Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Arab America
Foundation
Announces
Speakers for
CONNECT Arab America:
Empowerment Summit
November 4-6, 2022
The Arab America Foundation is excited to announce its speakers for the third annual CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit on November 4, 5 (the 6th is optional) at the Marriott Fairview Park, Falls Church, VA.

The event features an exciting array of speakers in public service, women's activism, identity, community advocacy, engagement, and leadership. Moreover, participants will have many networking opportunities and will celebrate Arab heritage through music, entertainment, cuisine, and cultural and informational exhibits.  

The speakers and performers confirmed to date are: Dr. Lina AbiRafeh, Dr. Osama Abuirshaid, Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Jihan Andoni, Maya Berry, Rama Chakaki, Dr. Manal Fakhoury, Abderrahim Foukara, Rania Hoteit, Naheda Zayyad-Hussein, Dania Korkor, Raed Masri, Nada Lena Nasserdeen, Abrar Omeish, Roberto Ramirez, Fayrouz Saad, Dr. William Lafi Youmans, Threa Almontaser, Abe Diab, Khalid Mawlawi, Rola Zaarour, and Firas Zreik.

“This year, our program includes discourse on Arab identity, women, leadership, and public service coupled with literature, music, dance, and spoken cultural performances,” said Warren David, president of Arab America and co-founder of Arab America Foundation. He went on to say, “Connecting with each other is so important on a professional and social level–amplifying our voice within our community and to the community at large.”
Little Amal Makes it to
New York City
Little Amal is a giant 11-foot-tall, puppet that is walking across cities all over the world including Europe and America in order to remind people of children who have fled Syria during the country's very long civil war. She has traveled 5,000 miles across Turkey and Europe and the UK. She recently arrived in New York City and is walking across several boroughs. Arab America contributing writer, Carrie Stewart, discusses Little Amal’s journey in this article.
Halal Cuisine and Middle Eastern Restaurants Hidden in the Alleys of China 
Nowadays, wherever we go, we can find our sense of belonging in an exotic world and cuisine from our hometown. In the far East, whether you are in Xi'an's Huimin Street, old Beijing's Hutong, or Shanghai's ancient Langtang, you will find an authentic Arab restaurant. This is especially refreshing if you miss your hometown's food and you enjoy it together with family and members of the community. Join Arab America contributing writer, Jenny Lyu, as she checks authentic Halal cuisine and Middle Eastern restaurants in China.
Rep. Tlaib’s Remarks on Israeli ‘Apartheid’ Misinterpreted as Anti-Semitic—To be against the Oppressive Occupation of Palestine is NOT Anti-Semitic
Congresswoman and Palestinian American Rashida Tlaib recently made comments on “Apartheid Israel.” Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) slammed Tlaib. However, she overlooked the fact that the Israeli state also oppressively occupies Palestinians. Tlaib’s view on a solution is one-state. Most Democratic reps want a two-state solution. Arab America contributing writer, John Mason, reports that while semantics lie at the heart of the differences on Israel, to call Tlaib antisemitic because she objects to Israel’s exploitation of Palestinians is wrong.
Tragedy on the Mediterranean: Why the World Needs Comprehensive Refugee Policy Reform 
The poet Warsan Shire once wrote, “No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark”. Last Thursday, what took place is another tragic sinking of a boat filled with asylum seekers from Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. It was found along the coast of Tartous, Syria. The investigation into the incident is ongoing with the current death toll estimated to be 94 people. Arab America contributing writer, Norah Soufraji, makes the case for comprehensive refugee policy reform. A refugee migration emergency is occurring in the Mediterranean and must be addressed by world powers. 
Is Colloquial Arabic Better than Modern Standard Arabic?
Given the declining use and literacy rates of Modern Standard Arabic–MSA, typically referred to as formal Arabic. Arab America contributing writer, Mariam Alyakoob, tells us why some critics believe that focusing on teaching dialects of Arabic is more efficient in maintaining the language, while others feel that preserving MSA is essential in preserving the overall Arabic culture. 
Ancient Discovery in Gaza Raises Questions About Archaeological Protection 
A Palestinian farmer recently unearthed a Byzantine-era mosaic in Gaza, in what experts are calling one of the most important archaeological finds in the region. The mosaic, depicting several animals and geographic shapes, dates back to the period between the fifth and seventh centuries. AS Aab America contributing writer, Drew Jackson, reports, the find has raised questions about the protection of archaeological treasures in one of the most intense combat zones in the Middle East. 
Arab Pioneers from America to South-Western Saskatchewan
Leaving their Syrian villages behind, they landed in New York–the American port of entry where millions of immigrants had once poured into the United States. From there they worked their way westward. Toiling as laborers or peddlers, they moved onward always thinking that over the horizon they would find their El Dorado. When they reached North Dakota and Montana, they heard that the government was handing out virgin prairie land in southwestern Saskatchewan within a 100-mile radius of Swift Current. Here in a virtually uninhabited land, they found the space and freedom to create the future of their dreams. Arab America contributing writer, Habeeb Salloum, tells us about these first Arabs who stepped into South-Western Saskatchewan.
Vegetarian Arab Cuisine–9 Vegetarian Dishes
