Arab American Institute Report Outlines Arab American Actions After 9/11

9/9/2002

From: Jenny Salan of the Arab American Institute, 202-429-9210; E-mail: jsalan@aaiusa.org Web site: http://www.aaiusa.org

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- Today, Sept. 9, the Arab American Institute released "Healing the Nation: the Arab American experience after September 11" a comprehensive report coinciding with the one year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Although the national healing process is still in its initial stages, AAI records the early experiences, responses and issues facing Arab Americans in the wake of 9/11. The report is also significant because it pays tribute to the heartfelt efforts of countless Americans who worked to stem the tide of hate and backlash against ethnic Americans.

"We felt it was crucial that we accurately record the Arab American experience after 9/11 and that's what 'Healing the Nation' accomplishes. So many people, from all backgrounds, reached out to our community at a crucial time in the history of our nation. We will never forget that and we wanted to document it," said AAI Foundation Executive Director Helen Samhan.

The report records:

-- Arab American condemnation of the attacks; -- rescue and recovery efforts, contributions to victim funds and response to the call for translators; and -- governmental, community and individual responses to the backlash.

Finally the report delves into the array of civil liberties issues that have impacted our nation. "Out of great tragedy, grew great strength as our nation united in the face of terror. Now, as we face additional challenges, challenges to our constitutional democracy, we feel it is incumbent upon Arab Americans to lead the fight to protect our cherished freedoms. And just as September 11 brought so many people together, we have been joined in this struggle by millions of Americans who believe that our strength as a nation lies in the foundations of our democracy," said AAI President Dr. James J. Zogby.

Copies of "Healing the Nation," which was published by the Arab American Institute Foundation with the support of the Atlantic Philanthropies (USA) Inc., may be ordered by contacting Hillary Wundrow at (202) 429-9210, ext. 27 or hwundrow@aaiusa.org.

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.