintain and enhance
the purpose that we serve. We
also hope that you utilize the Congress of Arab American
Organizations (CAAO) in Michigan, which serves as an umbrella
organization for many of the Arab and Muslim American organizations
in the State.
Thank-you
for your anticipated time and attention to this matter.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me
at (269)372-4196 or email me at alabib@adckazoo.com.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ali
Labib
ADC
of Greater Kalamazoo Chapter President
