Arab American Institute

Please join us in standing in solidarity with the Haitian immigrant community, condemning the hate, and offering our collective strength to help them through this trying time by signing the below statement of support to the Haitian community.

“We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, are appalled by the malicious lies being propagated about the Haitian American community. We are deeply concerned by the hateful actions and speech being directed at them.

This is not the first time an ethnic, racial, or religious group has been vilified due to harmful incitement coming from elected or formerly elected officials. Our own community has endured similar hatred, bigotry, and threats, and we understand the pain and fear that come with such attacks.

We want our Haitian brothers and sisters to know that we stand with them during this especially difficult time. We offer our full support in confronting the hatred they are facing, and we are committed to ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being.

Together, we can build a more just and compassionate society for all.”

Sign on here: https://www.aaiusa.org/library/arab-americans-stand-with-the-haitian-community

AAI Executive Director Maya Berry is about to testify in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary at a full committee hearing A Threat to Justice Everywhere: Stemming the Tide of Hate Crimes in America. You can access the hearing, A Threat to Justice Everywhere, now.

Today’s hearing comes at a time when our community has faced increased hate incidents here in the United States. We are also bearing the pain of witnessing the violence and genocide affecting our families in Palestine. That violence has come home as many of those in our community, and allies of Palestinian rights, have been subjected to violence and hatred because of their stand for justice.

Watch here: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-activity/hearings/a-threat-to-justice-everywhere-stemming-the-tide-of-hate-crimes-in-america?emci=6650b88c-f574-ef11-991a-6045bda8aae9&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid={{ContactsEmailID}}

BREAKING - New AAI American Attitudes Poll: Shifting Realities After the Unfolding Genocide in Gaza.

American Attitudes: Shifting Realities After the Unfolding Genocide in Gaza In the period between the Republican and Democratic conventions, the Arab American Institute consulted with pollster John Zogby  to conduct a poll of U.S. voter attitudes toward the 2024 election with an emphasis on how the war in Gaza, and U.S. policy to

"A Way Forward Out of the Mess We're In."

This week on Washington Watch, Dr. Zogby looks at how US cluelessness has gotten us to a point where Netanyahu feels total impunity and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are facing an unfolding genocide.

Read the column here: https://www.aaiusa.org/library/a-way-forward-out-of-the-mess-were-in

Be sure to join us tomorrow (9/4) at 2pm ET for Coffee and a Column to discuss this and more. Register here: bit.ly/942024cc

"Palestine Won at the Democratic Convention."

This week on Washington Watch, Dr. Zogby provides an inside look into what went down behind the scenes at the Democratic convention and explains his assessment of how, despite the naysayers, the issue of Palestinian rights emerged as the winner.

Read the column here: https://www.aaiusa.org/library/palestine-won-at-the-democratic-convention

Be sure to join us tomorrow (8/28) at 2pm ET for Coffee and a Column to discuss this and more. Register here: bit.ly/8282024cc

Going live at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaK9E6CSHz4

Sign-up for Wed's Conversations at: https://www.progressivesforpalestine.com
A Critical Examination of the 2024 Party Platforms
Maya Berry, Executive Director, AAI
Matt Duss, Former Foreign Policy Advisor, Senator Bernie Sanders
James Zogby, Member Democratic National Committee

Palestine and its Impact on Progressive Politics
The Honorable Ro Khanna will deliver opening remarks

Respondents:
Abbas Alawieh, Cofounder Uncommitted National Movement
Rania Batrice, Advocate, Consultant, and Public Relations Specialist
Alan Minsky, Executive Director, Progressive Democrats of America
John Nichols, National Affairs Correspondent, The Nation
Waleed Shaheed, Executive Director, The Bloc; Former Spokesperson, Justice Democrats

Matt Duss Rania Batrice Alan Minsky

New Live Link:

Heeding the Voices for Justice: A Convention to Build Power Day 2 HEEDING THE VOICES FOR JUSTICE: A CONVENTION TO BUILD POWERDay 2Tuesday August 20, 2024Palestinian Voices that Must Be Heard, But Won’t Be at the Party Conve...

Live now at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UfZOE5nhWA
Hani Almadhoun will also be joining this important discussion.

Join us for Tuesday's conversation at 1PM CT 2PM ET. Sign up at https://www.progressivesforpalestine.com - hear from Hani Almadhoun Omar Baddar Ruwa Romman for Georgia Layla Elabed Abdelnasser Rashid for State Representative

Live now at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdKcEh7YfKU

When was justice for Palestinians discussed at Dem National Convention? First time was 1984 during nominating speech and last time was 1988 during policy debate-both by AAI Pres James Zogby
must include Arab American voices for Palestine.

