Arab Voices Community Calendar
 The events listed below are not necessarily endorsed or sponsored by Arab Voices.  Listing them on this site is just a service to the community to be aware of activities and events in the Greater Houston Area.  If you would like to include an event on this calendar, send e-mail to info@arabvoices.net.

 
 2005 Events

Click here for a list of UPCOMING events._

November 25, 2005  -  CAIR National's Chairman to Give Khutbah
 
The Houston, TX Chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations announces that Doctor Parvez Ahmed, Chairman of CAIR National, will give the Khutbah (sermon) this Friday November 25, 2005. This is a rare chance for him to address our community on the role and status of American Muslims.  Br. Parvez rarely has the opportunity to visit our city and we would like you to help us welcome him with your attendance and support for CAIR's important work.
 
When:  Friday, November 25, 2005
Time:  1:30 p.m. (Friday Khutbah)
Where: North Zone Masjid , 11815 Adel Road, Houston, TX 77067

November 21, 2005  -  Health Care For You
 
Eligibility Interviews for the Gold Card, which provides financial assistance for medical care to Harris County residents who qualify.  Harris Country Hospital District will be at ACC to help eligible people apply for the Gold Card.
 
When: Monday, November 21, 2005
 Time: 9:00 a.m.
Where: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099
 
For more information on requirements, visit Harris County Hospital District or call the Community Outreach Division at 713-566-6064.

November 20, 2005  -  Arab Roots
 
Bridging the past with the future.  Spreading Our Roots with the Youth Group for ages 13 and up!
 
When:  Sunday, November 20, 2005
Time:  1 pm to 6 pm
Where:  Oyster Creek Park Amphitheatre, 4033 State Highway 6 South, Sugar Land, Texas 77479, located on the east side of HWY 6, between Settlers Way and Frost Pass.
 
There will be Food, Sports, Live DJ, Dabka, Poetry, Rap Music & Comedy Show.
 
 Admission:  $10 (food included)
 
Event Flyer.
 
 Sponsored by Palestinians 4 Peace & Democracy.  For more information, visit www.p4pd.org.

November 18-20, 2005  -  AANA 12th Biennial National Convention
  
 The American University of Beirut Alumni Association of North America (AANA) will hold its 12th Biennial National Convention in Houston.
 
When:  November 18-20, 2005
Where:  Intercontinental Hotel, Houston, TX
 
Click here for flyer.
 
For more information, visit http://www.aubhouston.com.

November 19, 2005  -  Major March & Demonstration Against The War on Iraq
 
 A major march and demonstration so Houston can participate in the national mobilization against the U.S. war on, and occupation of, Iraq.  It's being organized by a coalition of more than 20 peace, justice, and religious groups.
 
The event will begin at noon in Market Square in Downtown Houston at 300 Milam.  Then march to Houston City Hall for a rally featuring performers, speakers, and chants demanding that U.S. troops be pulled out now.
 
Bring signs and banners that reinforce the event message.
 
For more information, call 832-692-2306, 713-775-2108, or -713-861-2494.
 
Event Flyer

November 19, 2005  -  South Asia Quake Vigil
 
 The world looks away as 100,000 die and 3.3 million are left homeless!
 
 Join the Houston community at a vigil to mark the losses and work toward recovery.

When:  Saturday, November 19, 2005
Time:  2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where:  Westheimer @ Post Oak Blvd, Galleria (SW corner), Houston, Texas
 
All are invited to join in a VIGIL to grieve those who lost their lives to provide hope to those still struggling to survive.  Draw the world's attention to the work still to be done.

For more information, contact Abdullah Jafari at 713-907-7786, www.saquake-houston.org.
 

November 18, 2005  -  Islam and the West: Where do we go from here?
 
Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, American University in Washington DC, is "the world's leading authority on contemporary Islam" according to the BBC. He is also today's most respected and sought after speaker on interfaith harmony. Former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Great Britain, he has advised Prince Charles and met with President George W. Bush on Islam. His numerous books, films and documentaries have won awards. His books have been translated into many languages including Chinese and Indonesian. Dr. Ahmed is regularly interviewed on CNN, CBC, the BBC, ARY TV and has appeared several times on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Night Line. In February 2005 the National Cathedral held a special Evensong Service to honor Dr. Ahmed. He is also a Senior Fellow at The Case Foundation in Washington, D.C. He spoke at the Chairman's Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series at the Pentagon will give the inaugural lectures for the first Chair in Jewish-Muslim Studies at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Mr. Ahmed is the maker of the film Jinnah. Author of several highly recognized books on Islam & International affairs.

This program was presented with the collaboration of Pakistan Association of Greater Houston, Pakistani American Chamber, USA, and Pakistani American Congress.
 
When:  Friday, November 18, 2005
Time:  6:00 PM Registration;  6:30 PM Program
Where:  The Westin Galleria Hotel, 24th Floor, 5060 West Alabama, Houston, Texas

November 16, 2005  -  Islam and the West: Is a Clash Inevitable?
 
By Reza Aslan

When:  Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Time:  Registration begins at 6:00 pm, Program: 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Where:  The Westin Oaks Hotel, 5011 Westheimer, The Consort Ballroom
 
HWAC members Free, non-members $20. Table Cost n/a.
 
A struggle exists between Islam and the West, but author Reza Aslan argues that there is a more profound struggle going on within the religion itself. The outcome of the struggle between traditionalists and rationalists will shape the future of Islam and its relations with Western nations.

What are the principles of this ancient faith and what is the nature of the internal struggle? Can Islam coexist with a secular, modern, free market-oriented society? Is a “clash of civilization” inevitable between Islam and the West?

Reza Aslan examines the historical, religious and political developments that continue to shape the Islamic world and its relations with the West. He explains this critical faith in all its complexity and challenges the “clash of civilizations” mentality that has distorted the view of Islam.

Reza Aslan is an acclaimed writer, journalist and author of No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam. He has studied religions at Santa Clara University, Harvard University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in fiction from the University of Iowa, where he was also a visiting assistant professor of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

His book, No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, will be available for sale and signing at the program.

 For more information, visit www.hwac.net.

November 16, 2005  -  Power Tools for Non-profits Conference
 
2005 Power Tools for Nonprofits Conference. This is Houston's premiere training event for nonprofits. Its workshops cover all aspects of organizational work, including board development, fundraising, media relations, and financial management. The binder of materials is by itself always worth the registration fee.

When:  Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Time:  7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where:  Reliant Center, Two Reliant Pkwy
 
For more information and registration forms, contact UH's Continuing Education Division at 713-743-1060 or visit www.uh.edu/continuingeducation.

 
November 15, 2005  -  ACC Board of Directors Nomination Deadline

The ACC Board of Directors is seeking nominations for four Board positions from ACC members in the upcoming elections. The Board's Nominating Committee and the Board will review all nominations. The Nominating Committee is responsible for ensuring that all candidates are ACC members in good standing, and are committed to furthering the mission of ACC.
 
A candidate must be at least 25 years of age, citizen or permanent resident of the USA, in good standing in the community and of good moral character and no criminal record.  He/She must have been a regular ACC member in good standing for at least one year.
 
All nominations must be sent no later than November 15, 2005 to ACC or by sending e-mail to Arab American Cultural & Community Center.
 
The open election for the ACC Board of Directors is scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2005, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the Arab-American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, 77099
 
To vote in the upcoming elections, you must be a member for at least three months prior to election's day.  You can apply for membership by completing an application and paying the appropriate membership dues.
 
ACC membership applications are available at ACC, or can be printed from
www.acc-houston.com/Membership1.htm.

 

November 14, 2005  -  Health Care For You
 
 Eligibility Interviews for the Gold Card:  The Gold Card provides financial assistance for medical care to Harris County residents who qualify.
 
The Harris County Hospital District’s (HCHD) mission statement says it serves all County residents. While medical care is not free at their facilities, there is financial assistance for those who qualify.
 
Based on your household income, you may qualify for full or partial financial assistance, on a sliding scale, including: full pay, half pay, co-pay or no-pay. This financial assistance for medical care is just one of the many valuable benefits of being a resident of Harris County.
 
When: August (Call ACC for date), September 19, October 10, November 14, and December 12
Time:  9:00 a.m.
 Where: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099
 
For more information on requirements, visit Harris County Hospital District or call the Community Outreach Division at 713-566-6064.

 
November 12, 2005  -  ACC Annual "Unity & Friendship" Gala

ACC is pleased to announce our 10th Annual Unity and Friendship Gala on Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 7:00 pm . This year's gala will be held at the Westchase Marriott. We are celebrating a Decade of Achievement. ACC is honoring the highly renowned Mosaic Foundation of Washington DC for their philanthropy and groundbreaking successes in founding a charitable, educational and cultural organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in the United States and worldwide. Mosaic Foundation is an American organization founded by the spouses of 17 Arab Ambassadors to the United States.
 
ACC’s Individual Achievement honoree is internationally renowned pollster John Zogby for his highly renowned successes as founder and architect behind the highly acclaimed Zogby Poll for accuracy and objectivity. American born John Zogby is of Lebanese descent. Zogby alone called the 1996 presidential election with pinpoint accuracy launching him to the top of his industry.
 
Our corporate honoree is Marathon Oil Corporation. The annual Gala has been the most important fundraising event for the ACC. Mark your calendar! Reserve your table early. To advertise your business in the Gala Program Book, contact Dana Hable by email at dana_mansour@yahoo.com or call the ACC at 832-351-3366.

 
November 11, 2005  -  IBDAA Folkloric Dance Troupe

 

The internationally acclaimed Palestinian youth dance troupe, composed of youth from Dheisheh refugee camp in Palestine.

 

Ibdaa's renowned dance troupe of ten boys and ten girls has performed in festivals and events in Palestine and more than ten countries around the world. Through traditional folkloric dance and theater, the troupe depicts the history and aspirations of Palestinian refugees.

 

When:  Friday, November 11, 2005

Time:  7 p.m.
Where:  Granville M. Sawyer Auditorium at Texas Southern University in Houston

 
Click here for more details.
 

 
November 11, 2005  -  ALNM Happy Hour & Farewell for Dr. Mazin Moufarij
 
Farewell Party for Dr. Mazin Moufarij, founder and chairman of ALNM.  THIS IS ALSO THE LAST HAPPY HOUR OF THE YEAR 2005.
 
When: Friday, November 11, 2005
Time:  7 p.m. - 12 midnight
Where: Mary'z Lebanese Cuisine, 5825 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77057
 
Free for ALNM Members, $5.00 Entry – For non Members
 
Lebanese music and songs. Lots of valuable prizes to win.  Bring family and friends.
 
To RSVP, e-mail Secretary@alnm.net or call 832-368-2659.
 

 
November 10, 2005  -  "Turtles Can Fly" Film
 
Houston Peace Forum will mark the completion of 20 years with a screening of the 2005 film "Turtles Can Fly." Irani Kurdish director-screenwriter Bahman Ghobadi shows Kurdish village children of Iraq waiting, with hope and trepidation, for the second Gulf War to begin.
 
The film presents a harsh account of war, displacement and deprivation. Also cake and punch to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
 
When:  Thursday, November 10, 2005
Time:  7:15 p.m.
Where:  First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin, Room 302.
 
For more information, call Pat Nichols at 713-681-6267.
 

 

November 8, 2005  -  Yalla Vote
 
The November 8, 2005 election includes 9 Texas constitutional amendments and the election of City of Houston Mayor and council members. Early voting has started and ends on November 4.
 
To see a sample ballot with the all 9 propositions and candidates go to: http://www.harrisvotes.org/Sample_Ballot/Spanish/051108/engspansampelballot.htm.

 
To learn about the pros & cons of these constitutional amendments go to: http://www.lwvtexas.org/PDF Files/VG Eng 2005 REVISED.pdf.

 

 
November 7, 2005  -  Libya: Past, Present, and Future
 
By Dr. Mansour El-Kikhia
 
When:  Monday, November 07, 2005
Time:  Registration begings at 6:00 pm, Program: 6:30 pm-7:30 pm

Where:  Compass Bank, 2001 Kirby Drive, Meeting Room, 2nd Floor
 
HWAC members Free, non-members $20. Table Cost n/a.

On June 28, 2004, after twenty-four years of isolation, the United States formally restored relations with Libya. For years, Libya has been a country unknown to the outside word, a virtual pariah state, hidden behind the face and rhetoric of its eccentric ruler- Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi. However, Libya is now resuming its place on the world stage as well as its role as a major source of energy for the United States.
 
Please join us for a special briefing on the politics, economics, and culture of Libya. This is a great opportunity for members who are thinking of going on our trip to Libya to learn more about this fascinating country.
 
Dr. Mansour El-Kikhia is an associate professor of political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where his specialty is Middle Eastern politics and international relations. A native of Libya, he received his undergraduate degree in political science from the American University of Beirut. After coming to the United States he received his Ph.D in international relations from the University of California. He is author of the book, Libya’s Qaddafi: The Politics of Contradiction.

For more information, visit www.hwac.net.
 

 
November 6, 2005  -  Eid Festival @ ACC
 
Come celebrate Eid with friends & family.
 
When:  Sunday, November 6, 2005
Time:  11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
 Where: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099
 

Live Entertainment, Moon Walk, Clowns, Paint & coloring, Games, Petting Zoo and Horse Back Ride
 
Free Gifts for Kids  *  Food & drinks available
 
Admission Fee:  $5 per car
 
For more information, call the ACC at 832-351-3366.
 

 
November 5, 2005  -  Eid Party @ ACC
 
COME CELEBRATE THE EID WITH US!  Please bring your friends and family and come enjoy a wonderful evening.
 
When:  Saturday, November 5, 2005
Time:  7 PM
 Where: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099
 

Tickets are $45, Students $30 (includes dinner & entertainment)

Live Music by JABOUR, Comedy show by MO AMER, Buffet Dinner
Babysitting & pizza - $5 per child
 
This invitation is open to all, and we would appreciate your effort in promoting it among your friends and associates.
 
Please call the ACC for reservations 832-351-3366.

 

 
November 3, 2005  -  Eid Celebration @ FunPlex
 
Celebrate Eid the Fun way.  Bring the whole family to FunPlex.

 

When:  Thursday, November 3, 2005  10 am - 12 midnight
Where:  FunPlex, 13700 Beechnut @ Eldridge in Houston (281-530-7777)
 
Say you're with the Eid group and enjoy 1/2 off all rides and games.
 

 
November 2, 2005  -  Fundraiser to help the victims of the recent South Asian Earthquake
 
The Asia Society Young Professionals is hosting a fundraiser to help the victims of the recent South Asian earthquake. Funds raised will benefit UNICEF's relief work in the affected region, which has suffered upwards of 54,000 casualties, more than half of them children. Additionally, more than a quarter million people were injured and 2.5 million left homeless.
 
Guest speakers will be Pakistan's Counsel General in Houston G.R. Baluch and City Council Member M.J. Khan.
 
