See the following press releases from NNAAC:

National Arab American organizations refuse Lowe’s donations

NNAAC supports coalition fighting Alabama anti-immigrant law 11-18-11

NNAAC responds to rise in hate crimes against Muslims

Report Exposes Racial Profiling By Northern Border Patrol 11-10-11

Arab American volunteer program receives national service award

2011 National Leadership Conference: A Call to Action

NNACC Conference Press Release 9-2011

NEWS                                                                                   

313-313.842.7010 ext 221

kcasa@accesscommunity.org

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Following is a statement from Nadia Tonova, director of the National Network for Arab American Communities, in response to data released Monday by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The data, which shows a sharp increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes in 2010, is available at http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/hate-crime/2010/index

“The upward trend in incidents against Muslims is cause for grave concern, as are the hate crimes against more than 8,000 victims from all backgrounds. Two-thirds of the victims were Hispanic; 1,500 people were targeted because of their religion. Also of concern are studies that show that fewer than half of all hate crimes are reported to the police.

“Clearly this is a serious human rights issue – one that Muslims and Arab Americans do not face alone. This information reflects an increasingly polarized society where bigotry and stereotyping are becoming more deeply entrenched.

“The National Network for Arab American Communities works across broad coalitions to diminish these attitudes and biases, which too often are reinforced by the misguided rhetoric of some of our leaders. This year, as we move into a national election cycle, we call upon all those in leadership positions to be especially mindful of the way their words influence others.

“True leaders recognize and acknowledge that the strength of our nation comes from its diversity. Hate divides us at a time when our nation can ill afford further division.”

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ACCESS is a human services organization committed to the development of the Arab American community in all aspects of economic and cultural life.  ACCESS helps low-income families, as well as newly arrived immigrants, adapt to life in America.  Its goal is to foster a greater understanding of Arab Culture in the U.S. and in the Arab world.  ACCESS provides a wide range of social, mental health, educational, artistic, employment, legal, and medical services, and is dedicated to empowering people to lead more informed, productive, and fulfilling lives.