User Clip: James Zogby at the 1988 DNC James Zogby at the 1988 DNC

We're live with day 1 of: Heeding the Voices for Justice: A Convention to Build Power at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters.
Watch now at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPFXu5OU5m0

You can still sign up and join us at 1PM CT / 2 PM ET - either virtually or in person. Sign-up is simple, go to: https://progressivesforpalestine.com/

Tomorrow - we break the DNC Convention silence. Join the Honorable Nina Turner, Judith Whitmer the Honorable Andy Levin Peter Beinart TariqHabash Jackson the Honorable William Haddad and Maya Berry. Sign up: progressivesforpalestine.com

We break the DNC silence on Palestine tomorrow. Sign up to join us: https://progressivesforpalestine.com/

In Chicago for DNC? Join American Institute Democrats of America Rainbow PUSH Coalition & for Middle East Understanding ( IMEU )
Sign up: https://progressivesforpalestine.com/ - you can also join virtually.

Even though the DNC may not talk about Palestinian Voices next week and how they are shut out, AAI will. Join us in person or virtually Monday, August 19th to Wednesday, August 21st from 1pm to 4pm CT for programming on Palestine and Gaza.
You can register here:

PROGRESSIVES FOR PALESTINE HEEDING THE VOICES FOR JUSTICE: A CONVENTION TO BUILD POWERMonday, August 19, 2024 - Wednesday, August 21, 2024CHICAGO 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm CentralRainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters930 East 50th Street, Chicago, Illinois VIEW SCHEDULE REGISTER TO ATTEND IN PERSON REGISTER TO ATTEND VIRTUALLY

Even though the DNC may not talk about Palestinian Voices next week, AAI will. Join us in person or virtually Monday August 19th to Wednesday August 21st from 1pm to 4pm CT everyday for special programming on Palestine and Gaza.

You can register here:

PROGRESSIVES FOR PALESTINE HEEDING THE VOICES FOR JUSTICE: A CONVENTION TO BUILD POWERMonday, August 19, 2024 - Wednesday, August 21, 2024CHICAGO 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm CentralRainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters930 East 50th Street, Chicago, Illinois VIEW SCHEDULE REGISTER TO ATTEND IN PERSON REGISTER TO ATTEND VIRTUALLY

This week on Washington Watch, Dr. Jim Zogby will discuss how Israel's two assassinations have both made it clear that Netanyahu does not want a peace agreement to end the conflict and has created the threat of a wider war in the Middle East. The question he asks is why the Biden administration is still supporting him.

Read the column here:

Questions That Must Be Asked Why—in the midst of critical negotiations to implement President Biden’s plan to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, release Israelis held captive by Hamas and a significant number of Palestinians held by Israel, and move toward a negotiated permanent end to the conflict—would Israeli leader Benj...

AAI is observing National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. This non-partisan national day of action aims to raise awareness about the vital role of poll workers and inspire more Americans, including Arab Americans, to sign up and serve.
Please consider becoming a poll worker for the November 5, 2024, Presidential General Election. You can sign up to serve in your jurisdiction by following the instructions here: https://lnkd.in/eDrM5Jz

"...evils such as antisemitism, anti-Blackness, anti-Arab racism, homophobia, and every other kind of bigotry and hate are structural and rely on implicit biases. That’s why it’s essential to create spaces for trained professionals placed in positions of authority to identify points of growth within organizations for the betterment and comfort of all its members. The positive effects of these initiatives are demonstrable, and polling indicates that the overwhelming majority of Americans support programs aimed towards diversifying workplaces and representing marginalized communities."

Growing Anti-DEIA Initiatives Move Through the States A little more than one year after affirmative action was struck down in the Supreme Court in Students for Fair Admission , legislation opposing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) on campuses and beyond proliferate at alarming rates. Across the country, DEIA task forces and divis

"a wonderful development...but much more work needs to be done”. The MENA category doesn't mean the work is done. Learn more about what AAI is doing to make sure Arab Americans are counted in! https://www.aaiusa.org/library/spd15censuscountswebinar

Today marks the eleventh anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder, the regrettable Supreme Court decision that significantly weakened the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA). The VRA signified one of the first meaningful commitments to multi-racial participation in American democracy. Section 5 of the VRA required jurisdictions with a history of discrimination against minority voters to seek approval from the federal government before changing voter laws. This process – known as pre-clearance – effectively blocked attempts at discrimination and shifted the burden from disenfranchised voters to governmental jurisdictions.