A silent auction and a media presentation displaying the beauty of this region and its devastation will also be shown.
 
$10 donation requested.
 
When:  Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Time:  6:30 p.m.
Where:  Debra Colton Gallery, 2500 Summer Street
 
For more information, visit info@asyptexas.org.
   

 
During the month of Ramadan, 2005  -  Ramadan Tent at ACC
 
The traditional popular Ramadan Tent (Khaimah) will be at ACC for the entire month of Ramadan. Enjoy a choice of Hot & Cold Beverages, coffee and tea of different flavors, food, sweets, argila, card games, Backgammon (tawlet Zaher), Kids' games, and music.
 
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
 
Bring your family & friends and come meet other members of our community.
 
For more information, visit www.acc-houston.com.
 

 
October 29, 2005  -  2000th Soldier Memorial

 

Because the official US casualty count in Iraq will reach 2000 the week of October 24, on
Saturday, October 29 there will begin a week-long commemoration of ALL deaths (Iraqi as
well as occupying personnel) in the Iraq War.
 
Starting at 6:30 p.m. every evening, there'll be flag plantings, taps, candles, and brief speeches.
 
The memorial ground will be the Heights Blvd. median between 10th and 11th Streets. Different organizations have taken responsibility for each evening's program. None of the programs will last
more than an hour.
 
For more information and to help with the commemoration, contact Jim Rine, member of Oil Patch Democrats at 281-414-1386 or via e-mail at jmrine@hotmail.com.
 

 

October 28, 2005  -  International Day of Quds
 
Rally, speeches, and information booth
 
Demonstration to express solidarity with the oppressed people of the world, and in particular with the people of Palestine. This is the International Day of Quds, the last Friday of Ramadan.
 
When:  Friday, October 28, 2005
Time:  2-5 p.m.
Where:  In front of Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby, Houston, Texas 77002
  
Organized by the Worldwide Movement for Justice and Peace.
 
For more information, send e-mail to hydersyed@myway.com, or visit http://www.wmjp.org.
 
Click here of flyer.
 

 

October 27, 2005  -  Creating a Successful Palestinian State
 
Steven Simon, Senior Analyst
 
Thursday, October 27, 2005
 
The Junior League
1811 Briar Oaks Lane
The Ballroom
Click For Map
 
Registration: 6:00 pm
Program: 6:30pm- 7:30 pm
 
Houston World Affairs Council members Free, non-members $20. Table Cost n/a.
 
Israel, Palestine and governments around the world agree that long-term peace in the region will require the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Yet nation-building, as witnessed in Iraq, is a complex task that is made more difficult without detailed planning.
 
With the success of the Gaza withdrawal, prospects for peace are now closer than they have been in many years. Therefore, it's time to start thinking seriously about what comes next. What is needed for a Palestinian state to succeed? In a much talked about RAND Corporation study, Steven Simon describes the core requirements necessary for a viable Palestinian state and examines the options available for strengthening government, security and the economy.
 
Steven Simon is a senior analyst with the RAND Corporation. Prior to joining RAND, he was the assistant director for U.S. Security Studies at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. Simon served in the Department of State for 20 years, and was the senior director for Transnational Threats and the director for Global Issues and Multilateral Affairs on the U.S. National Security Council.
 
 For more information, visit www.hwac.net.
 

 
October 22, 2005  -  Rana's Wedding Film at ACC

 
ACCinema Presents...
 
RANA'S WEDDING a film by Hany Abu-Assad (86 minutes, 2002)
 
http://www.augustusfilm.com/ranaswedding/
 
When:  Saturday, October 22, 2005
Time:  8:30 PM
 Where: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099
 
Contact:  ACC at 832-351-3366
   
In Jerusalem, love has many roadblocks. When Rana is faced with an ultimatum- choose a husband from a list of eligible, respectable men or leave for Egypt-she goes searching for love of her own choosing. Moving across checkpoints to the West Bank, finding a wedding dress in a war zone, and settling family differences all in just ten hours.
 
$5 suggested admission fee but no one will be turned away.
 
This symbolical cost will be used to fund a film library, a cinematheque for the benefit of students or any person interested in Arab cinema. Any additional donations made would be greatly appreciated, and would be put to good use in furthering the mission of this cine club. ACCinema’s objective is to promote film studies and media awareness amongst the Arab community in Houston.
 
A monthly show will be held at ACC. Each show will be followed by a cinematically oriented discussion. We encourage you to come join us in this effort to touch this rich aspect of our culture.
 
ACC Film Committee is headed by Mr. Latif Adnane.
 

 
October 17, 2005  -  Oslo & After: A Participant's Report of the Peace Process
 
An invitation to attend a lecture by the new Baker Institute Isaac and Mildred Brochstein Fellow in Middle East Peace and Security, Dr. Yair Hirschfeld will speak on October 17 at 6:00 PM on Oslo & After: A Participant's Report of the Peace Process.
 
The event will be held in the International Conference Facility at Baker Hall. Please RSVP by fax to (713) 348-5993 or email to bipprsvp@rice.edu.
 
Click here for flyer and more info.
 

 
October 14, 2005  -  "Occupation Dreamland" Film

The film "Occupation Dreamland" portrays a squad of American soldiers deployed in the doomed Iraqi city of Falluja during the winter of 2004.  Filmmakers Garrett Scott and Ian Olds were given access to all operations of the Army's 82nd Airborne. They chronicle the daily grind of young recruits as they patrol an environment of low-intensity conflict creeping steadily towards catastrophe. The film documents the city's waning stability before a final series of military assaults began in the spring of 2004 that effectively destroyed it. Favorably reviewed in The Nation, Washington Post, Boston Globe, and elsewhere.

 
Angelika Theater, 510 Texas Avenue corner Smith downtown. To view a trailer, visit http://www.occupationdreamland.com.
 

 
October 12, 2005  -  2005 International Executive of the Year
 
The Greater Houston Partnership, Kiwanis Club of Houston, Spencer Stuart, and Road Show Media in cooperation with City of Houston, Harris County, Port of Houston Authority, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Bilateral U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce cordially invite you to attend a luncheon honoring Mr. Nijad I. Fares, the 2005 International Executive of the Year.
 
When:  Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Time:  Noon - 1:30 PM
Where:  The Houston Club - Texas Room, 811 Rusk, Houston, Texas

Reservation:  Please respond by Monday, October 10, 2005.
 

To register for this event ONLINE, visit http://www.houston.org/
 
For more information, call Cristina Esguerra at 713-844-3662 or email cesguerra@houston.org.
 

 
October 11, 2005  -  American Influence: Improving our Voice in the World

Craig Charney, President, Charney Research
 
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
 
The Westin Oaks Hotel
5011 Westheimer
The Consort Ballroom
Click for Map
 
Registration: 6:00 pm
Program: 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
 
Houston World Affairs Council members Free, non-members $20. Table Cost n/a.
 
The spread of anti-Americanism in the Islamic world has become a key national security problem for the United States. It diminishes our ability to promote reform, threatens our businesses and aids those who recruit terrorists. America is a global power, but our influence is seriously challenged. How can we change perceptions and encourage a more constructive dialogue with the Islamic world?
 
Craig Charney conducted opinion research in Egypt, Indonesia, and Morocco, for a Council on Foreign Relations report on the status of our public diplomacy. He details lessons learned from past mistakes and gives practical strategies for improving our image in the world.
 
Craig Charney is President of Charney Research, an independent polling firm. He has two decades of experience as a pollster and political scientist, including work for Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela. Dr. Charney is the co-author of A New Beginning: Strategies for a More Fruitful Dialogue with the Muslim World.

 

This event is co-sponsored by the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Houston World Affairs Council.
 
For more information, visit www.hwac.net.
 

 
October 10, 2005  -  Health Care For You
 
Eligibility Interviews for the Gold Card:  The Gold Card provides financial assistance for medical care to Harris County residents who qualify.
 
The Harris County Hospital District’s (HCHD) mission statement says it serves all County residents. While medical care is not free at their facilities, there is financial assistance for those who qualify.
Based on your household income, you may qualify for full or partial financial assistance, on a sliding scale, including: full pay, half pay, co-pay or no-pay. This financial assistance for medical care is just one of the many valuable benefits of being a resident of Harris County.
 
When: August (Call ACC for date), September 19, October 10, November 14, and December 12
Time:  9:00 a.m.
 Where: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099
 
For more information on requirements, visit Harris County Hospital District or call the Community Outreach Division at 713-566-6064.
 

 
October 9, 2005  -  Know Justice Know Peace Conference - Azmi Bishara
  
Palestinian activist and member of the Israeli Knesset speaking at the Know Justice Know Peace! Conference held in Houston, Texas April 29-May 1, 2005.  This video will be aired on October 9, 2005 at 9:00 p.m. on channel 17, cable access Houston Media Source.
 
For more info, e-mail mediapal2004@hotmail.com.
 

 
October 8, 2005  -  Houston Area Muslims Called on to Help Plant Trees
 
Multiply your Ramadan Blessing by Planting Trees!
 
Making Alief Green Tree Planting Day.
 
Join with Alief residents to plant, mulch and water 200 trees.

Wear work clothes and gloves. If you have yard tools (shovels, rakes, wheelbarrow, buckets) label and bring them .

Volunteers under 18: Bring signed parental consent form Form available on website:

www.Aliefsuperneighborhood.org
 
Where: Bellaire Boulevard between Wilcrest and Baneway
 
Staging Area: Parking Lot across the street from Hong Kong Mall

When: Saturday, October 8, 2005

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Rain or Shine

Sponsored by:

Alief Super Neighborhood Council
Alief Community Association
Neighborwoods: Trees for Houston
City of Houston Parks & Recreation Department
City Councilman M.J. Khan
Wal-Mart Store: 3506 Highway 6 South
 
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Never a Muslim plants a tree, but he has the reward of charity for him, for what is eaten out of that is charity; what is stolen out of that, what the beast eat out of that, what the birds eat out of that is charity for him.” (In short) none incurs a loss to him but it becomes a charity on his part.
 
Sahih Muslim Number 735 Narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah
 
Immediate Action Requested:
 
1) Register to volunteer by contacting: 1. Nada Elsayed at 713-247-2002 or by Email at: nada.elsayed@cityofhouston.net
 

 
October 7, 2005  -  American Lebanese National Movement Happy Hour
 
When: Friday, October 7, 2005
Time:  7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Mary'z Lebanese Cuisine, 5825 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77057
 
Free for ALNM Members, $5.00 Entry – For non Members
 
Lebanese music and songs. Lots of valuable prizes to win.
Bring family and friends.
 
To RSVP, e-mail Secretary@alnm.net or call 832-368-2659.

October 7, 2005  -  St. Jude Annual Fundraising Gala Honoring Dr. DeBakey

 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world.
 
 When:  Friday, October 7, 2005
Time:  7:00 p.m.
 Where:  Intercontinental Hotel, 2222 West Loop South, Houston, Texas
 
Honoree:  Dr. Michael E. DeBakey
 
Tickets:  Individual - $125 Open to the public.  Tables of 10 are available
 

For reservation, call Heather Bennett at 713-599-1441.
For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.
 

 
September 30, 2005  -  Blood Drive to Replenish Supply
 
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) together with ISGH and Crescent Youth are coordinating a blood drive to replenish the supply on September 30, 2005 . The drive will happen at three locations across Houston at:
 
Adel Road Masjid, 11815 Adel Road, Houston, TX 77067
Southeast Zone Masjid, 8830 Old Galveston Road, Houston, TX 77034
Synott Road Masjid, 10415 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478
 
More information will follow on www.cairhouston.org.

September 29, 2005  -  EYEWITNESS GAZA: AFTER THE DISENGAGEMENT
 
Speaker:  John Donvan, Correspondent for ABC News “Nightline”

Where:  The Junior League, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, Texas
When:  Thursday, September 29, 2005
Time:  6:30 p.m.
  
This is a Houston World Affairs Council General Member Event.
 
For more information, visit www.hwac.net.

September 28, 2005  -  Know Justice Know Peace Conference - Azmi Bishara
  
Palestinian activist and member of the Israeli Knesset speaking at the Know Justice Know Peace! Conference held in Houston, Texas April 29-May 1, 2005.  This video will be aired on September 28, 2005 at 10:30 p.m. on channel 17, cable access Houston Media Source.
 
For more info, e-mail mediapal2004@hotmail.com.

 
September 27, 2005  -  Funeral Service in Houston
 
The Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the Darwish family on the tragic death of their family members
 
Mohammed Darwish Alexander (Father)
Omar Mohammed Darwish (son, age 11 years)
Amal Mohammed Darwish (Daughter, age 8 years)
  
The family evacuated to Dallas due to Hurricane Rita and were in their way back to Houston when they were involved in a fatal car accident.  Mohammed and his family were members of our community center.
 
They are survived by wife/mother Reema who is recovering in the hospital from multiple injuries and daughter/sister Dawla
 
Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 1:30 PM Al Farouq Mosque, 1207 Conrad Sauer Drive, Houston, TX 77043
 
Followed by the burial at the Muslim section of Forest Lawn Cemetery located at
8701 Almeda-Genoa, Houston, TX 77075
 
For directions, visit http://www.mapquest.com
 
Let us join together and extend our condolences to the Darwish family during this difficult times.
 
We wish Reema Darwish & her daughter Dawla a speedy recovery 
 
WE ASK FOR GOD'S MERCY

 
September 25, 2005  -  Gaza Strip Documentary
 
James Longely's documentary "Gaza Strip" will be airing Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 9:00 p.m. on channel 17, cable access Houston Media Source.
 
For more info, e-mail mediapal2004@hotmail.com.

September 24, 2005  -  CAIR-Houston's Annual Banquet  -  POSTPONED
 
Theme:  "American Muslims: Partners for Equality, Promoting Community!"
 
Featuring:

Mrs. Yaphet Elamin, Missouri State Representative
Mr. Talib Elamin, St. Louis Committeeman
Sr. Hadia Mubarak, CAIR-National Board Member and past MSA National President
Br. James “Yusuf” Yee, Former Army Chaplin at Camp Delta in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Location:  The Westin Oaks, 5011 Westheimer Road at Post Oak Blvd, Houston, Texas 77056

September 24, 2005  -  March & Demonstration Against The War on Iraq
POSTPONED
 
A major march and demonstration so Houston can participate in the national mobilization against the U.S. war on, and occupation of, Iraq.  It's being organized by the Houston September 24 Coalition, which to date includes the International Socialist Organization, Latinos Por La Paz, Pax Christi, Peace Action, Progressive Action Alliance, Progressive Workers Organizing Committee, and the Peace with Justice Ministry of the United Methodist Church Texas Conference.
 
The event will begin at noon, but the march route and rally location are still being worked out.
 
