Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Free eNewsletter
    • eNewsletter SignUp
    • View past eNewsletters
  • Toggle search form
  • Piotr Hofmanski, president of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague
    International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued for Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin Civil Rights
  • Orand First Responders candidates Matthew G. Rafferty and William Bonnar Jr.
    Arab Democrats endorse Rafferty and Bonnar in Orland Fire District race American Arabs
  • Paul Vallas addressing the Arab American Democratic Club on Feb. 12, 2023
    AADC releases its endorsements for the April 4, 2023 non-partisan elections American Arabs
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12 American Arabs
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC’s Humanitarian Mission to Lebanon American Arabs
  • Glory to God int he Lowest by Author Rev. Donald Wagner
    Book Review: Glory to God in the Lowest: journeys to an unholy land American Arabs
  • Popular Ziyad Brand Green Za'ater. Photo courtesy of Ziyad Brothers
    Appeal of Mediterranean foods continue to rise among consumers Culture
  • Suzan Atallah seeks election to Palos Park School District 118 Activism
  • Shadin Maali has been named Emgage’s new Senior Director of Growth and Operations
    Emgage hires former Illinois Congressional aide to help expand their reach Activism
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd American Arabs
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action American Arabs
  • Citgo Gas Station and Quik Mart at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago ordered closed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot because a street gang member with an AK-47 killed someone in front of the store. Only Arab and Muslim stores are being closed by the Mayor
    When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot targeted Arab businesses in 2021 and 2022 Activism
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast Arab News
  • State Rep. Cyril Nichols interviewed on live Arab American radio in Detroit with host Ray Hanania Friday Dec. 9, 2022
    Nichols discusses need to improve Arab-Black relations in Chicagoland American Arabs
  • Voting sticker issued to voters in Cook County elections in 2016. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Gov. Pritzker Announces Six Appointments to Boards and Commissions — no Arabs included American Arabs

ADC elects four activists to National Board

Posted on October 2, 2016June 12, 2019 By rayhanania No Comments on ADC elects four activists to National Board
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

Loading

ADC elects four activists to National Board

The national American Arab civil rights organization has elected four more leading activists to its national board, despite grumbling from extremists who have sought to destroy the group. ADC’s Michigan Director recently revealed activists in her state complained about the election process.

By Ray Hanania

ADC released this press release following their 36th Annual convention announcing the names of their new board members following elections held this week:

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is proud to announce the results of the 2016 ADC National Board of Directors elections. The ADC Membership elected Dr. Debbie Almontaser; Mr. Abed Awad, Esq.; Dr. Bishara A. Bahbah; and Mrs. Alma Khoury Korkor to the Board of Directors. 

Ziyad Taste of the Middle East

ADC congratulates the recently elected board members. ADC is pleased to welcome to the board Dr. Almontaser and Mr. Awad who have been elected for their first term. Dr. Almontaser is the first Yemeni American to serve on the board. We look forward to the future of ADC with the Board of Directors dedication. We know that the ADC community welcomes their leadership.

ADC conducts elections every year to fill positions on the Board of Directors. This year there were five candidates to fill four positions. ADC conducted elections from August 15, 2016 until September 15, 2016. ADC members in good standing were able to vote.

As a grassroots organization, we take pride in having our members elect our Board of Directors. Directors are elected to three (3) year terms. A maximum of one-third (1/3) of the Board is elected each year. 

We invite you to learn more about the four Board Members elected this year.

The four new members are:

Dr. Debbie Al Montaser, ADC National Board 2016
Dr. Debbie Al Montaser, ADC National Board 2016

Dr. Debbie Almontaser, is the founding and former principal of the Khalil Gibran International Academy. A 25-year veteran of the NYC Public School System, where she has taught, trained teachers, and served as a multicultural specialist and diversity adviser. Dr. Almontaser is the Board President of the Muslim Community Network. Dr. Almontaser frequently lectures on Arab culture, Islam, cultural diversity, interfaith coalition building and youth leadership. Dr. Almontaser sits on the Public Advocate Tish James’ Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh Task Force to Combat Hate. Dr. Almontaser is a published writer on Education and American Muslim issues. Dr. Almontaser served as a consultant to Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. Muslim American Series Project, Independent Production Fund’s Islam Project, and Islam Access Project Channel 13.

