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For Immediate Release: American Arab Forum
Arab American leaders seek Governor's direct involvement in community
issues
Contact, Aref Assaf 973-960-2673
Paterson, NJ , March 29, 2006: The American Arab Forum, AAF, joined
several
representatives from other Arab American organizations in a one hour meeting
with New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine. While, the main imputes of the meeting was
the matter of Sami Merhi, a life long Democrat who was removed by his own Party
from the slate of candidates for Freeholder in Passaic, NJ, AAF addressed
several issues of relevance to other Arab American community and were on the
Governor's agenda for a while.
AAF President Aref Assaf implored the Governor, both as the titular leader of
the Democratic Party and the Governor of the State, to exert every effort
to restore the honor and humanity of Mr. Merhi and that of the besieged Arab
American community. For Merhi to refuse the submit to the onslaught on his
character is a shinning example of another Rosa Park, the immortal Black woman,
whose simple action gave birth to the Civil Rights movement. " Governor, We are all
Rosa Parks, We are Sami Merhi." said Mr. Assaf. "Sami has been subjugated to a
cruel political lynching which will reverberate beyond New Jersey and ,if not
confronted, may give rise to ethnic tensions between American Arabs and American
Jews. Mr. Assaf added, "However, Sami's resilience and desire to clear his name
is an example of the good citizen who is not only seeking his rights be
respected but to be given an opportunity to serve his country."
We believe the Governor has heard our grievances loudly and passionately. We
also believe he appreciated our desire to be part of the recommended solution. We
also believe he will soon act upon our proposed initiatives which were
outlined in AAF's official
statement at the meeting. Of special concern is AAF's initiative
to establish the NJ Arab and Muslim Heritage Commission.
The universality of human dignity and the application of the full protection
of the law to all must remain our enduring guide. This is the country we wish
for ourselves and our children. End.
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