To join the coalition and/or to help promote the event, contact David Smith, dsmith2740@houston.rr.com, or Herb Rothschild, 713-861-2494, herbertrothschild@hotmail.com.

September 24, 2005  -  National Arab-American Service Day
 
The National Network for Arab-American Communities (NNAAC) is proud to present the first ever National Arab-American Service Day on September 24, 2005. In the spirit of community service and volunteerism, Arab Americans will join other Americans in a day of service to strengthen their communities, build bridges with one another, and make an impact in their neighborhoods and cities. As a symbol of unity, the Arab-American Cultural & Community Center as part of the network, will partner with organizations outside of the Arab-American community to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.
 
While the service projects in each city will be unique, this event is a true testament to the fact that Arab Americans are giving back to their communities and cities.
 
To join the Arab-American Cultural & Community Center volunteers on September 24, please contact the ACC at 832-351-3366.

September 24, 2005  -  Free Citizenship Workshop
 
Citizenship Coalition of Houston presents the 4th Annual Citizenship Workshop.
 
When: Saturday, September 24, 2005.
Where: Christian Family Center, 11,000 Dairy Ashford, Sugar Land, TX
 
INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A UNITED STATES CITIZEN CAN RECEIVE ASSISTANCE COMPLETING THE N400 APPLICATION AT NO COST.
 
You may schedule an appointment by calling 713-774-5002.  Calls will be taken beginning on August 15, 2005 during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  You must have your alien number when calling for an appointment.
 
Callers will be provided with the requirements and, those eligible, will be sent a worksheet to complete and bring to the workshop.

The Arab-American Cultural & Community Center is a member of the Citizenship Coalition of Houston.  If you wish to help in the workshop, call the ACC at 832-351-3366.
 
Click here for more information.

 
September 24, 2005  -  Muslims of Greater Houston: Another opportunity to serve humanity

An All Exclusive Muslim Day

When:  Saturday, September 24, 2005
Time:  8:00 AM – 2:00 PM  & 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where:  Disaster Distribution Center, 5950 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX
 
From Gulf Freeway: I-45 South, take Edgebrook Drive exit and go East. Edgebrook becomes Fairmont Parkway. Convention Center on right Side ~ 5 miles from the Gulf Freeway.
 
Show up by hundreds. Show up by thousands to serve the neighbors and learn the process.

1) People Helping People: Help neighbors with the shopping without costing any one a dime. Cheerful interaction is the key to a great Dawa’h. Your manners and attitude to serve humanity will speak for you.

2) Receivers: Unload & distribution task for the strong and able bodies

3) Sorter: Sort food, personal hygiene items and restock. Independent….. Busy….. Task Oriented

4) Disaster Assistance Registrars: Key-Board efficiency is needed

5) Leaders: Flexible and make things happen. Help where needed.

6) Greeters and Escorts: Welcome and Direct neighbors. Escort them to their vehicles with large packages once done with free shopping

7) Hospitality Helpers: Assist with the setup of snacks and “Zabiha” food for volunteers

8) Hotline Phone Responders: Cheerful, smart, knows the directions, knows the inventory, clear sound with good English

Why serve the humanity: 1. Reward from Allah swt…. 2. Respect…. 3. Role Model….

4. Friendship and Comrade…. 5. Results……

For more info, visit www.houstonmuslimrelief.com.

September 22, 2005  -  Journalist Panel: REPORTING THE MIDDLE EAST
 
No journalistic challenge is larger at the moment than reporting the Middle East, no other story has more impact, no other place is more important now for peace in the world.
 
While the Palestinian/Israeli conflict is a central event in the region, it’s not the only event. Through the countless other stories, public perceptions are affected, both locally and abroad, as much by what journalists choose to cover as they are by the coverage itself.
 
We’ve asked a distinguished panel of journalists to discuss how they decide what to bring to their audience, which stories they cover, how they verify facts and what pressures they face as journalists in this difficult region.
 
Hafez Al-Mirazi is the bureau chief of the Washington office of Al-Jazeera Television. He hosts a weekly show, “From Washington”, which highlights U.S. positions for Arab audiences and hosts top U.S. officials and opinion leaders.
 
Yaron Deckel is considered by many to be one of Israel’s top political reporters and commentators and has covered the trials and tribulations of Israeli politics since 1985. Since 2002, he has been reporting from Washington as IBA’s Bureau Chief.
 
Ambassador Robert Jordan was US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from October 2001 until November 2003, one of the most turbulent time periods in the relationship between the two countries. Resuming his law career at Baker Botts in 2004, Mr. Jordan currently engages in an international business and dispute resolution practice.
 
Where:  The Junior League, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, Texas
When:  Thursday, September 22, 2005
Registration: 6:00 pm
Program: 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
   
This event is co-sponsored by the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Houston World Affairs Council.
 
HWAC members Free, non-members $20. Table Cost n/a.
 
For more information, visit www.hwac.net.

 

September 22, 2005  -  Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out
 
TV Channel 17 (Houston Media Source) will air a documentary titled "Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out".  A survivor of the Holocaust discusses his views of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
 
When:  Thursday, September 22, 2005
Time:  7:30 pm

September 21, 2005  -  Cost of War
  
Veterans for Peace speak out against the war in Iraq, includes several interviews of soldiers and their loved ones.  This will be aired on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. on channel 17, cable access Houston Media Source.
 
For more info, e-mail mediapal2004@hotmail.com.

September 17 & 24, 2005  -  Peace Week 2005

The Decade of Nonviolence-Houston is holding a Peace Week to mark the midpoint of the International 2001-2010 Decade for Building a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World. The week will begin with a conference on Sept. 17 on the Texas Southern University campus (8 a.m.-4 p.m.), and conclude with an awards dinner a week later. In between, the Decade is encouraging other groups and organizations to create peace-themed events throughout the city.
 
For more information and to become involved, contact Leslie Golden (713-440-7976 x106, leslie@datatude.com) or Carole Keene (713-398-6785, carolekeene@juno.com) or P.K. McCary (832-877-8149, perrimac@sbcglobal.net).

September 19, 2005  -  Health Care For You
 
Eligibility Interviews for the Gold Card:  The Gold Card provides financial assistance for medical care to Harris County residents who qualify.
 
The Harris County Hospital District’s (HCHD) mission statement says it serves all County residents. While medical care is not free at their facilities, there is financial assistance for those who qualify.
Based on your household income, you may qualify for full or partial financial assistance, on a sliding scale, including: full pay, half pay, co-pay or no-pay. This financial assistance for medical care is just one of the many valuable benefits of being a resident of Harris County.
 
When: August (Call ACC for date), September 19, October 10, November 14, and December 12
Time:  9:00 a.m.
 Where:  Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, 77099
 
For more information on requirements, visit Harris County Hospital District or call the Community Outreach Division at 713-566-6064.

 
Arab-American Cultural & Community Center Continues Call to Support victims of Hurricane Katrina
 
ACC calls on all people to extend a hand of support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast earlier this week.
 
ACC still collecting non-perishable items such as diapers, canned food, bottled water, baby formula, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and first-aid supplies. Drop your donation at ACC between the hours of 11 am - 4 pm.
 
Let the families affected by Hurricane Katrina know we stand with them during this difficult time.
 
Please contact the following relief organization, for information on how you can help:
 
Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW
Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
 

September 12-19, 2005  -  Sabra and Shatila Remembrance Delegation Tour
 
The Houston Chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is organizing a trip to DC for those interested in joining other ADC members from cities around the nation in a Delegation Tour to Lebanon to participate in the Sabra and Shatila Remembrance Week.
 
Lebanese and Palestinian NGOs in Lebanon plan to host Delegations from all over the world, including the United States.  This year will mark the fifth Sabra and Shatila Remembrance Week organized by a forum of various NGOs working among the Palestinian population in Lebanon.
 
This event, from September 12 – 19, 2005, is organized in remembrance of the massacre of over 1,000 civilians in the Palestinian camps of Sabra and Shatila during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982.
 
While it is an event in solidarity with the past sufferings and current plight of the Palestinian refugees in exile, it is also a week of cultural activities and exchanges; a way to build new bridges of activism and communication between committed communities in Lebanon and across the world.  The week’s program broadly includes visits to the camps of Sabra and Shatila, meetings with families who survived the massacre and continue to live in the camps, concerts by various international artists, art exhibits, films, theatre, etc.
 
Itinerary Highlights:
- Meeting with representatives from Lebanese and Palestinian NGOs
- Visiting Palestinian Refugee camps including Sabra and Shatila
- Touring the historic sites in Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon
- Visiting Qana memorial, Fatima Gate and the Khiam Prison in the South
- Participating in exhibits and concerts at the UNESCO Palace
- Meeting with Lebanese government officials and leaders
- Joining a March and Ceremony at the Graveyard in Shatila Camp
- Visiting women cooperative centers
 
For more information on logistics, cost and travel arrangements, please contact the ADC-Houston Area Chapter at houstonadc@yahoo.com.

September 14-16, 2005  -  U.S.-Arab Economic Forum  -  POSTPONED
 
Hosted by the Bilateral U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce and co-hosted with the American-Arab Chamber of Commerce of Detroit.
 
When:  Wednesday, September 14 through Friday, September 16, 2005  -  POSTPONED
Where:  Hilton Americas- Houston, 1600 Lamar Street, Houston, Texas 77010
 
For more details, visit http://www.usaeforum.org

September 16, 2005  -  ALNM Woman Committee Meeting
 
American Lebanese National Movement invites you to attend the Woman Committee Meeting.
 
When: Friday, September 16, 2005
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mary'z Lebanese Cuisine, 5825 Richmond Av, Houston, TX 77057
 
RSVP by Tuesday, September 13, 2005.  E-mail: woman@alnm.net or call 713-524 2849


September 12-13, 2005  -   Rosary & Funeral Service for Sahar Baba
 
The Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the Baba family on the passing of their beloved daughter Sahar Isa Baba.
 
Sahar (46 years), was an active member of our community and a friend to many of us. She will be greatly missed by all.

A Rosary will be held Monday, September 12th, at 7:30 PM, at St. George Orthodox Church, 5311 Mercer, Houston, TX 77005.
 
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at Saint George Orthodox Church in Houston.
 
May Her Memory Be Eternal.

September 11, 2005  -  Muslim Hurricane Relief Task Force to outline Islamic Aid Efforts
  
On Sunday, September 11, some 1200 Muslim volunteers will feed Hurricane Katrina evacuees in four shifts at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. National and local representatives of the Muslim Hurricane Relief Task Force (MHRTF) will also hold a noon news conference at the convention center to outline the American Muslim community's ongoing relief efforts.

WHAT : News Conference Outlining Muslim Hurricane Relief Efforts
WHEN : Sunday, September 11, Noon (Central)
WHERE : The George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas
CONTACT : CAIR-Houston Executive Director Iesa Galloway, 713-838-2247, 832-656-0449, E-Mail: iesa.galloway@cairhouston.org; Islamic Relief, Arif Sheikh, 310-351-3931, E-Mail: arif@irw.org

In a statement, MHRTF said: "The Texas Muslim community's response to the suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina has been overwhelming. Because of that response, Texas Muslims have committed to feed the evacuees for a second day."

The Houston Muslim community has trained more than 2500 volunteers to be available for hurricane relief.

The newly-formed Muslim Hurricane Relief Task Force recently announced a pledge to raise $10 million in humanitarian relief. MHRTF members include (in alphabetical order) Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Circle of North American (ICNA), Islamic Relief, Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), Kind Hearts, Life for Relief and Development, Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), Muslim American Society (MAS), Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA). For more information on the task force, go to: www.mhrtf.net

This weekend's feeding of the evacuees is taking place in coordination with the Second Baptist Church of Houston and Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston (IMGH). For more information on relief efforts by the local Muslim community, go to: www.houstonmuslimrelief.com

September 11, 2005  -  Muslims of Houston to Feed Astrodome Residents
 
The Muslim community is RESPONSIBLE for feeding 3 meals to 25,000 people On September 11 at the Astrodome.
 
“Brother and sisters, on September 11th the Houston Muslim community has been put in charge of feeding 25,000 refugees at the Astrodome by the Red Cross.
 
We need 750 volunteers for this task for which we have dedicated $124,000 dollars.
 
All the volunteers MUST go through mandatory training (see dates below).
 
Please drop off in the nearest Masjid the suggested $100 per family in special envelopes marked "Zakat - Flood 2005"
 
What you need to do NOW:  SIGN UP NOW TO ATTEND MANDATORY TRAINING THIS WEEKEND IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
 
If you can't sign up, please go straight to the Training.  No Training........ No Volunteer Work, Period.
 
Training Location:
2nd Baptist Church
6400 Woodway
Houston , TX 77057

Training Dates & Times:
Saturday Sep 3 rd / 9-11 AM
Sunday Sep 4 th / 2-4 PM
Monday Sep 5 th / 1-3 PM

Volunteer MUST be 12 years of age & Up.
 
DO YOUR ISLAMIC DUTY.  SIGN UP TO HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS.
 
For more information contact 713-838-2247 or 281-530-4627.

 
September 9, 2005  -  Important Announcement For The Community

What: Mandatory Orientation Forum For All Community Volunteers Who Recently Got Trained At the Second Baptist Church: We all are really proud of all the Houstonian Muslim Community to show up in large numbers for the training to serve our fellow citizens.

When: Friday – September 09, 2005 – 9:00PM (Dinner will be served)
Where: Pakistan Center - 12638 Bissonett @ South Dairy Ashford

Why: The Houston Muslim Relief, a Coalition of around twenty Muslim Organizations in Houston will serve our fellow citizens whose lives were tragically impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

This training at the Pakistan Center on September 9th, is mandatory for all volunteers, the ones who have been trained at the Second Baptist Church over the past weekend, as well as the ones who have not yet been trained.

We are trying to have Certified Trainers come to this meeting to train our volunteers; and this will allow you to get trained on the spot and sign-up to volunteer to serve on the 11th (Sunday).

At this Orientation Gathering, you will be assigned shifts, duties and given general instructions, so that we all together are able to serve our Brothers and Sisters in humanity in the most dignified and disciplined manner.

Charity, goodwill, and service for others who are less fortunate than us are the backbone of Muslim faith and ethics. At this time of need, our Nation has united people of all color, creed, and faith to come together to serve our fellow citizens – this project is an expression of that solidarity we feel for our fellow citizens. Please join us on Friday to get trained for this opportunity to volunteer.

Contact:Ghulam Bombaywala – 281.684.4231
Dr. Asaf Qadeer – 713.446.8878
Taslim Siddiqui – 281.236.7597

Also visit www.houstonmuslimrelief.com

 

 
September 7, 2005  -  Presentation on Palestine
 
Everyone is welcome to attend this special presentation on Palestine from a Houstonian nurse that visited Palestine recently.
 
When:  Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Time:  6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where:  Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2119 Avalon (off Shepherd), Houston
Phone:  713-522-7821
 
Refreshments will be served.
 