Mrs. Salma Khoury Korkor, ADC National Board 2016
Mrs. Salma Khoury Korkor, ADC National Board 2016

Mrs. Alma Khoury Korkor is an activist in the Arab-American community on a national and local level. She has been active with local political initiatives and is a co-founder of Ohio’s ADC chapter. She founded the Arab-American Community School in Ohio, where she taught Arabic, and has been a frequent guest speaker at schools and civic events on Arab-American issues. On a national level, she has played an active role in ADC’s Women’s Initiatives and participated in strategy discussions regarding that and other ADC national initiatives. She has served on the AAI’s National Leadership Council since 2005, and was the president of the national auxiliary of the National Arab American Medical Association from 2002-2004. 

Dr. Bishara Bahbah, ADC National Board 2016
Dr. Bishara Bahbah, ADC National Board 2016

Dr. Bishara Bahbah was born and raised in the Old City of Jerusalem. Dr. Bahbah has been a managing director of the Washington, DC-based United Palestinian Appeal, Inc., an Associate Director of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government’s Institute for Social & Economic Policy in the Middle East, and a Senior Investment-Management Consultant for one of Wall Street’s four major firms. Dr. Bahbah was a founder and the first chairman of the board of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. He co-founded The Palestine Center and was its first direct. Since 2000, Dr. Bahbah has been a guest columnist with the Arizona Republic and, since 2012, with USA TODAY as well. He is an adjunct professor of Investment, Finance & Wealth Management at Al-Quds and Bethlehem Universities, a senior portfolio manager and wealth advisor at a major Wall Street Firm. Dr. Bahbah has also authored two books: Israel and Latin America: The Military Connection; and Wealth Management in Any Market: Timeless Strategies for Building Financial Security. He has authored over 150 publications and appeared on major international television shows.

Mr. Abed Award, ADC National Board 2016
Mr. Abed Awad, ADC National Board 2016

Mr. Abed Awad, Esq. was born in New Jersey and raised in Palestine. He attended the Quakers’ Friends Boys School in Ramallah from second grade through eleventh grade. He returned to New Jersey in 1986 to complete his college education. In addition to his Masters in Near Middle East Studies, Mr. Awad obtained his Juris Doctorate. Mr. Awad is a founding partner of Awad & Khoury, LLP. His practice focuses on general civil litigation and business advice, including complex matrimonial law, commercial law, Islamic law and international law.

Current board members, including the four newly elected members, are:

Safa Rifka* – Chair, Washington, D.C.

Assad Jebara* – Vice Chair, New York, NY

Tawfiq Barqawi* – Treasurer, Philadelphia, PA

Doaa Taha* – Secretary, Washington, D.C.

Sam Hawatmeh*St. Louis, MO

Hon. Nick Rahall, Beckley, WV

Bishara Bahbah, Phoenix, AZ

Alma Korkor, Canton, OH

Yasir Shallal, Mclean, VA

Souhail Toubia, Los Angeles, CA

Khatmeh Osseiran-Hanna, Staten Island, NY

Sebra Corey, Miami, FL

Khaled Saffuri, Washington, D.C.

ADC completed its national convention in Washington D.C. this past week, with protests only from extremists and fanatics based in the Washington region and from Michigan.

Much of the criticism of ADC has been driven by partisan anger over American Arab criticism of the war in Syria where the government of President Bashar al-Assad, Hezbollah and Iran have resulted in the massacre of thousands of innocent civilians. Some critics are angry with ADC’s alleged closeness with many Arab governments. Other critics are more racist and have attacked board members because their family members are Jewish.

Click here to read the recent story about Michigan ADC Director Fatina Abdrabboh navigating through criticism but organizing one of ADC’s strongest chapters. She acknowledged in a recent statement that she has received  complaints and protests from a small handful of Michigan-based activists. Those activists are well known, though, and are among those who mounted a campaign to destroy ADC beginning in 2010.

The current board does not have representation from Michigan or Chicago, which at one time was the national organizations largest and most influential Chapter.

ADC is a civil rights organization committed to defending the rights of people of Arab descent and promoting their rich cultural heritage. It was founded by former U.S. Senator James Abourezk in 1980. Today, ADC is the largest Arab American grassroots organization in the U.S.

I participate in the founding meetings with Abourezk and Ayoub Talhami and other American Arabs when I served with Professor Ibrahim Abu Lughod as the spokesman for the Arab American Congress for Palestine during the 1970s. Abu Lughod was my mentor and recruited me to advocate for American Arab and Palestinian rights which has become a major part of my life.