In the Shelby County decision, Chief Justice Roberts held that the preclearance requirement was unnecessary as voter discrimination was not as prevalent as it had once been. This decision gutted what Congressman John Lewis described as the "heart of the Voting Rights Act" and unfortunately marked a step backward for voter protection and civil rights.

Reflecting on Shelby County: Voting Rights Eleven Years Later Today marks the eleventh anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder , the regrettable Supreme Court decision that significantly weakened the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA). The VRA signified one of the first meaningful commitments to multi-racial participation in American democracy.

"Immigration Has Made America Great."

It’s Immigrant Heritage Month and this week on Washington Watch, Dr. Jim Zogby reflects on a recent visit to his hometown of Utica NY which has been brought back to life because of the thousands of refugees and new immigrants who now call Utica home.

Read the column here: https://www.aaiusa.org/library/immigration-has-made-america-great

Be sure to join us on Wednesday (6/19) at 2pm for Coffee and a Column as we celebrate the ways these newcomers are making Utica and America great.
Register here: http://bit.ly/6192024cc

AAI President James Zogby joined The Nation's new podcast "See How They Run" and said, "I've never dealt with a White House as impervious to reality...you know genocide is happening...why don't you do anything about it?" Speaking about U.S. policy and the administration's relationship with Arab Americans he added, "They're not willing to change policy...but the relationship is going to be hard to form without a change in policy." https://www.thenation.com/podcast/politics/shtr-001?ppplayer=6e143d4417f3e08782f4af1c0956ffce&ppepisode=27ae4ddd31c730a4680939b5200e2671

This week on Washington Watch, Dr. Jim Zogby takes a closer look into our recent poll on Arab American voters: the impact the war in Gaza has on the 2024 election and how a dramatic change in policy toward Israel might win back voters for Biden.

Read the column here: https://www.aaiusa.org/library/what-polls-can-teach-us-about-arab-american-voters-in-2024

Be sure to join Dr. Zogby and John Zogby tomorrow (6/12) at 2pm ET for Coffee and a Column to discuss this and more.

Register here: bit.ly/6122024cc

Jim Zogby in The Hill:
"The voters Biden is losing due to his stance on Gaza are voters who care deeply about values the Democratic Party has traditionally claimed to stand for. Those values are now leading them away from Biden. Voters who care deeply about racial justice here in the U.S. hear the racist, genocidal comments toward Palestinians made by Israeli leaders. Voters who care deeply about food insecurity and poverty here in the U.S. see Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza. Voters who care deeply about women’s rights here see the stories of Palestinian women who are giving birth without anesthesia because Israel’s military has restricted humanitarian aid and medical supplies into Gaza and systematically targeted the healthcare system.
Neither leaks about Biden’s supposed private anger at Netanyahu nor his hesitant move to temporarily pause one weapons shipment to Israel while continuing the flow of other arms, are likely to change the perception among these voters that he is not listening to their concerns. To win them back, he needs to take major steps, and use his immense leverage to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza. That means an immediate end to weapons transfers to Israel, as United States law already requires."

https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/4707780-707780-biden-israel-support-lose-2024-election/

"Israel's Backhanded "Apology" for the Rafah Bombing."

This week on Washington Watch, Dr. Jim Zogby looks at Israel’s backhanded “apology” for the massacre they committed in Rafah - words that conveyed more insult than atonement.

Read this week's column here: https://www.aaiusa.org/library/israels-backhanded-apology-for-the-rafah-bombing

Be sure to join us this Wednesday (6/5) at 2pm ET for Coffee and a Column, where Dr. Zogby will discuss the pressures that led them to make it and the clearly unrepentant behavior that followed.
Register here: http://bit.ly/652024cc

In response to months of violence targeting Gaza and the deaths of more than 36,000 Palestinians, the Arab American Institute commissioned a poll of Arab American voters in the states of Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The poll, conducted in April and May, gauges Arab American voter attitudes toward U.S. policy regarding the Gaza crisis and Israel's assault on Gaza.

Among the poll's findings is the potential loss of tens of thousands of voters for President Biden in Michigan alone. In all states polled, 88% of Arab Americans say they have a negative view of the way Biden has handled the war. Since October 2023, Arab Americans with a positive rating towards President Biden’s response to the conflict in Palestine dropped from 24% to 5%.

To read more go to aaiusa.org/opinion-polling.