September 3-5, 2005  -  Support Victims of Hurricane Katrina
 
The Arab-American Cultural & Community Center in Houston is calling on all people to extend a hand of support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast earlier this week. Hundreds are anticipated dead in the States of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, and thousands more are injured. Tens of thousands have been evacuated & displaced.
 
ACC along with other Arab American community organizations and volunteers will be collecting food and supplies starting Saturday, September 3 until Monday, September 5 from 10 AM -5 PM.
 
Please donate the following items: No clothes will be accepted.
 
Canned food, bottled water, baby food, diapers, and hygiene products.
 
Volunteers are needed to help with this collection effort, please contact ACC.
 
Let the families affected by Hurricane Katrina know we stand with them during this difficult time.
 
When:  Saturday, September 3 until Monday, September 5, 2005
Time:  10 AM - 5 PM
Where:  Arab-American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, 77099
 
Contact ACC at 832-351-3366.
 
Even a small donation to the Red Cross or other relief services can make a big difference to those who have lost everything.
 
Please contact the following relief organizations for information on how you can help:
 
Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW
Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
 

 
September 4, 2005  -  Jordanian American Association Annual Family Picnic
 
When:  Sunday, September 4, 2005

Time:  2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Where:  Arab-American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, 77099
 
Bring your own food & drinks.  Come meet members of our community.
 
Invitation open to all.
 

 
September 1, 2005  -  Cindy Sheehan & the Bring Them Home Houston Tour

When:  Thursday, September 1, 2005
Time:  6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where:  Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, 2025 West 11th Street (at W. TC Jester)
 
Let's give Cindy and the military vets and families traveling with her a big, generous Houston WELCOME!
 
Attendance is free, but donations are appreciated to cover the venue rental and to continue the Bring Them Home Nationwide Tour.
 
For more information, visit http://bringthemhomenowtour.org/

 

September 1, 2005  -  Is Syria the Next Target?
 
Flynt Leverett, Senior Fellow at Saban Center for Middle East Policy, Brookings Institution, and author of "Inheriting Syria: Bashsar’s Trial by Fire" will be analyzing Syria’s geographical location, history of threatening behavior, and our current administration’s Middle East policies.
 
Where:  The Junior League, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, Texas
When:  Thursday, September 1, 2005
Time:  6:30 p.m.
 
This is a Houston World Affairs Council General Member Event.
 
For more information, visit www.hwac.net.

 
Arabic Classes as an Elective in Dulles High School in Fort Bend

  

Dulles High School is offering Arabic as a foreign language elective in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades.  Fort Bend ISD has hired a highly qualified teacher to fill the position.  There are still availabilities in this course for registration.  The school will still permit students who have signed up for another foreign language to make the switch to Arabic if they choose to do so.  Please contact your counselor at Dulles High School as soon as possible to make the necessary changes in your schedule.  If we don not have enough students we shall lose the program that took us so long to get approved.
 
For more information, please contact Lilas Taha at 281-787-3463 or by email at lilastaha@aol.com.
 

August 28, 2005  -  Creating a Culture of Peace

This is the first meeting of Creating a Culture of Peace, a 5-session workshop sponsored by the Fellowship for Reconciliation, Pace e Bene and the Decade for Nonviolence, Creating a Culture of Peace is a study and action program that explores nonviolence as a creative, powerful and effective process for addressing and resolving the conflicts in our lives and in the life of the world.  This program draws on the vision of Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and many others.  It addresses the crisis of violence that threatens our planet and furnishes participants with the tools and ongoing support to engage in nonviolent transformation of violence and conflict.
 
When:  Sundays: August 28, 2008, September 11, September 18, September 25 & October 2
Time:  2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where:  First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin, Houston
 
For more information, contact Denell Wiseman at mardens2@juno.com or 713-942-8969, or Cheryl Crosier at cheryl@crosierbiomed.com or 713-641-4941.

August 27-28, 2005  -  Workshop on Grassroots Campaign Skills
 
There will be presentations and facilitated discussion on basic campaign skills topics such as Setting Campaign Goals, Managing Staff and Volunteers, Budget and Fund-raising, Citizen Outreach, the Media and Advertising, and Public Speaking.
 
In addition, guest speaker Linda J. Curtis, of Independent Texans, will speak on "fusion" - building a unified movement for electoral reform in Texas.
 
When:  Saturday, August 27 & Sunday, August 28, 2005
Time:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where:  Super Happy Fun Land, 2610 Ashland Street (at West 27th) in the Heights.
 
Everyone is welcome, registration required.  For additional information and to register, call 713-529-8097, or email gcs@tx.greens.org.
 

 
August 27, 2005  -  ACC Fund Raising Dinner with Live Entertainment
  
You are invited to a fun filled evening with Live Entertainment and Dinner at the “Mediterranean Palace” on Dairy Ashford, Saturday August 27, 2005 at 8pm.
 
Please bring your friends and family and come enjoy the fabulous cuisine of the Mediterranean Palace, and the live singer and band to dance the night away.

The evening is organized by Mr. Ahmad Alyasin, Chair of the ACC Fundraising Committee.
Tickets are $100 per person, and all the proceeds will go to ACC, mainly to meet the Mortgage Note Obligation of ACC due on September 1st.

For several years now, ACC has been here for the Arab American Community.  We have been bringing people together, teaching our children Arabic language and culture, providing medical help for members of our community, and helping those in need.

"We still can do more for our Community"

Your generosity is what keeps this Center alive. In the future you can proudly say: “I helped build this Center”.

This invitation is open to all the Houston Community, and we would appreciate your effort in promoting it among your friends and associates on behalf of ACC.

Please call in your reservations, and confirm directly with the restaurant or Mr. Alyasin
 
We look forward to your presence and support, and we can promise you great food (Seated Dinner) and entertainment, and wonderful time among friends and family in the Private Ballroom of the Palace.
 
When:  Saturday, August 27, 2005
Time:  8:00 p.m.
Where:  Mediterranean Palace Buffet, 1801 S. Dairy Ashford, Houston (Tel. 281-679-5500)
(between Westheimer and Briarforest)

 
August 26, 2005  -  American Lebanese National Movement Happy Hour
 
When: Friday, August 26, 2005
Time:  7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Mary'z Lebanese Cuisine, 5825 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77057
 
Free for ALNM Members, $5.00 Entry – For non Members
 
Lebanese music and songs. Lots of valuable prizes to win.
Bring family and friends.
 
RSVP by Monday, August 23, 2005 (e-mail: Secretary@alnm.net or call 832-368-2659)

 
August 25, 2005  -  Iraq: ? - Where Do We Go From Here? Town Hall Meeting

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Presents a Town Hall Meeting on:
 
Iraq: ? - Where Do We Go From Here??

When:  Thursday, August 25, 2005
Time:  7:00 p.m. CST
Where:  Metropolitan Community Church, 2025 West 11th Street, Houston, Texas
 
Almost two thousand American soldiers have lost their lives in the War in Iraq and yet the Bush Administration still does not have a successful exit strategy for our troops.  Come listen to experts talk about the right plan for Iraq and hear testimony from the Gold Star Mothers who have lost loved ones in this War that has gone on for more than two years. You will also see scenes from the documentaries “Uncovered: the War in Iraq” and “Caught in the Crossfire.” Additionally, we expect to have a call-in from Gold Star Mother Cindy Sheehan.
 
Please join us for this vital dialogue on an issue of national and international concern.
 
Your Voice is Vital for Democracy to Work!
 
For more information and to RSVP, please call 713-655-0050.

http://www.jacksonlee.house.gov/display2.cfm?id=11028&type=News

 
August 20, 2005  -  Stand with Cindy Sheehan
 
The Houston Coalition for Justice Not War is organizing a car caravan to Crawford, Texas to "stand with Cindy" Sheehan, the mother of a young man who lost his life in the Iraq war. Sheehan is holding a highly publicized vigil outside the Bush Ranch in Crawford waiting for an answer from Bush as to why her son had to die.
 
The organizers expect to depart from St. Stephen's School on Sul Ross and Woodhead about 8 a.m., arrive in Crawford by noon, stay all afternoon, and return to Houston by late evening.
 
To join the caravan, contact Robert Graham at 713-528-0677, rgg-629@sbcglobal.net.

 
August 20, 2005  -  Knowing Your Rights, Travel & Airport Security/FBI interviews
 
Do not miss the chance to learn and ask questions from an expert by Alamdar Hamdani of ACLU-TX.
 
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-TX) will present a workshop on safeguarding your civil rights/liberties in Houston.
 
When:  Friday, August 26, 2005
Time:  After Salat Maghrib
Where:  ASIA Center, 618 Barringer Ln., Webster, TX 77598 (281-480-2800)
 
For more information, visit www.asiacenter.org.

 
August 20, 2005  -  Help “Keep Houston Beautiful"
 
CAIR-Houston urges volunteers to help clean trash and debris along Alief streets.  Alief is joining other communities throughout Houston on Saturday in a citywide cleanup.  Coordinating the Alief effort is Pat Davis of the Alief Super Neighborhood Council, who has issued a call for volunteers who want to help in the cleanup.  Bellaire Boulevard neighborhood organizations also are participating.
 
"We will assemble on Saturday in Boone Road Park at 8 a.m. and plan to finish removing trash from the streets between Beechnut and Bellaire Boulevard before noon ," Davis said.
 
"So put on your work clothes and gloves and do our part in making the neighborhood project a spotless success," Davis said.
 
When: Saturday, August 20, 2005
Time:  8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where:  Meet at Boone Road Park, 7700 Boone Road, Houston
  
For more information, call Pat Davis at 281-498-7406.
 
Houston City Councilman M.J. Khan, who's District F includes Alief, is a member of the group sponsoring the citywide cleanup.

 
August 19, 2005  -  Muslim Students and their Rights
 
Up Coming CAIR-Houston Presentation on Muslim Students and their Rights
 
Daily Prayers, Hijab, Beards, Dress Codes, Jummah, co-ed gym class? What you and your family should know.
 
Do you have questions about your/your child's ability to practice Islam at school? Learn the facts and proactive ways to work with the system and deal with difficult situations!

When:  Friday, August 19, 2005
Time:  After Salat Isha
Where:  Houston Jama Masjid, 6550 Ternef Dr., Houston , TX 77074 (Tel. 713-493-1900)

 
June through August 18, 2005  -  The Keeper: The Legend of Omar Khayyam
 A Movie with Culture
95 min., Rated: NR
 
The first American film produced almost entirely in the country of Uzbekistan, once the heart of Ancient Persia. This historical epic tells the story of a boy living in America who uncovers the secret connection to the Great Omar Khayyam, 11th Century Persian Mathematician, Astronomer and Poet of the famous "Rubaiyat." We are taken to 11th Century Persia as the 12 year old boy learns the tale of his ancestor.
 
Playing now in Houston until August 18, 2005
 
Where: Angelika Theater located in Downtown Houston, 501 Texas (Intersection of Smith & Texas)
 
Free Parking underground - Take parking ticket to be validated when you purchase the tickets.
 
For More Information & show times:  http://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/houston/

August 13, 2005  -  The Beauty of Islam
 
Presentations by representatives of the Houston Muslim community
Displays on Islamic history, culture and contemporary issues
Tour of the historic Islamic Da'wah Center

When:  Saturday, August 13, 2005
Time:  2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where:  Islamic Da'wah Center, 201 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77022
 
Open To People of All Faiths  -  Refreshments will be served
 
Sponsored by the Islamic Society of Greater Houston.  For more information, call 713-397-9994.

August 11, 2005  -  "Shocking and Awful" Documentary Screening
 
This month's Houston Peace Forum will screen the first two segments of the documentary series "Shocking and Awful" in which independent video activists report on the real face of the occupation in Iraq.  Following the discussion, there will be a talk by Alma Cooper, Houston activist, regarding her recent trip to Cuba with the Pastors for Peace Caravan.
 
When:  Thursday, August 11, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Where:  First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin, Room 302, Houston
 
For further information, contact Pat Nichols at 713-681-6267.

 
August 5, 2005  -  The U.S. Stake in Qatar: Energy, Defense, and Middle East Reform

Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce
Program Announcement

The Bilateral invites you to a luncheon with Chase Untermeyer U.S. Ambassador to Qatar

Chase Untermeyer, a Houstonian, was appointed US ambassador to Qatar by President George W. Bush in 2004. He previously served President Reagan as an Assistant Secretary of the Navy and the first President Bush as a senior White House aide and director of the Voice of America. Closer to home, he was a reporter for the Houston Chronicle, a state representative, a member of the Houston Port commission, chairman of the Texas State Board of Education, and vice president of the University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston. 

What is the American stake in Qatar in relation to energy, defense and Middle Eastern reform? What factors are bringing Qatar to the forefront of the economic, political and defense agenda of the US?

Qatar’s rapid development and unparalleled natural resources, coupled with the country's hospitable business climate, provide an exceptional opportunity for US businesses. Gas-rich Qatar, with its decidedly pro-Western Muslim monarch, has managed to remain a small bastion of tranquility in a turbulent Middle East. Some consider Qatar a model of success - the very image of what an open and relatively free Arab society could be. American presence in Qatar has steadily increased to an overall investment that stood at some $8 billion by the end of 2001. The estimated US investment in the energy sector alone (not counting other infrastructure projects) will be $60 billion by 2010.  In the LNG sector, US businesses have taken advantage of Qatar's multi-billion dollar fossil fuels schemes. On the defense side Qatar has significantly upgraded and expanded its defense cooperation with the United States. 

This event is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council and the Asia Society.

When:  Friday, August 5, 2005 
Where:  The Westin Oaks Hotel, 5011 Westheimer (The Consort Ballroom, 3rd Floor)
Registration 11:30 AM
Luncheon Program: Noon- 1:30 PM

Members $30
Nonmembers $40
Tables $400
 
Reservations are required for this program. RSVP by July 29, 2005. Send e-mail to programs@arabuschamber.org.

 

August 1, 2005  -  Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out
 
TV Channel 17 (Houston Media Source) will air a documentary titled "Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out".  A survivor of the Holocaust discusses his views of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
 
When:  Monday, August 1, 2005
Time:  8:00 pm

 
July 31, 2005  -  Teta & Jeddo (Grandparent's) Night at ACC
 
A monthly social event for the seniors in the Arab American community in Houston which includes Health Talk.
 
This will be a great way for our senior citizens to meet each other.  Desert & coffee and some good home cooking will be served.  Come celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with our seniors.  Everyone is encouraged to come with their grandchildren, children, family and friends. Come dress in your traditional dress or costume.  Bring your favorite dish or desert & share with us.  It will be a lot of fun!
 
When:  Sunday, July 31, 2005
Time:  7:00 - 8:30 PM
Where:  Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, 77099
 
Health Talk this month by Dr. George Nassar - Prevention of Kidney Disease.

July 30, 2005  -  Alief Health & Civic Resources Fair
 
Free health screening & information for all ages: Physician & pharmacy consultations, vision, dental, dermatology, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, bone density, education & job opportunity, and much more.
 
When: Saturday, July 30, 2005
Time:  9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: 7720 Boone Road, Houston, TX 77072
 
Free event and open to all.
Free child immunization (parents & records required).

July 28, 2005  -  Halliburton Town Hall Meeting
 
Are you concerned about the increasing militarization of the world we live? Does your blood boil every time you turn on the corporate media and watch as it spoon feeds the American public more propaganda? Do you want to do something about it? The Houston Global Awareness Collective is putting out a call to all activists and concerned citizens to come to a town hall meeting.  The event will include dialoguing about these issues and how to confront them.
 
When:  Thursday, July 28, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Where:  Shape Family Community Center, located at 3815 Live Oak
 
This event is free and open to the public, although donations are always appreciated. For more information, please call 832-493-0508 or visit www.HoustonGlobalAwareness.org.

July 28, 2005  -  American Lebanese National Movement Happy Hour
 
When: Thursday, July 28, 2005
Time:  7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Mary'z Lebanese Cuisine, 5825 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77057
 
Free for ALNM Members, $5.00 Entry – For non Members
 
Lebanese music and songs. Lots of valuable prizes to win.
Bring family and friends.
 
RSVP: By Monday, July 25, 2005
 
E-mail: Secretary@alnm.net or call 832-368-2659

 
July 26, 2005  -  The Zoroastrian World View and its Echoes in Christianity and Islam
 
The Rothko Chapel in Houston is holding a lecture by Dr. Philip Kreyenbroek.
  
When:  Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Where:  The Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006
 
Dr. Philip Kreyenbroek, head of Iranian studies at the University of Goettingen in Germany, is a leading specialist on the Kurds and the Yezidis of Turkey and northern Iraq. He is especially interested in Zoroastrianism and its textual tradition, Sufism, Yezidism, and oral literatures in Iranian cultures, and has published extensively on several of these subjects.
 
In 1991, the Dutch scholar and adventurer, Kreyenbroek and photographer Mary Ann Bruni, one of the Chapel's sponsors, were among the first Westerners to visit the Yezidi's holy city of Lalish in Iraqi Kurdistan, which had been closed to the West for more than 70 years. This program is co-sponsored by the Zoroastrian community.
 
To RSVP or for more information, visit www.rothkochapel.org.
 

 
July 25, 2005  -  Israeli Wall in Palestinian Land
 
TV Channel 17 (Houston Media Source) will air a documentary titled "Israeli Wall in Palestinian Land".
 
Two American activists set out to explore the impact of the Wall on Palestinian lives . They talk with several Palestinians,  a young mother from Dheisheh refugee camp, a businessman from Abu Dis, a music student from Ramallah, a school director from Jerusalem, a farmer from Jayyous, and the director from the Stop the Wall campaign in Beit Hanina. Their perspectives shed light on Israel's true objectives with the Wall, and what kind of future between Palestinians and Israelis lies ahead.
  
When:  Monday, July 25, 2005
Time:  8:00 p.m.
Where:  TV Channel 17 (Houston Media Source) on Time Warner Cable

 
July 23, 2005  -  Quiz Competition

 

The Muslim Student Association, Islamic Circle of North America and Islamic Society of Greater Houston are organizing a Quiz Competition for Five Different Ages.

 
Groups between 4-Years – 19-Years

Each Age Group Needs to Purchase Different Books to Prepare Well for the Competition

  

When:  Saturday, July 23, 2005
Time:   9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Where:  University of Houston (Uni-Center)

  

Registration is $10.00 per participant plus book prices (ranging between $5.00 - $8.00)

 

For more information, visit www.ICNA.org/Houston and click on Events, or call Ilyas Hasan Choudry at 832-275-0786.
 

 
July 23, 2005  -  Downing Street Memo and Bush's War on Iraq
 
The Progressive Action Alliance (PAA), Code Pink, and other organizations will sponsor the "Downing Street Minutes Teach-In/Movie Night". This is an event to recognize the 3rd anniversary of the Downing Street Minutes, and coincides with similar events in over 150 cities nationwide. This effort is being coordinated by After Downing Street, a coalition of veterans' groups, peace groups, and political activist groups, which has launched a campaign to urge the U.S. Congress to begin a formal investigation into whether President Bush has committed impeachable offenses in connection with the Iraq war. Download a flyer for the event! A biography of speaker Mary Ann Wright is available along with her testimony of why the DSM memos are important. A formal press release is also provided.
 
When:  Saturday, July 23, 2005
Time:  7:00 p.m. - -9:30 p.m.
Where:  First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin, Houston
 

July 16, 2005  -  Interfaith Feed the Homeless Opportunity

CAIR-Houston urges Muslims to support effort
 
WHAT: On Saturday, July 16, representatives of CAIR-Houston and members of the local Muslim community will join His Disciples Cooking Ministry in helping to feed the homeless at Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen.

WHEN: July 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Loaves and Fishes, 2009 Congress Avenue, Houston
For more information, visit http://home.surfree.com/~magnificat/houses/id6.html
 
CONTACT: CAIR-Houston Executive Director Iesa Galloway, 713-838-2247, 832-656-0449, E-Mail: iesa.galloway@cairhouston.org

(Volunteers are needed. Please visit http://www.cookingministry.org/volunteers and fill out the volunteer sign-up form or send an e-mail to info@cairhouston.org. Specify "Feed the Homeless" in the subject line and include contact information and activity preference (cook, serve or clean). There is only room for up to 45 volunteers. Please RSVP as soon as possible.)

Who: His Disciples Cooking Ministry www.cookingministry.org, lead by Mr. Joe Bontke outreach manger of the EEOC who has held numerous workshops on fair employment practices in Houston area Masajid.

CAIR-Houston's participation in this effort is part of the group's national "Muslims Care" campaign designed to promote volunteerism in the American Muslim community.

Immediate Action Requested:

1) Sign up to volunteer by, cooking, serving, or clean up for July 16th by sending a email to info@cairhouston.org subject “FEED THE HOMELESS” please your contact information and activity preference.

2) Help us recruit more volunteers by spreading the word with your friends and family

July 16, 2005  -  Kids Day

Young Houstonian Muslim Boys & Girls are organizing a "Kids Day" on Saturday, July 16.  This is intended to be an all day fun for Children between 7 and 13.

When:  Saturday, July 16, 2005
Time:  11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where:  Masjid Al-Taqwa, also called ISGH Synott Masjid, 10415 Synott Road
 
 Registration is $3.00 per child
 
For more information, call 713-261-3660.

July 15, 2005  -  Rachel Corrie: An American Conscience

A Voices Breaking Boundaries Cultural Narrative Documentary
 This documentary film chronicles Rachel Corrie’s humanitarian work with the International Solidarity Movement in Rafah, Gaza Strip, just prior to her murder in March 2003. While Corrie stood in front of a Palestinian home to prevent its demolition, an Israeli soldier in a Caterpillar D-9 bulldozer crushed her.
 
When:  Friday, July 15, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Locations:  Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, 77099

General Admission: $5 (no one will be turned away)
 

 
July 14, 2005  -  Portrait of Saudi Arabia
 
This informative professional development opportunity, a “Portrait of Saudi Arabia”,
will include information on the history, politics, economics, geography, and culture
of this important Middle Eastern country.
 
When:  Thursday, July 14, 2005
Time:  8am - 4pm
Where:  Baker Hughes Bldg., 2nd floor conference room
3900 Essex Lane, Houston 77027 (Just off Wesleyan @ Westheimer)
 
Cost:  $30, includes breakfast, lunch, and a multitude of curriculum resources
 
Sponsored by Houston World Affairs Council, the Institute of International Education and the Houston Education Space Team
 
 Click here for more information.

July 14, 2005  -  Confronting the Evidence: A Call to Reopen the 9/11 Investigation
 
The Summer Nite Movie at the Houston Peace Forum is "Confronting the Evidence: A Call to Reopen the 9/11 Investigation." A bipartisan group claims to have crucial evidence about the 9/11 tragedy that has not been given public exposure.
 
When:  Thursday, July 14, 2005
Time:  7:15 p.m.
Location:  First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin, Houston, room 302
 
Refreshments provided. For more information, contact Pat Nichols at 713-681-6267.

 
July 9, 2005  -  Fundraising Dinner for Linda (nurse volunteer traveling to a Palestinian hospital)
 
Know Justice, Know Peace!, in association with Latinos Por La Paz, Houston Coalition for Justice Not War and other groups will be holding a fundraising dinner for Linda Trecho, a member of Latinos Por La Paz (Latinos for Peace) who is going to spend two weeks this year volunteering her skills as a nurse in a Palestinian hospital.  Linda will get the money she needs to take her working vacation in Palestine.
 
When:  Saturday, July 9, 2005
Time:  7:00 p.m.
Location:  Stag's Head pub, 2128 Portsmouth (near the corner of Shepherd and Westheimer)
 
For $25 you will get your choice of a dinner entree, the opportunity to meet Linda and be able to watch a great movie while you dine that shows the true history of that regional conflict -- "Tragedy in the Holy Land."  There will also be a raffle on a $75 dinner ticket for Mykonos Island Restaurant.
 
To make your reservation, please call Yolanda at 713-667-0553 or email garzab@yahoo.com.

 
July 9, 2005  -  Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out
 
TV Channel 17 (Houston Media Source) will air a documentary titled "Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out".  A survivor of the Holocaust discusses his views of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
 
When:  Saturday July 9, 2005
Time:  8:30 pm

July 6, 2005  -  Rachel Corrie: An American Conscience

A Voices Breaking Boundaries Cultural Narrative Documentary
 This documentary film chronicles Rachel Corrie’s humanitarian work with the International Solidarity Movement in Rafah, Gaza Strip, just prior to her murder in March 2003. While Corrie stood in front of a Palestinian home to prevent its demolition, an Israeli soldier in a Caterpillar D-9 bulldozer crushed her.
 
Two scheduled events:
 
Date:  Wednesday July 6, 2005
Time:  7:00 pm
Location:  DiverseWorks Artspace, 1117 East Freeway, Houston, TX 77002
 
Date:  Friday, July 15, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Locations:  Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, 77099

General Admission: $5 (no one will be turned away)
 

 
July 3, 2005  -  Gaza Strip Documentary (Part 2)
 
James Longely's documentary "Gaza Strip" Part 2 will be airing Sunday, July 3, 2005 at 9:00 p.m. on channel 17, cable access Houston Media Source.
 
For more info, e-mail mediapal2004@hotmail.com.


July 2, 2005  -  Israeli Wall in Palestinian Land
 
TV Channel 17 (Houston Media Source) will air a documentary titled "Israeli Wall in Palestinian Land".
 
Two American activists set out to explore the impact of the Wall on Palestinian lives . They talk with several Palestinians,  a young mother from Dheisheh refugee camp, a businessman from Abu Dis, a music student from Ramallah, a school director from Jerusalem, a farmer from Jayyous, and the director from the Stop the Wall campaign in Beit Hanina. Their perspectives shed light on Israel's true objectives with the Wall, and what kind of future between Palestinians and Israelis lies ahead.
  
When:  July 2, 2005 at 11 am
Where:  TV Channel 17 (Houston Media Source) on Time Warner Cable

 
June 28, 2005  -  An evening with Aaron Glantz
 
Pacifica Radio and Free Speech Radio news featured Aaron's first hand accounts from Iraq. Now, he's discussing his new book, How America Lost Iraq, touted as "a nuanced and hard-hitting indictment to the transformation of the United States in the eyes of Iraqis from liberator to oppressor" according to Publishers Weekly.
 
Aaron will also screen a short documentary that chronicles his time as one of the only un-embedded reporters during the U.S. military invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq.
 
His radio documentary, "Iraq: One Year of Occupation and Resistance," can be accessed online at http://www.fsrn.org.
 
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:  Aurora Picture Show, 800 Aurora Street, Houston, TX 77009
 
To order tickets in advance call 713-526-4000, x316.
 
Press Release

 
June 28, 2005  -  Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out
 
TV Channel 17 (Houston Media Source) will air a documentary titled "Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out".  A survivor of the Holocaust discusses his views of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
 
When:  June 28, 2005 at 6:30 pm & July 9, 2005 at 8:30 pm


June 26, 2005  -  Israeli Wall in Palestinian Land
 
TV Channel 17 (Houston Media Source) will air a documentary titled "Israeli Wall in Palestinian Land".
 
Two American activists set out to explore the impact of the Wall on Palestinian lives . They talk with several Palestinians,  a young mother from Dheisheh refugee camp, a businessman from Abu Dis, a music student from Ramallah, a school director from Jerusalem, a farmer from Jayyous, and the director from the Stop the Wall campaign in Beit Hanina. Their perspectives shed light on Israel's true objectives with the Wall, and what kind of future between Palestinians and Israelis lies ahead.
  
When:  June 26, 2005 at 10 pm


June 26, 2005  -  Teta & Jeddo Night at ACC

A monthly social event for the seniors in the Arab American community which includes Health Talk.
 
 When:  Sunday, June 26, 2005.
Time:    7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location:  ACC located at 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099
 
This will be a great way for our senior citizens to meet each other.  Desert & coffee and some good home cooking will be served.  Come celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with our seniors.  Everyone is encouraged to come with their grandchildren, children, family and friends. Come dress in your traditional dress or costume.  Bring your favorite dish or desert & share with us.  It will be a lot of fun!

Health Talk this month by Dr. Fustok
 

June 26, 2005  -  Denounce Torture: Stop It Now!

To mark the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Amnesty International, Group 23 Houston Presents "Denounce Torture: Stop It Now!" It's a demonstration against the torture and ill-treatment of those detained by the U.S. plus a witness of concern for torture victims everywhere. 2-4 p.m. in front of the main Houston Public Library, 500
McKinney in Houston.

June 25, 2005  -  "Immigrants and Refugees: Seeking Rights, Seeking Services, Seeking a Future" Conference & Town Hall Meeting
 
 "Immigrants and Refugees: Seeking Rights, Seeking Services, Seeking a Future," a conference and town hall meeting sponsored by the Mayor's Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (MOIRA). The conference aims to supply service providers, government agencies, and community organizations with the information they need to serve Houston's diverse immigrant and refugee
population.
 
The town hall meeting will have a panel with the participation of city elected officials, the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and directors of the following COH departments: Police, Health & Human Services, and Housing.
 
 When:  Saturday, June 25, 2005
Conference Time:  8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Town Hall Meeting Time:  5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
Where:  Centro Familiar Cristiano, 11000 Dairy Ashford (corner with West Bellfort)
  
Conference registration is $30/$45, and the town hall meeting is free.  To register on-line, visit www.uh.edu/enroll/admis/OIA/Immigration.
 