ADC supports the human and civil rights of all people and opposes racism and bigotry in any form. It defines its goals today as:

  1. Defend and promote human rights, civil rights, and liberties of Arab Americans and other persons of Arab heritage.
  2. Combat stereotypes and discrimination against and affecting the Arab-American community in the United States.
  3. Serve as a public voice for the Arab American community in the United States on domestic and foreign policy issues.
  4. Educate the American public in order to promote greater understanding of Arab history and culture.
  5. Organize and mobilize the Arab American community in furtherance of the organization’s objectives.

ADC has always had a tough fight on its hands mainly because the majority of American Arabs are often silence or forced into silence by the small handful of extremists who plagued this community throughout the United States. The extremists are small but bully and intimidate many moderate American Arabs into silence.

And because the mainstream American news media discriminates against American Arabs, their daily activities and community events are not covered. This failure by the mainstream American news media empowers the extremists.

(Ray Hanania is an award winning former Chicago City Hall reporter and columnist. A Palestinian American Christian, he is managing writer for The Arab Daily News which covers American Arab and Middle East issues often not covered by the Arab World news media. Reach him at rghanania@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter or friend him on Facebook.)

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
rayhanania
rayhanania
Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster at The Arab Daily News
RAY HANANIA — Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster

Ray Hanania is an award winning political and humor columnist who analyzes American and Middle East politics, and life in general. He is an author of several books.

Hanania covered Chicago Politics and Chicago City Hall from 1976 through 1992 at the Daily Southtown and the Chicago Sun-Times. He began writing in 1975 publishing The Middle Eastern Voice newspaper in Chicago (1975-1977). He later published “The National Arab American Times” newspaper (2004-2007).

Hanania writes weekly columns on Middle East and American Arab issues as Special US Correspondent for the Arab News ArabNews.com, at TheArabDailyNews.com, and at SuburbanChicagoland.com. He has published weekly columns in the Jerusalem Post newspaper, YNetNews.com, Newsday, the Orlando Sentinel, Houston Chronical, and Arlington Heights Daily Herald.

Hanania is the recipient of four (4) Chicago Headline Club “Peter Lisagor Awards” for Column writing. In November 2006, he was named “Best Ethnic American Columnist” by the New American Media. In 2009, Hanania received the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award for Writing from the Society of Professional Journalists. He is the recipient of the MT Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award. He was honored for his writing skills with two (2) Chicago Stick-o-Type awards from the Chicago Newspaper Guild. In 1990, Hanania was nominated by the Chicago Sun-Times editors for a Pulitzer Prize for his four-part series on the Palestinian Intifada.

His writings have also been honored by two national Awards from ADC for his writing, and from the National Arab American Journalists Association.

Hanania is the US Special Correspondent for the Arab News Newspaper, covering Middle East and Arab American issues. He writes for the Southwest News newspaper group writing on mainstream American issues.

Click here to send Ray Hanania email.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
rayhanania
Latest posts by rayhanania (see all)
  • Call me Arab, don’t call me MENA writer argues - March 18, 2023
  • AHRC Holds Meet and Greet with MDOC - March 13, 2023
  • Illinois Review skewers Mayor Lightfoot ally Ramzi Hassan - February 22, 2023

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
Activism, American Arabs, Bloggers, Commentary, News, Ray Hanania Tags:ADC, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Chicago, Detroit, extremists, Ibrahim Abu Lughod, Michigan, national elections, new board members

Post navigation

Previous Post: ADC Michigan head walks fine line of effectiveness
Next Post: Podcast: Interview with Hebah Fisher of Kerning Cultures

Related Posts

  • Importance of Arab American labor leader Nagi Daifullah Activism
  • Chicago ALderman Raymond Lopez announces his candidacy for Mayor of Chicago on Wednesday April 6, 2022. Photo courtesy of Ray Lopez announcement video
    Champion of Arab American rights Ray Lopez announces for Mayor American Arabs
  • Residents prepare for the demolition and evacuation of Umm al-Hiran on 22 November 2016. (Photo by Mati Milstein)
    Israel wipes out non-Jewish village, replaces with Jewish only plans Arab World
  • Update to Gaza Sisters Story Bloggers
  • R-L : Mayor of Taybeh, Mr. Nadim Barakat, former Mayor of Taybeh, David Khoury, and representatives of Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem standing with the magnificent chanter Jack Rabah!
    A Taybeh Day for Saint George Arab World
  • UAE Embassy Visits the City of Atlanta, Georgia to Promote Increased Partnership and Trade American Arabs

