Friend --

As you may have heard, last week a former diplomat was sentenced to 5 years in prison for threatening my life, and my staffs’ lives, simply for fighting for our community.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time people have threatened me <[link removed]> in my 50 years of advocacy for Arab Americans and Palestinian human rights.  Throughout the years, my office was fire-bombed and two other additional people have been convicted and sent to prison from threatening me and my family. While upsetting, this ordeal has reminded me and everyone at AAI why the Institute exists: to promote the full empowerment and civic engagement of Arab Americans and to protect the right of our community to advocate on behalf of Palestine.

The truth is that has meant we have faced a lot but it has not deterred us. And while I’m not good at asking at times like these, I want to share with you our work and ask for your support, tod <[link removed]>ay <[link removed]>.In that spirit, we continued working despite the recent years of threats (more than five!), the trial, and the sentencing.  Here is a quick list of four important things we are working on:

- The Khaled Jabara – Heather Heyer NO HATE Act <[link removed]>, a bill currently before Congress that will improve hate crime data collection and reporting.
- In support of YallaVote <[link removed]>, we’re working on countering gerrymandering, securing access to the ballot box for all, and ensuring our elections remain secure. 
- As part of our PalestineIs <[link removed]> campaign, we are working to prohibit American tax dollars from being used to harm Palestinian children.
- And like past years, AAI is ensuring Arab Americans are accurately counted in the 2020 Census <[link removed]> so our community can receive the representation and services we deserve. 

Even though the amazing staff of AAI are willing to take on any challenge that comes their way, they cannot effectively advocate for our community without your generous contribution <[link removed]>.  I’m writing today to ask you to show your support for AAI and ensure that the Institute will be around for years to come, regardless of anyone’s attempts to silence us. Please donate now <[link removed]>.

Thank you,

Jim Zogby
[link removed]



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Arab American Institute - United States
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