For more information, contact MOIRA director Benito Juarez at 713-437-6968 or benito.juarez@cityofhouston.net.

June 25, 2005  -  Shifa Clinic Open House

Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Muslim Health Professional Society & Islamic Medical Association (IMA) Cordially Invite You To *Shifa Clinic Open House*.
 
Medical, Dental and Eye Examinations
Ultrasound testing (Reduced Fee. Reservations Required: Tel# 713.466.1019)
Cholesterol Panel and Blood Glucose Tests for High Risk Patients (Come Fasting)
Medical Awareness & Counseling

EKG Free For 50 Plus With ID

When:  Saturday, June 25, 2005
Time:  10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:  HOUSTON SHIFA CLINIC, 10415 Synott Road, Sugarland, TX 77478

Telephone: 281-561-5767, 281-556-5183, 832-640-0548

Volunteers and Donation Needed
 
Click here for more info/flyer.

June 24, 2005  -  Memorial in Honor of the Late George Hawi
 
Friends of Lebanon in Houston are holding a memorial evening on Friday June 24, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at the Arab-American Cultural & Community Center.  
 
A condolence book will be available for signing, and later forwarded to his family.

June 20, 2005  -  Health Care for You: Eligibility Interviews for the Gold Card
 
The Gold Card: provides financial assistance for medical care to Harris County residents who qualify.
 
What: Harris Country Hospital District will be at ACC to help eligible people apply for the Gold Card.
When: Monday, June 20, 2005 at 9:00 AM
Where: ACC located at 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099

The Harris County Hospital District’s (HCHD) mission statement says it serves all County residents. While medical care is not free at their facilities, there is financial assistance for those who qualify.

Based on your household income, you may qualify for full or partial financial assistance, on a sliding scale, including: full pay, half pay, co-pay or no-pay. This financial assistance for medical care is just one of the many valuable benefits of being a resident of Harris County.

To establish your eligibility requirements for an HCHD Gold Card, you will need to provide proof for the following six items. By providing these six items you will help ensure your Gold Card application goes smoothly. If you are having difficulty finding or providing any of the mentioned items, refer to the alternative proof links below, or call the nearest eligibility center to ask about other documents or proofs you may submit.

If you need help getting proof, the person interviewing you will help.  Below is the list of items and alternative proofs needed to process your application:

  1. Identification
    A valid driver’s license or state of Texas ID card
    If you don’t have a current Texas driver’s license, you may use one of the following to provide proof of identification:

    Preferred Identification

    • Identification card issued by Texas Dept. of Public Safety

    • Current employee job badge with picture

    • Passport with picture

    • Immigration document with picture

    • Credit card with picture
       

  2. County Residency
    Two utility bills with your name from within the last 60 days from any of the following utility companies: electric, telephone, water, natural gas or cable.
    You may chose, instead, to provide one utility bill accompanied by a valid Houston apartment Association lease (both documents must use your name)
     

  3. Household income
    Proof of household income during the past 30 days
    Base on your family’s income, size and the insurance information you provide, we can determine what level of financial assistance you qualify for. It is necessary to prove the income for all family members who live with you, even if only one family member is applying for gold Card.

    If you currently have no household income, you must show how you are living. If someone is helping you financially, you will need to have that person or organization complete an HCHD supporter statement.
     

  4. Family Dependents
    To establish parental or guardian relationship, bring a birth certificate or guardianship document in your household
    Dependent Relationships
     

  5. Insurance Converge
    Bring health insurance cards or plan information if you currently have healthcare insurance
     

  6. I.N.S Status
    Non-U.S. citizens should provide Immigration and Naturalization Service documents. Persons with certain restricted visas are not eligible for Gold Card financial assistance.

    By providing these six items you will help ensure your Gold Card application goes smoothly. If you are having difficulty finding or providing any of the items mentioned above, call the nearest eligibility center to ask about other documents or proofs you may submit

    These are minimum requirements depending on each individual situation.  If you have any questions, call the Community Outreach Division at 713-566-6064.  Cards are processed and mailed by the Patient Eligibility Department of HCHD.

June 18, 2005  -  Save Our Soldiers: US OUT of Iraq Demonstration

Sponsored by Galveston Peace Action Network.

When:  Saturday, June 18, 2005
Time:  Noon
Where:  Seawall and 41st Street in Galveston, Texas
 
For more information call Mark Muhich at 409-763-0482.

June 18, 2005  -  World Refugee Day
 
This is World Refugee Day. It will be celebrated in Houston under the auspices of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, with sponsorship by many other agencies such as Catholic Charities.
 
Guest speakers will inform attendees about refugee issues. There'll be traditional ethnic music, singing, dancing, and food from around the world. A photographer will be on hand to take 5x7 family pictures for $2.
 
When:  Saturday, June 18, 2005
Time:  11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where:  Marian Park Community Center, 11101 South Gessner (near West Bellfort Ave).
 
For more information, contact MOIRA director Benito Juarez at 713-437-6968 or at benito.juarez@cityofhouston.net.

June 16, 2005  -  Beyond Bush/Beyond Iraq: Understanding U.S. Foreign Policy

OilPatch Democrats present Prof. Robert Jensen

Professor Robert Jensen, UT-Austin School of Journalism, author of Citizens of the Empire: The Struggle to Claim Our Humanity and Writing Dissent: Taking Radical Ideas from the Margins to the Mainstream

Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 6:30PM
Pavani Indian Cuisine - 10554 Southwest Fwy between Bissonnet & Hwy 8 (713-272-8259)
Please E-mail to confirm attendance (with/without spouse) to Jobeth Hines JHines@cogc.com

Suggested donation $10, none turned away.  Snacks and soft drinks included, full bar available

Robert Jensen
Robert Jensen is an associate professor in the School of Journalism of the University of Texas at Austin, where he teaches courses in media law, ethics, and politics. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a professional journalist for a decade. He is the author of Citizens of the
Empire: The Struggle to Claim Our Humanity (City Lights, 2004) and Writing Dissent: Taking Radical Ideas from the Margins to the Mainstream (Peter Lang, 2002); co-author with Gail Dines and Ann Russo of Pornography: The Production and Consumption of Inequality (Routledge, 1998); and co-editor with David S. Allen of Freeing the First Amendment: Critical Perspectives
on Freedom of Expression (New York University Press, 1995).
 

June 15, 2005  -  Instant-Mix Imperial Democracy

World-famous writer and activist Arundhati Roy will be seen on video at the Globalization Forum. It's a speech she gave called "Instant-Mix Imperial Democracy," in which she condemns the Iraq War and U.S. imperial designs.
 
When:  Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Where: Olive Branch Meeting Room of the Maryknoll House, 2360 Rice Blvd, west of Greenbriar
 
For more information, contact Joan Denkler at 713-467-2996 or jndenkler48@ev1.net.

June 13, 2005  -  Gaza Strip Documentary (Part 2)
 
James Longely's documentary "Gaza Strip" Part 2 will be airing Monday, June 13, 2005 at 8:30 p.m. on channel 17, cable access Houston Media Source.
 
For more info, e-mail mediapal2004@hotmail.com.

June 11, 2005  -  The Truth About Islam
 
"The Truth About Islam" is a talk by Imam Zoubir Bouchikhi. He will address such stereotypical assumptions as the Quran teaches violence, Islam oppresses women, and  that Muslims hate freedom and democracy.
 
Sponsored by the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH) at the Masjid Attaqwa (mosque)
in Sugarland, 10415 Synott Rd. between Bissonnett and Bellfort.
 
For more information call 713-524-6615.

April 8 - June 11, 2005  -  FotoFest * Arab Eyes

NAZAR - Photographs from the Arab World, one of the largest exhibitions of photography from the Arab World of the Middle East and North Africa will open at FotoFest Friday, April 8 at their Downtown Gallery-Headquarters in Houston.

Among its many meanings, the Arabic word NAZAR means 'seeing' or 'insight'. The exhibit is a journey through many countries and many ways of seeing.

Eighteen Arab photographers and seventeen photographers from Europe, the U.S., Australia, Iran, and Israel have work in this exhibition. (Artist List)

The exhibition will present 250 photographic works, most of which have never been seen before in the United States. The exhibition is being brought by FotoFest from the Noorderlicht Photofestival in The Netherlands.

In its entirety, NAZAR is the largest show of photographic works in the United States about the Arab World(s) of the Middle East and North Africa, to date.

FotoFest is collaborating with the contemporary art space, The Station to present the Western Eyes portion of the exhibit, opening April 23 and overlapping with the Arab works, at The ArtCar Museum.

Arab Eyes and A Look Back
April 8 – June 11, 2005
FotoFest at Vine Street Studios
Houston, Texas

Western Eyes
April 23 – June 25, 2005
FotoFest and The Station
at The ArtCar Museum
Houston, Texas

www.fotofest.org
 

June 9, 2005  -  Summer Nite Movie: Unconstitutional

The Houston Peace Forum begins its Summer Nite Movie Series with the film, "Unconstitutional." This movie shows how the U.S. Justice Dept., under the Patriot Act, has rounded up thousands of immigrants, never charged many of them, and deported them or put them in Guantanamo prison and other jails. Following the film and discussion, Judy Hoffhein, director of the Houston Peace Camp, will present a short program on free trade and fair trade.
 
Refreshments served. For more information, contact Pat Nichols at 713-681-6267.
 

June 6, 2005  -  Gaza Strip Documentary (Part 1)
 
James Longely's documentary "Gaza Strip" will be airing Monday, June 6, 2005 at 9:00 p.m. on channel 17, cable access Houston Media Source.  Part 2 will be aired on Monday, June 13 at 8:30 p.m.
 
For more info, e-mail mediapal2004@hotmail.com.

June 2, 2005  -  Declaration Against the Iraq War

The Houston chapter of the Department of Peace campaign will feature Kelley Ogden reading the Declaration Against the Iraq War. The declaration was written on-line by more than 14,000 people in the span of 4 days. Ogden was then chosen to read it at Riverside Church in New York 38 years to the day after Martin Luther King delivered his speech against the Vietnam War at Riverside.
 
When:  Thursday, June 2, 2005
Time:  7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Where:  Houston Peace and Justice Center's meeting room on the 6th floor of the Leisure Learning building, 2990 Richmond just west of Kirby
 
For more information, contact Kathy Kidd at 713-443-9938 or kathykidd@earthlink.net.

June 2, 2005  -  Cost of War
  
Veterans for Peace speak out against the war in Iraq, includes several interviews of soldiers and their loved ones.  This will be aired on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. on channel 17, cable access Houston Media Source.
 
For more info, e-mail mediapal2004@hotmail.com.

June 2, 2005  -  Lebanon: A New Hope

The American Lebanese National Movement cordially invites you to attend its meeting featuring world renowned professor, Dr. Philip Salem, described by the media around the world as ":The man of the Lebanese Diaspora".
 
Dr. Philip Salem is the Director of Cancer Research Program at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital & Clinical Professor of Medicine at University of Texas Medical School.
 
When:  Thursday, June 2, 2005
Time:  6:30 p.m.
 Where:  ACC located at 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099
 
Form more information, call 832-368-2659 or e-mail chairman@alnm.net.
 

May 28, 2005  -  ADC-Houston Board Member Elections
 
The ADC-Houston chapter is pleased to announce that annual elections for the chapter's board of directors will be held soon.
 
When:  Saturday, May 28, 2005
Time:  4:30 - 5:00 pm Meet and greet, 5:00 pm Elections
Where:  Mary's Mediterranean Restaurant, 5825 Richmond Ave (between Chimney Rock and Fountainview) - Tel: 832-251-1955
 
Candidates must be current members of ADC and should submit a short bio (two paragraphs) outlining their background and expressing their reasons for running.  If interested, please send your personal statement to ADC-Houston at houstonadc@yahoo.com before the 21st of May.

May 28, 2005  -  ACC Fundraiser

Fundraising committee of the Arab-American Cultural & Community Center in Houston invites you to attend dinner with live entertainment.
 
When:  Saturday, May 28, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Where:  Mediterranean Palace Restaurant, 1801 S. Dairy Ashford
 
For more information, call the ACC at 832-351-3366.
 

May 26, 2005  -  Town Hall Meeting on Travel & Safety
 
Attend a Town Hall meeting on Travel & Safety, featuring the Houston Airport System, various law enforcement and airport security agencies, Mayor's office on Immigration Affairs, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU-TX).
 
Presented by CAIR-Houston and the ACC.
Co-sponsored by:  Councilmember M.J. Khan and ISGH
 
When:  Thursday, May 26, 2005
Time:  6:00 p.m. until 8:15 p.m.
Location:  Arab-American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Road, Houston, TX
 
For more information, call 713-838-2247, or e-mail info@cairhouston.org.

May 26, 2005  -  The End of Al-Qaeda and the Coming of Democracy

Reuel Marc Gerecht
Author, former Middle Eastern CIA Specialist

When:  Thursday, May 26, 2005
Where:  The Junior League Building, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane
Time:  6:30 p.m.
 
This is a luncheon event sponsored by the Houston World Affairs Council.
 
 For more information, visit www.hwac.net.

May 20-22, 2005  -  Arab-American Cultural Festival

The first annual Arab-American Cultural Festival is a celebration of the food, music and rich cultural heritage of the Arab people.

When:  Friday, May 20th - Sunday, May 22, 2005
Where:  ACC located at 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099

Bring the whole family and join in the excitement to celebrate and participate in these and many more exciting activities: Mediterranean Cuisine, Live Music, Dabkeh, Belly Dancers, Arts and Crafts Bazaars, Children’s Activities, Face Painting and more. 
 
For more information, call 832-351-3366 or visit www.arabfestival.org.

May 18, 2005  -  Globalization Forum on Saudi Arabian-U.S. Relations
 
Bert Golding, Houston peace and justice activist and former long time Aramco Oil employee stationed in Saudi Arabia, will speak to Globalization Forum on Saudi Arabian-U.S. Relations. He recently returned from a tour of Saudi Arabia coordinated by the National Council on U. S.-Saudi Arabia Relations.
 
When:  Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Where:  Olive Branch Meeting Room of the Maryknoll House, 2360 Rice
Blvd (just west of Greenbriar).
 
For more information, contact Joan Denkler at 713-467-2996.

May 18, 2005  -  Halliburton Protest

Protest at the shareholders' meeting of Halliburton Corp., the chief war profiteer in Iraq. Hundreds of peace, labor and consumer rights activists will gather outside the annual Halliburton shareholder's meeting on May 18 to protest war profiteering and corporate cronyism as exemplified by Halliburton.  Gather at 8 a.m. in the green space located at 1000 Crawford (corner Lamar) in front of the statue of George R. Brown. March to the Four Seasons Hotel, 1300 Lamar.
 
Sponsored by Houston Global Awareness, co-sponsored by Global Exchange, Code
Pink, Latinos Por La Paz, the Maryknoll House, Texas Fair Trade Coalition,
Peace Action-Houston, Austin Spokescouncil, Witness for Peace, Anti-Racist
Action, Progressive Action Alliance, Louisiana Activist Network and others.
 
For more information, visit www.houstonglobalawareness.org.

May 16, 2005  -  Independent Images from Iraq
 
In support of organizing around the upcoming Halliburton Shareholder Meeting, Houston Indymedia presents a selection of four short films to give Houstonians images, sounds and stories direct from on the ground in Iraq that are never going to appear on corporate news channels. The stories in these films tell of the real, daily-life impact of this war on civilians, resistance movements and soldiers. Filmmaker David Martinez and Pratap Chatterjee of Corpwatch will lead a discussion after the screening.

500 Miles to Babylon
SNEAK PREVIEW
Directed by: David Martinez
David Martinez will join us in the theater for a Q & A
This film was shot over four months in Iraq in 2004, by an independent filmmaker who traveled around the country interviewing people and filming the country as its occupants tried to get by under U.S. occupation. In April 2004, Martinez joined a group of journalists and human-rights workers who entered the besieged city of Fallujah, where they reported on the civilian casualties and themselves worked in an emergency clinic.
 
Testimonies From Fallujah
An Al Qitaf Artistic Production
2005, 33 mins
“They turned night into day, and day into night. We realised they are not coming to liberate this town.” This is how a Sheik of Fallujah mosque describes the relentless US onslaught on his town in a new video, Testimonies from Fallujah by Hamodi Jasim and journalist Dahr Jamail. His testimony is one of a powerful series of personal accounts by the men, women and children of Fallujah. Along with footage and photographs from the city, the testimony brings home the reality of military occupation. The US has obstructed - and continues to obstruct - journalists from documenting the horror that was and is Falluja. This video is unique in that it focuses on Falluja, that it was made by a team of independent Iraqi videographers, and that we are able to see it in the US.
 
Vietnam Street
Anonymous
2004, 10 mins
Selects from Summer 2004 in Sadr City, Baghdad.
 
Globalization at Gunpoint: The Economics of Occupation
From the Deep Dish TV series, "Shocking and Awful"
Coordinators Kareem Farooq and Brian Drolet
2004, 28 mins
Globalization at Gunpoint details how Halliburton is privatizing not only the Iraqi infrastructure, but the US military. Naomi Klein and Pratap Chatterjee are some of the interviewees that look at moves by the US to enforce privatization of the Iraqi economy, in effect, selling off Iraq's assets to foreign investors.

PROGRAM SUBJECT TO REVISION
 
When:  Monday, May 16, 2005
Time:  8:00 p.m.
Where:  Rice Cinema at Rice University
 
Suggested Donation - $5 - no one turned away for lack of funds
 
Rice Cinema is located on the Rice University Campus at entrance #8: University Blvd. and Stockton Dr. http://ricecinema.rice.edu
 
for more information check out http://houston.indymedia.org or write houston@indymedia.org

May 16, 2005  -  Gaza Strip Documentary
 
James Longely's documentary "Gaza Strip" will be airing Monday, May 16, 2005 at 8 pm on channel 17, cable access Houston Media Source.  Two more airings will be announced at a later date.
 
For more info, e-mail mediapal2004@hotmail.com.

May 16, 2005  -  Saudi Arabia and the United States: Partners with Prosperity - The Energy Dimension

Join the Baker Institute Energy Forum for the first Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series presentation on:

Saudi Arabia and the United States: Partners with Prosperity - The Energy Dimension

with Abdallah S. Jumah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Saudi Aramco

When:  Monday, May 16, 2005
Time:  6:00 pm
Where:  Kelly International Conference Facility, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University

The Baker Institute Energy Forum is embarking on a new, two-year research program on The Role of the National Oil Company in International Energy Markets. This Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series aims to provide a venue for enhanced dialogue on this important topic.

Please RSVP by e-mail to bipprsvp@rice.edu or by fax to 713-348-5993. VERY limited seating.

Click here for more info.

May 15, 2005  -  Nancy Ajram in Houston
 
The famous Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram will be performing/singing in Houston.
 
When:  Sunday, May 15, 2005
Time:  7:00 p.m. - Dinner at 8:00 p.m.
Where:  Hyatt Regency Hotel (Downtown Houston)
 
For more information, call 713-478-2056 or 281-565-9774

May 15, 2005  -  End of School Year Party
 
The Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) Ladies Group is proud to honor all students who have successfully completed this school year in elementary and middle levels.
 
When:  Sunday, May 15, 2005
Time:  4:00 p.m.
Where:  ACC located at 10555 Stancliff Road, Houston, TX 77099
 
There will be medals, food, entertainment and raffle prizes.
 
Admission:  Students $6, adults $8 and children under 3 are free
 
For more information, call 832-351-3366.

May 14, 2005  -  Which Way Forward for the Anti-War Movement?

"Which Way Forward for the Anti-War Movement?" will explore some of the political differences within the anti-war movement and discuss how to build a larger, more powerful movement.
 
Speakers will include Angela, the wife of a Halliburton/KBR employee stationed in the Middle East, Paul D'Amato, associate editor of the International Socialist Review, and David Michael
Smith, professor of Government at College of the Mainland.

Sponsored by the Progressive Workers Organizing Committee and the International Socialist Organization.

When:  Saturday, May 14, 2005
Time:  7 p.m.
Where:  Learning Resource Center, Room 255, at College of the Mainland in Texas City.

May 13, 2005  -  Saudi Arabia Welcomes You
 
The Committee for the Development of International Trade of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, formally welcomes you to a spectacular presentation of dynamic new market opportunities emerging in Saudi Arabia through the year 2020.
 
US $623 billion in export opportunities are scheduled for the following market sectors:
 
• Electricity and Water
• Gas and Petrochemical
• Mining and Railroads
• Petroleum (Saudi Aramco)
• Telecommunications and Information Technology
• Business Services and Promotion
 
Meet with key decision makers from:
 
• Ministry of Electricity and Water (MOWE) Delegate bios are available
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry for download on our website!
• Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
• Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources
• Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
• Communication & Information Technology Commission
• Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA)
• Saudi Railways Organization
• Capital Market Authority

Reforms Create Opportunities:
 
• Restructuring of the water and power sectors
• Privatization of the Saudi Information Communications Technology (ICT) market
• Increased demand for mobile and internet services
• Introduction of new services and advanced technologies
• Establishment of Saudi General Investment Authority (SAGIA, a one stop trade promotion center)
• Reduction of import tariffs
• No currency restrictions
• Free movement of capital
• No import barriers
• A new business-friendly new tax code
 
The Bilateral US Arab Chamber of Commerce is proud co-sponsor of the Saudi Trade Mission in Houston.
 
For more information or to register, visit www.sauditrademission.com.
 
When:  Friday, May 13, 2005
Location:  Sofitel Houston, Houston, TX

May 12, 2005  -  Sudanese Student Speaks on Film
 
 The Houston World Affairs Council is holding the following program:
 
 Film screening: Lost Boys of Sudan
Panel Discussion: Directors Megan Mylan & Jon Shenk
Featuring Nahial Malia, Chinquapin HS senior

When:  Thursday, May 12, 2005
Where:  The Junior League, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane
Time:  6:30 pm
General Member Event
 
 For more information, visit www.hwac.net.

May 11, 2005  -  Benefit Dinner for Sahar Baba
 
Al-Bustan (Mediterranean Dinner Club in Houston) has teamed with friends and family in sponsoring a Benefit Dinner and fundraiser for Sahar Baba, in an effort to support her battle with cancer. Sahar has decided to continue her battle with methods of holistic healing and alternative medicine.
 
Sahar has spent the last 17 years working for an Oncology Center. She volunteers most of her time to Patients with cancer. It is her wish to begin a foundation in assisting others (and their families) in time of need and support.
 
Those who wish to support Sahar's road to recovery are welcome to join us for dinner & live music
 
When:  Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Time:  6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Where: Al-Bustan Mediterranean Dinner Club, 9817 Bissonnett, Houston 77036
Phone: 713-981-8811

May 7, 2005  -  Build Bridges, Help show Islam's diversity
 
Latino Muslims to participate in LULAC's Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade.
 
When: Saturday, May 7, 2005
Time:  9:30 a.m. (please arrive at 9:15)
Where: Hamilton Street (by Minute Made Park) on the 500-600 blocks
 
The parade route goes through downtown approximately 16 blocks.
 
Sponsored by: CAIR-Houston
Co-Sponsored by: ICNA-Houston
 
For more information, please visit: http://www.lulac8.org/CINCODEMAYO_2005.htm

May 3, 2005  -  Image Making: Culture and Photography in the Arab World
 
A Baker Institute event May 3, 2005 at 6:00 PM. Michket Krifa and Issa Touma, two Arab scholars and curators, will be presenting a photo display and speaking on "Image Making: Culture and Photography in the Arab World."
 
This event is in conjunction with the Houston presentation of NAZAR, Photographs from the Arab World, and is co-sponsored by Fotofest International.
 
Please RSVP to BIPPRSVP@rice.edu or fax to 713-348-5993 by Monday, May 2.
 
Click here for more details.

May 1, 2005  -  Memorial Evening in Honor of the Memory of the Late Dr. Basil Fuleihan
 
This is a Community Service Announcement from the Arab-American Cultural & Community Center
 
Please Join the American University of Beirut Alumni Association of North America (Greater Houston Chapter) for A Memorial Evening In Honor of the Memory of the Late Dr. Basil Fuleihan, Former Minister of Economy & Trade, Member of the Lebanese Parliament, Alumnus & Professor of the American University of Beirut.
 
When:  Sunday, May 1, 2005
Time:  5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where:  Inter Continental Hotel, 2222 W. Loop South, Houston, Texas 77027

For any questions, please contact the Chapter at (281) 497-4282
 

April 29-May 1, 2005  -  know justice, know peace! conference
 
 Arab Voices, in cooperation with several local and national organizations, is sponsoring a conference titled "know justice, know peace!" to be held April 29 - May 1, 2005 in Houston, Texas.  Confirmed attendees include Dr. Azmi Bishara, Palestinian activist and member of the Israeli Knesset, Paul Findley, former US Congressman and author of "They Dare to Speak Out", Diana Buttu, Legal Advisor for the PLO's Negotiation's Affairs Unit, Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh, co-founder and national treasurer of Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition, Ora Wise, the daughter of a rabbi and Jewish day school teacher who has worked extensively with Jews Against the Occupation, Josh Ruebner, Co-founder of Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel, and lobbyist for End the Occupation, Mohammed Abed, Palestinian activist, who has worked extensively for the rights of the Palestinian refugees with Al-Awda and with Alternative Palestinian Agenda, Jeff Blankfort, journalist and documentary photographer and co-founder of the Labor Committee on the Middle East and editor of the Middle East Labor Bulletin, and Dr. Robert Jensen, Journalism professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
 
Please check out the details about this important conference, including registration information at www.knowjusticeknowpeace.net.
 
 
 

April 26, 2005  -  Saad Eddin Ibrahim Speaks on Middle East Progress

The Houston World Affairs Council is holding the following program:
 
Former Egyptian Political Prisoner Saad Eddin Ibrahim Speaks on Middle East Progress
 
Ibn Khaldun Center for Development Studies
Haleh Esfandiari
Middle East Program Director, Woodrow Wilson Center
 
When:  Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Where: The Four Seasons Hotel, 1300 Lamar, Austin Room
When:  7:30 am General Member Breakfast
 
For more information, visit www.hwac.net.
 

April 24, 2005  -  Arab-American Cultural & Community Center Family Picnic

Date:  Sunday, April 24, 2005
Time:  12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: ACC located at 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099

This will be a great day of fun for the entire family!
Food & soft drinks, live music, soccer, volleyball, basketball, games for the children, fly kites, and more... Bring your friends & family.
 
Admission is free.
Parking is $5 per car.
 
Food & soft drinks will be free for the first 1,200 people between 12 - 3 pm.
Food will be available to purchase after 3:00 pm.
 
All children games and activities are free.

April 23, 2005  -  Presentation on Employment Discrimination by EEOC
 
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR, is presenting a workshop on Employment Discrimination.
 
Are you having trouble at the workplace? Learn proactive ways to deal with difficult situations!  Do not miss the chance to learn and ask questions from an expert.
 
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will present a workshop on discrimination in the workplace, how to avoid it and how to react to it if it happens.
 
When:  Saturday, April 23, 2005 at 7:30 (after Salat Mhagrib)
Where:  Houston Jama Masjid, 6550 Ternef Dr. Houston , TX  77074
 
For more information, call 713-493-1900 or visit www.cairhouston.org.
 

April 22-24, 2005  -  Palestinian American Congress Annual Convention

The Palestinian American Congress will hold its 6th annual convention starting April 22-24 in Houston, Texas.
 
 The event will take place at JW Marriott Hotel on Westheimer by the Galleria, 5150 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77056.
 
The program will start with a Friday night Registration and a tea get together.  There will be workshops on Saturday including films and documentaries.  Dinner banquette with main speakers and Hafleh with Palestinian singer Ammar Hassan singing for Palestine will also be provided.
 
For more information, visit www.pac-national.org.

 

April 22-24, 2005  -  Journalism & the Arab World Conference
 
 
www.journalismandthearabworld.com

Presented by: National Arab American Journalists Association & Society of Professional Journalists at The University of Texas

Conference Info:
Journalism & the Arab World Conference
April 22-24, 2005
Thompson Conference Center
The University of Texas at Austin

Featuring:
 
Anthony Shadid, Washington Post foreign correspondent & 2004 Pulitzer Prize winner for International Reporting

Samir Khader, Aljazeera Senior Producer & featured in the documentary, "Control Room"

Bathsheba Ratzkoff, Producer/Director of Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land

Kenyon King, Editor of Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land

Mouafac Harb, Alhurra News Director

Said Arikat, Al Qotz Washington Correspondent

Nathan Guttman, Haaretz Washington Correspondent

Joel Campagna, Senior Program Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists

Jeremy Cooke, BBC's former Middle East correspondent and current New York correspondent

Bryan Atinsky, editor of News from Within, the monthly English-language publication of the Alternative Information Center in Jerusalem

Sam Husseini, Communications Director for the Institute for Public Accuracy

Roger Cohen, former New York Times foreign editor and current columnist for the International Herald Tribune

Mona Eltahawy, Asharq al-Awsat columnist

Habib Battah, The Daily Star reporter
 

April 22, 2005  -  Iraq: Cradle of Civilization
 
Day-long program on "Iraq: Cradle of Civilization." This is another in UH-Clear Lake's International Cultural Immersion offerings. Food, literature and poetry, sociology, ethnic diversity, language, business, music, ecology.  Sponsored by the UHCL Office of the President in partnership with the US-Arab Chamber of Commerce. Begins with an 8:30 breakfast in Room SSB 1100 Student Services Building at UH-Clear Lake.
 