More Related Articles

Abdullah Hammoud, elected Mayor of Dearborn Nov. 2, 2021. Photo courtesy of Abdullah Hammoud Facebook Page AHRC’s 2022 Spirit of Humanity Gala a Great Success American Arabs
Civil rights activists target RE/MAX convention in Vegas American Arabs
Ghassan Rubeiz United by strategy Palestinians could assume leadership of peace making Arab World
Podcast: Yemeni Coffee During the War Bloggers
Congress courtesy of Wikipedia Detroit civil rights group files suit against Trump immigration American Arabs
Muslim woman helps Americans understand Islam American Arabs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • راى حنانيا. Ray Hanania
    Call me Arab, don’t call me MENA writer argues
    March 18, 2023
  • Ghassan Rubeiz
    Two parallel uprisings in Israel
    March 11, 2023
  • Racist anti-Arab Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot poses with Edwards Realty President Ramzi Hassan posted on Facebook on posted June 3, 2022 right after the second press conference demanding that Lightfoot end her discrimination.
    Illinois Review skewers Mayor Lightfoot ally Ramzi Hassan
    February 22, 2023
  • Tiktok.com/@RayHanania
    Israeli-push behind effort to ban Tiktok in the United States
    January 19, 2023
  • 300x300-ZIYAD02.jpg
  • 300x300-RAMADAN02.jpg
  • 300x300-ZIYAD01.jpg
  • 300x300-RAMADAN01.jpg
  • NEWS
  • Piotr Hofmanski, president of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague
    International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued for Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin
    March 19, 2023
  • Orand First Responders candidates Matthew G. Rafferty and William Bonnar Jr.
    Arab Democrats endorse Rafferty and Bonnar in Orland Fire District race
    March 17, 2023
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC’s Humanitarian Mission to Lebanon
    February 22, 2023
  • Paul Vallas addressing the Arab American Democratic Club on Feb. 12, 2023
    AADC releases its endorsements for the April 4, 2023 non-partisan elections
    February 21, 2023
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Popular Ziyad Brand Green Za'ater. Photo courtesy of Ziyad Brothers
    Appeal of Mediterranean foods continue to rise among consumers
    February 16, 2023
  • Suzan Atallah seeks election to Palos Park School District 118
    February 9, 2023
  • Shadin Maali has been named Emgage’s new Senior Director of Growth and Operations
    Emgage hires former Illinois Congressional aide to help expand their reach
    February 8, 2023
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12
    January 18, 2023

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

First Installment of the Property Tax

POPULAR POSTS

  • Illinois Review skewers Mayor Lightfoot ally Ramzi Hassan Illinois Review skewers Mayor Lightfoot ally Ramzi Hassan By Ray Hanania Illinois Review, one of the conservative movement's most respected ... posted on February 22, 2023
  • Two parallel uprisings in Israel Two parallel uprisings in Israel By Ghassan Michel Rubeiz Israel is currently shaken by two parallel revolts. In what seems ... posted on March 11, 2023
  • Suzan Atallah seeks election to Palos Park School District 118 Suzan Atallah seeks election to Palos Park School District 118 Currently living in Orland Park with her supportive husband and ... posted on February 9, 2023
  • Call me Arab, don’t call me MENA writer argues Call me Arab, don't call me MENA writer argues Columnist Ray Hanania argues that the term MENA to describe Arab ... posted on March 18, 2023
  • Arab Democrats endorse Rafferty and Bonnar in Orland Fire District race Arab Democrats endorse Rafferty and Bonnar in Orland Fire District race The Arab American Democratic Club released its official endorsements ... posted on March 17, 2023
  • AHRC Holds Meet and Greet with MDOC AHRC Holds Meet and Greet with MDOC In an effort to keep dialogue with government agencies, AHRC held a Meet ... posted on March 13, 2023

Recent Posts

  • International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued for Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin
  • Call me Arab, don’t call me MENA writer argues
  • Arab Democrats endorse Rafferty and Bonnar in Orland Fire District race
  • AHRC Holds Meet and Greet with MDOC
  • Two parallel uprisings in Israel
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Glory to God int he Lowest by Author Rev. Donald Wagner
    Book Review: Glory to God in the Lowest: journeys to an unholy land
    February 18, 2023
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • American Arab CHamber President HassanNijem accepts the Proclamation from Chicago Ald. Roderick Sawyer at the Chamber dinner March 30, 2022
    Chicagoland celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
    March 31, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme