A pair of Arab American leaders from Washington, D.C. will speak with James Madison College students Monday about the conflict in the Middle East and about domestic concerns.
Jim Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., a senior member of the Arab American Caucus in the U.S. House, will also make fund-raising stops in Dearborn and Flint on behalf of the Michigan Democratic Party.
“It is a great opportunity to get a quick statewide tour of Michigan, and an opportunity to speak in several cities,” Zogby said.
The fund raising will allow the party to hire an organizer for Arab and Muslim affairs in the state, said Ali Dagher, a Democratic organizer. The gathering with students is not sponsored by a political party.
“We’ll talk about the role that students play in politics,” Zogby said. “Students play a critical role, not only in getting out the vote, but working in the community.”
Zogby and Rahall said the visit will provide an opportunity to speak with Michigan residents about the need for intervention in the Middle East conflict.
“I will touch on some of the long-range goals of America’s foreign policy in the world, specifically the Middle East in how we can best serve our nation’s future,” said Rahall, who is of Lebanese descent.
Grant Littke, director of field experience for James Madison College, said students will benefit from interacting with the leaders.
“Anytime we can get a congressman to speak on an important issue, it is good for us,” said Littke, who also said the college offers a class on Middle Eastern politics.
In the 2000 presidential election, both Democrats and Republicans reached out to the 400,000 Arab Americans in Michigan. The state has the second highest population in the nation behind California, according to the Arab American Institute.
“They are very passionate about their politics and they are very involved,” said Dale Hull, a spokesman for state Rep. Gary Woronchak, R-Dearborn.
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, said Republicans are gaining support from Arab Americans because the party has taken on issues that are important to the community.
“Their concerns are no different than others in America, but sometimes they have family members overseas, and they want to make sure that family members are in good stay with American policies,” said Rogers, who recently spent time in Israel meeting with Palestinian and Israeli leaders.
The lecture, “What does the future hold for the Middle East?” will be held at noon Monday in the 1961 Room in N Case Hall.