Have you worried about having vegetarian or vegan options at a restaurant with family or friends? Arab food actually has an impressive array of options for a vegetarian diet. Despite many popular Arab foods including meat, there are traditional meals that are perfectly hearty and healthy without it. You will still be stuffed to the brim after grabbing seconds and thirds at any Arab household or restaurant says Arab America contributing writer, Caroline Umphlet.
Online Events
Falls Church, VA
Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit
November 4-6, 2022
Register now for this year’s Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit from November 4-6 in Falls Church, Virginia, about 15 miles from DC.
The event will feature an exciting array of speakers in the fields of identity, women’s activism, community advocacy, and leadership. Moreover, participants will have many networking opportunities and will celebrate Arab heritage through performances, cuisine, cultural and informational exhibits, music, and dance.
Featured Event
Dalal Abu Amneh
in Houston
Don't miss the Palestinian songstress Dalal Abu Amneh in Houston. Experience Palestinian identity and culture with her unique cultural performance. Sponsored by the Palestine Foundation.
Featured Event
Houston, TX
Lebanese Festival
The Houston Lebanese Festival is going to be super enormous. It is considered the largest in North America, showcasing Lebanese heritage, traditional dancing, authentic food, and a host of activities and entertainment for the whole family. Renowned Lebanese Superstar Najwa Karam will perform.
Featured Event
Online
Rene Moawad Foundation Presents: Celebrating Lebanese Contributions to Lebanon, the Middle East, North America, and the World
RMF USA is dedicated to the progress of Lebanon in all sectors and is committed to advancing the goals of RMF Lebanon in diverse ways. RMF’s priority is Preserving Hope in Lebanon — not only through numerous humanitarian assistance programs — but also through uplifting, upbeat, and inspirational events such as this Inaugural Legacy Event.
Online
Turkey and the Arab World: Ankara’s Shifting Relations and Evolving Foreign Policy
Arab Center Washington DC is convening a panel of experts to discuss Turkey’s evolving foreign policy and its shifting relations with the Arab world. Panelists will address both global and regional dynamics, factors impacting Ankara’s foreign policy considerations, and the question of whether these changes reflect a real shift in Turkey’s regional policy.
Washington, DC
Anera's Annual Gala Tools for Tomorrow: Equipping & Transforming Lives
Anera is coming back for their Annual Gala. The theme this year is “Tools for Tomorrow: Equipping and Transforming Lives.” Anera’s 2022 Annual Gala is raising funds to provide tools of all kinds – from wrenches and sewing machines to new schools and training – so that the communities they serve can create their own change and help hope find a way.
San Francisco, CA
26th Annual San Francisco Middle Eastern Food Festival
The 13th Annual Zaman Run Walk Picnic is returning to Ford Field Park in Dearborn. Join them for a run, walk, and picnic in the park. All event proceeds support Zaman and its programs helping women and children throughout Southeast Michigan.
Coming Soon
Washington DC
Seventh Annual Conference: Security and Securitization in the Middle East and North Africa
Arab Center Washington DC is dedicating its seventh annual conference to the issue of securitization in the Middle East and North Africa, the growth of which has led to greater economic and social insecurity for the vast majority of the region’s population. This conference will also assess the impact and implications of shifting global and regional security alliances and will provide recommendations for US policy going forward.
Coming Soon
Tysons, VA
New Dominion PAC 32nd Candidates Night Dinner
Join New Dominion PAC for their 32nd Candidates Night Dinner, commemorating Saba Shami. This event will feature Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, D-VA-10, candidate Hung Cho, R-VA-10, and candidate Herb Jones, D-VA-1. Many officials to be announced are scheduled to attend.
Coming Soon
Vienna, VA
In Concert--Kinan Azmeh
The Middle East Institute Arts and Culture Center and Abu Dhabi Festival in collaboration with Wolf Trap is proud to present Syrian clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh and CityBand in concert for one night only. Kinan Azmeh, whose work has been described as “spellbinding” by the New Yorker, strikes a unique balance between classical music, jazz, and the music of his Syrian homeland.

WIN a Pair of Tickets!
Arab America has 4 complimentary pairs of tickets to give away for this event. First come first serve, you will only be notified if you win. Click here to register!

Arab America Foundation Rising Leaders Initiative
The Arab America Foundation's Rising Leaders initiative encourages young Arab Americans to participate in programs, such as 40 Under 40, 30 Under 30, and 20 Under 20, which spotlight young Arab Americans in all fields and professions.
Apply Now
Announcing Arab America Fall Internship Opportunities
Arab America, the leading provider of digital media regarding the Arab and Arab American identity, is offering 2022 internship opportunities. Arab America seeks applicants with but is not limited to the following academic backgrounds: English, Journalism, Arab/Middle Eastern/International Studies, Political Science, Media and Film Studies, Public Relations, Communications, and Marketing.
Looking for a Job?
Join Waasta Connect
Looking for a job or fellowship? Join Arab America’s WaastaConnect, a discussion-based listserv, where everyone has the ability to receive job announcements, mostly, of interest to Arab Americans. As a subscriber, you can choose to get the emails as they come in or have a “digest,” where you get a weekly email with the announcements for that week. 
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