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ADC
May Pursue Litigation Against Zionist Organization of America and
Debbie Schlussel For Malicious Statements
Washington,
DC, October 8, 2003 - The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination
Committee (ADC) today expressed its pursuit of possible litigation
against the Zionist
Organization of America (ZOA) and Debbie Schlussel for recent
malicious public statements made against ADC and its Michigan
Director Imad Hamad. These
statements include a letter sent to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) by the ZOA, which is evidence of a reckless
disregard for the truth.
ADC
reiterated its deep pride in the work of Imad Hamad, after learning
that its Michigan Regional Director would not be receiving an
Exceptional Public Service Award this year from the FBI in
Washington, due to a last-minute announced change of program.
Hamad, who was also one of this year's Detroit News
Michiganians of the Year, was nominated for the award by the Special
Agent in Charge of the FBI field office in Michigan, Willie Hulon.
Hamad
is co-chair, along with US Attorney Jeffrey G. Collins, of a group
known as "BRIDGES", an acronym for
"Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance
Sensitivity." It
is a formalized body that includes members of the Arab-American
community who have been meeting with the US Attorney since shortly
after September 11, 2001. Hamad
initiated these monthly meetings in an effort to strengthen the
relationship between the Arab-American community and the federal
government. US Attorney
Collins told the Detroit Free Press that the award was
"well-deserved," and that, "Imad has just been a
terrific leader in building bridges of trust.
It's the only group of its kind in the country.
Having that dialogue builds confidence and faith in law
enforcement. The
absence of that dialogue builds mistrust."
In
response to the FBI’s announcement, Imad Hamad said, "At the
end of the day, I do my work not in pursuit of awards, but in order
to serve the Arab-American community and to help make our country a
better place. I am
determined to continue that work, and redouble our efforts, whether
or not anyone wants to give me an award."
The
last minute change of program came in the wake of the attacks on
Imad Hamad and ADC through a public campaign of defamation against
the organization and its Michigan Director by the ZOA and Schlussel.
ADC is seeking a meeting with FBI Director Robert Mueller to
discuss the leak of a false press release to the media from their
office, which appears to contradict the official statement issued by
the Bureau.
ADC
President Mary Rose Oakar said, "We will not tolerate the
defamation of any member of our organization, particularly Imad
Hamad. He has worked so
hard to bridge dialogue between government and communities.
We could not be more proud of him and the wonderful work he
and the staff of our Michigan Office, along with the local chapter
and members, have done in trying to assist the Arab-American
community in Michigan. As
a nation, we need to practice fairness, not prejudice.”
###
FBI’S
DECISION TO WITHDRAW AWARD ANGERS ARAB AMERICANS IN MICHIGAN
Dearborn
- The Congress of Arab American Organizations (CAAO) in Michigan
today expressed anger and regret that the FBI has retracted an award
recognizing an outstanding citizen and Arab American activist.
“The
FBI's decision to withdraw its Exceptional Public Service Award from
Mr. Imad Hamad, regional director of the American-Arab
Anti-Discrimination Committee, is a slap in the face to the entire
Arab American community,” said Osama Siblani, CAAO Coordinator.
Siblani
said the decision to withdraw the award was made after the Zionist
Organization of America and conservative commentator Debbie
Schlussel launched a campaign against the FBI decision to award
Hamad. “As we come together to protect and defend our nation, it
is incumbent upon this federal law enforcement agency to distance
itself from hate mongers and ignore the voices of division among
us,” Siblani added.
In
2002 Mr. Hamad was named by the Detroit News as a Michigander of the
Year. With U.S. Attorney for the eastern District, Mr. Jeffrey
Collins, Hamad co-chairs “BRIDGES,” a forum founded to enhance
communication between the Arab American community and various law
enforcement agencies in Michigan. “BRIDGES” has been praised
nationwide as a unique and successful model for cooperation between
communities and law enforcement agencies.
CAAO
members demand an explanation for the FBI’s decision and ask the
agency to reconsider its action. “CAAO reiterate its support for
and its pride and confidence in the work of Mr. Hamad and the
excellent service provided to our community and our country by
ADC,” Siblani concluded.
CAAO
was established in 2002 to coordinate the efforts and public
expressions of the greater Detroit area Arab American community.
###
Personal
Message from ADC Michigan Director
I
would first like to let everyone know that it has been truly
overwhelming and gratifying to receive so many phone calls and
messages of support, regarding the situation involving the FBI’s
Exceptional Service Award and the controversial debate surrounding it.
I am fully appreciative to everyone within the community and
beyond who have lent support during this time.
I
also want to thank those within the Jewish American community, who
have contacted me and, not only expressed their feelings, but have
also reassured ADC that the extremist views of certain organizations
and individuals do not represent the feelings of the Jewish community
in Michigan, or the US. I
am compelled to share one such message with you:
“Mr.
Hamad, my name is (name), of Ann Arbor.
I am, number 1, a Jew, number 2, an absolute supporter of
Israel, and number 3, I am absolutely outraged by the FBI’s action
in withdrawing an award, which I feel you so richly, richly deserved.
I am also a big supporter of your organization, and I don’t
feel there is any conflict in my support or allegiance at all.
I feel almost like I have to apologize to you for what was
done, and I wish there was some way to voice my outrage.
Keep up your good work. Thank
you.”
At
this time, I am unable to respond to the numerous messages that I have
received, and I sincerely apologize for this.
However, please know that your support has not gone unnoticed
or unappreciated. We
should be reminded by this situation to never, under any circumstance,
surrender to voices of hatred and racism.
We need to remain united.
The malicious statements aimed at ADC and myself are a cheap
political ploy and can never intimidate us, or stop us from moving
forward.
I
am determined to proceed with my work with dignity and pride, knowing
that, although the struggle between good and evil will continue, the
greatness of our nation will always prevail.
We need to take pride in the many community members and leaders
who have contributed to this great nation.
Together we must continue to make a difference in this world.
Once again, on behalf of ADC, its staff and members, and my
family…I thank you all. Have a great and peaceful weekend.
Yours,
Imad
Hamad
___________________________
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