April 21, 2005  -  Town Hall Meeting on War Profiteers

Houston Global Awareness presents a...

Town Hall Meeting on War Profiteers*
Thursday, April 21 at 7 PM
MECA (1900 Kane Street)
Info: 832-493-0508 & www.houstonglobalawareness.org

* Free childcare provided on site

7-7:30 PM     Testimonies from Fallujah (short film) & Indymedia report on
2004 Houston Halliburton Protests

7:30-8 PM     Panel discussion with Arab Americans, military family
members, community activists

8-9:30 PM     Popular Education & Discussion

This is an opportunity to learn and to talk with each other about what to
do about Halliburton, the war profiteer in our backyard.

Halliburton and its subsidiary KBR, face charges of corruption, bribery,
and overcharging American taxpayers for essential services to the
occupation. You're invited to discuss these problems and what to do about
them. Its time to get educated and get involved to impose real costs on
war profiteers operating right in our backyard.

Houston Global Awareness's campaign against Halliburton uses long term
strategies like popular education and direct action.
    

April 20, 2005  -  Globalization Forum
 
Bert Golding, Houston peace/justice activist and former longtime Aramco employee, had a recent high level tour of Saudi Arabia coordinated by the National Council on US-Arab Relations.
 
When:  Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Time:  7:30pm
Where:  2360 Rice Blvd, garage apt, 4 doors from Greenbriar
 
Contact Joan Denkler for more information at 713-467-2996.

 

April 19, 2005  -  Cultural Narrative: Tariq Ali and Laura Flanders

When:  Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Time:  7:30 pm
Where:  Grand Hall, Ley Student Center, Rice University, Houston
(www.rice.edu/maps/buildings.html)
 
General admission $5 - $10 (no one will be turned away)

The 2005 recipient of the Lannan award, Tariq Ali will be delivering an address on Tuesday April 19th at 7:30 PM at Rice University, Grand Hall in the Student Center. Appearing with Ali for a book signing will be Laura Flanders, author of BUSHWOMEN: Tales of a Cynical Species and host of “The Laura Flanders Show.” Ali will be presenting his two new books, Street Fighting Years: An Autobiography of the Sixties and Speaking of Empire and Resistance. At a special “Meet and Greet” prior to the talk, hosted by activist Sissy Farenthold, guests will get an opportunity to directly interact with special guests Ali, Flanders and host Farenthold along with other local artists and activists.
 
More information is available at www.voicesbreakingboundaries.org.
 

April 18, 2005  -  The Cost of War (a new, Texas made documentary)
 
This new documentary by local filmmaker Patrick Phillips, will premier in Houston at the Covenant Baptist Church, 4949 Caroline. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the soldiers & veterans featured in the documentary. Admission is free and half of all proceeds from DVD sales and donations go to The Iraq Veterans Assistance Fund.
 
THE COST OF WAR:
Never before has truth suffered so greatly in time of war. This documentary seeks to give voice to truth through the experiences and observations of soldiers, veterans, and their families.
 
The Cost of War offers only a brief glimpse of the war in Iraq and its incalculable human, personal, psychological and social costs, but it comes from a critical source - the perspective of those who have experienced war first hand.
 
In The Cost of War, Iraq war veterans recount their views prior to deployment, their experiences in Iraq, and how those experiences changed them. Families and loved ones of those called on to fight in Iraq recount how the experiences of their loved ones have affected those they left behind.
  
Veterans of Korea, Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm provide a perspective on these current wars, informed by their own experiences in those earlier conflicts and the truths they came to know.
 
With an understanding of true patriotism born of experience, these men and women explain why they reject the claim that supporting the war is "supporting the troops." They represent a long established and rapidly growing group of service members, veterans and military families who challenge the notion that blind loyalty in time of war is the mark of the patriot.
 
The Cost of War explores the costs - in lives ended, families destroyed, health sacrificed and dreams lost - of waging war. It is not a pretty story with flags waving and music playing. It is the truth. It is a truth that every citizen of this country who really seeks to "support the troops" must learn. How the story ends is up to us.
 
For more information contact Lee Loe at (713) 524 2682 or by email at leeloe@igc.org; or Patrick at (979) 255-3997 or by email at patrick@newsparkproductions.org; or visit www.newsparkproductions.org.
 

April 18, 2005  -  A Discussion on the Similarities/Differences between Muslims and Non-Muslims
 
St. Anne's of Tomball will feature "A Discussion on the Similarities/Differences between Muslims and Non-Muslims" at its Third Monday Forum. Guest speaker will be Muhammed Cetin, president of the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, the purpose of which is to bring the different religions together. 7:30 p.m. at the church. For more information, contact Patricia Falbo, 281-300-1584.
 

April 15, 2005  -  Rami Khalife, Lebanese Pianist

Extraordinary Lebanese pianist Rami Khalife will perform in 4 cities in the USA. Khalife will present a solo piano performance from his new release "Scene from Hellek," an avant garde jazz compositions and improvisations that weave languages from the classical, world and Arabic music genres.
 
When:  Friday, April 15, 2005
Time:  8:00 PM
Where:  University of St. Thomas, Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon St., Houston, TX 77006
 
Donation: $20.00
 
For tickets and information: online: www.ticketweb.com
Call Nagam at 832-755-1010 or ACC at 832-351-3366 (credit cards)
 
LIMITED SEATING!!!
 

April 14, 2005  -  Amira Hass in Houston
 
Amira Hass, Israeli journalist and author of Drinking the Sea at Gaza, the first and only Israeli journalist to live in the Palestinian Territories, will speak at the Rothko Chapel.  Hass moved to the Gaza Strip in 1993, and witnessed the high hopes following the Oslo Accords turn to bitter disappointment.  She has been "restricted" by both Palestinian and Israeli authorities because of her critical reports of both sides' policies.  Still, she manages to chronicle the daily lives and hardships of residents of the West Bank and Gaza.
 
When:  Thursday, April 14, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Where:  The The Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross at Yupon, Houston, Texas 77006
 
For more information, contact Alice McCarthy at 713-524-9839.
 

 
April 14, 2005  -  Houston Peace Forum
 
The Peace Forum will show the film "Promises." This film tells of the journey of one of the filmmakers who traveled to a Palestinian refugee camp, to a West Bank Israeli settlement and to neighborhoods of Jerusalem. He met 7 Palestinian and Israeli children who lived apart and existed in separate worlds, but they dare to cross lines and meet their neighbors. We see the results of their meetings.
 
Special Forum starting time for this month is 7PM. The film will start as close to 7:15 PM as possible and lasts about an hour and 40 minutes.  Refreshments served.
 
When:  7:00PM - Thursday, April 14
Where:  First Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin, Room 302
 
Open to the public at large at no charge.
 
For further information call Pat Nichols at 713-681-6267.
 

 

April 13, 2005  -  Saving the Jewish Soul: Israel/Palestine Today

 
Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein will speak on "Saving the Jewish Soul: Israel/Palestine Today." Epstein, who lost both her parents in the Holocaust, believes that, as a result of the Israeli occupation, the situation on the ground in Palestine today very much resembles the situation in Nazi Germany in 1939. Sponsored by Tikkun-Houston. 7:30 p.m. at  Central Presbyterian Church, 3788 Richmond (near Weslayan). For more information, contact Alice McCarthy, 713-524-9839, alicemcc@earthlink.net.
 

 

April 11, 2005  -  Coexistence: Prospects for Peace in the Middle East
 
Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian
Founding Director
James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy of Rice University

When:  April 11, 2005
Time:  4 p.m.
Where:  Doré Commons, Baker Hall @ Rice University in Houston

Open to the public, reservations are required because of limited seating

Reservations may be made either by: Facsimile to 713-348-5993, include your name, address, and the number in your party (limit 4), and that it is for the April 11 event. Or e-mail: BIPPRSVP@rice.edu, include name, e-mail return address, the number in your party (limit 4), and that it is for the April 11 event.
 
Presented as a Coexistence event by The Boniuk Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston Partnership
 

April 10-11, 2005  -  Rally for Justice and Peace in the Holly Land
 
Sunday, April 10 / 1:00 - 6:00
Rally with world-renowned speakers at Tonkawa Park; March through Crawford, featuring a 1,000 foot banner of the UN resolutions that have been defied by Israel.   Bring your Palestinian flags!
 
Monday, April 11 / 12:00 - 3:00
International press conference at the Crawford Peace House.
 
Click here of more info.
 

April 10, 2005  -  Free Health Fair
 
When:  Sunday, April 10th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where:  The Multi-Ethnic Community Center
9819 Bissonnett @ HWY 59 S, Houston, TX 77036
 
Sponsored by:  Muslim Health Professional Society (MHPS)
 
Haven't had a check up lately?  Come and visit us for free. 
Medical & Dental Consultation, Cholesterol and Glucose Tests for High Risk Patients (Come Fasting)  Medical Awareness, Family Counseling & Much More….
 
For more information, visit mhps.mumineen.com or call 832-878-4623 or 832-620-3615.

April 4-6, 2005  -  Wheels of Justice

Monday, April 4, 2005 @ 7pm
University of Houston, Aegan Room, room 82
Located in the basement of the University Center
Directions: http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/buildings/UCU.html
Sponsored by the UH Muslim Students Association

Tuesday, April 5, 2005 @ 7pm
Super Happy Fun Land
2610 Ashland Street @ W27th Street in the Heights
For more information, call 713-880-2100 or visit www.superhappyfunland.com.

Wednesday, April 6, 2005 @ 10pm
Live on "Arab Voices" Radio Talk Show
KPFT 90.1 FM

More info is available at http://justicewheels.org.
 

 
April 4, 2005  -  Arab-Israeli Peace: Is it Possible & How Do We Get There?
 
Presentation by Seeds of Peace

 
Where: Westin Oaks Hotel, 5011 Westheimer, The Consort Ballroom

When: April 6, 2005
Registration: 6:00 pm
Program: 6:30-7:45 pm

Houston World Affairs Council members Free, non-members $20.

Reservations are required for this program. RSVP by March 31, 2005

Register for this event by e-mailing reservations to rsvp@arabuscha

For more information, please visit www.houstonworldaffairs.org

This program is co-sponsored  by the Houston World Affairs Council with the Bilateral US/Arab Chamber of Commerce.
 

March 29, 2005  -  Amy Goodman
“Independent Media in the Time of War”

When:  Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Where:  River Oaks Theatre, 2009 West Gray, Houston, Texas 77006
Theatre phone:  713-524-2175

Tickets:
$12 members, students, seniors, fixed income
$15 others ($35 basic membership)
Advance ticket purchases will be at “Will Call”
Call the Business line at 713 526 4000 for more information.

Amy Goodman’s book, EXCEPTION TO THE RULERS, will be available for purchase at the event.
 

March 28, 2005  -  “U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East”
by Dr. Rashid Khalidi

The Arab American Educational Foundation invites you to attend a lecture by Dr. Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said Professor of Arab Studies at Columbia University.
 
Topic:  “U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East”
 
When:  Monday, March 28, 2005
Time:  5:00 p.m.
Where:  Rice University, Entrance 13 off of Rice Blvd., 2nd stop sign Anderson Family Commons, Jones Graduate School Building
 
Paid visitor parking under the building, free parking in stadium lot.
 

March 27, 2005  -  Adnan Sarhan, Sufi Master

When:  Sunday, March 27, 2005
Time:  6.00 PM – 8.00 PM
Where:  Arab American Cultural and Community Center
Directions to ACC http://www.acc-houston.com/MAP.htm
 
A Sufi master and member of five orders, Adnan is founder and director of the Sufi Foundation of America Center. He is internationally known for his "Rapid Method" (Shattari Method) which develops higher intelligence and awareness, causing people to become creative and innovative and helps to destroy all types of bad habits which inhibit people’s ability to live full and happy lives.

Adnan tours the world conducting workshops and giving concerts at prestigious institutions around the world including the United Nations in New York, St. James' Church in London, Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, the World Congress of Psychology in Switzerland, a grand concert at the Otto Zutz in Barcelona, Spain, the Earth Summit in Brazil, and conferences of Humanistic Psychology.
 
To learn more, visit http://www.sufifoundation.org/about.htm

Entrance Fee: $5 per person
 
For more information, contact ACC at 832-351-3366
 

March 19, 2005  -  Mother's Day Picnic

Please join the ACC Ladies Group in celebrating Mother's Day

When: Saturday, March 19, 2004
Time: 12 - 4 pm
Where: ACC located at 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099

Egg Hunt, Bazaar Sale, Hair Braiding and more.......
Bring your Argila & Lawn chairs
Bring your family, friends and neighbors
Refreshments and snacks will be sold
For more information, contact ACC at 832-351-3366
 

February 26, 2005  -  Understanding and Living Islam Conference
 
The Houston Chapter of the Muslim American Society (MAS) invites you to a One Day Conference entitled: "Understanding and Living Islam" on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at the Pavillion on 2500 Gessner in Houston from 9:30am - 9:00pm.

Highlights Include:
* A separate childrens program
* A separate youth (college/high school) program
* Parallel sessions include Raising a Muslim Family and Serving the Community
* LIVE Entertainment with Sami Yusuf (www.samiyusuf.com)
 
Speakers include:
- Abdullah Idrees - ISNA President (1992 - 1997)
- Dr. Souheil Ghannouchi - Executive Director of MAS
- Dr. Esam Omeish - MAS President
- Imam Mahdi Bray - Executive Director of MAS Freedom Foundation
- Imam Johari Abdul Malik - First Muslim Chaplain
- Dr. Rida Beshir - Specialist in Marital, Parenting and Family Issues
- Raed Tayeh - Muslim Political Activist
- Rodwan Saleh - ISGH President
- Sh. Zoubir Bouchiki - Imam Masjid Abu Bakr Siddiq

** LIMITED SEATING **
Ticket Prices:
$25/Adult
$20/Youth with Student ID
$40/Couple & $10/child (MAX of $70)
Kids under 3 are FREE
Prices include Registration, Lunch, Dinner & Entertainment!!!

Sponsored by ISGH and ICNA

For more info: call 713-598-4230, 713-459-2576 or email: mas_houston_conference@yahoo.com

To learn more about MAS and its programs nationally, visit www.masnet.org

February 16, 2005  -  An Unembedded View of Iraq from Independent Journalist Dahr Jamail

Where:  Station Museum, 1502 Alabama, Houston TX
When:  Wedneday, February 16, 2005
Time:  7pm
 
For more information, email kitro@hotmail.com or call 832-788-7596.

Dahr has spent a total of 8 months in occupied Iraq as one of only a few independent U.S. journalists in the country. Dahr uses the www.DahrJamailIraq.com website and his popular mailing list to disseminate his dispatches.

February 15, 2005  -  Rafik Hariri Memorial Evening

When:  Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Time:  6:00 PM
Where:  ACC located at 10555 Stancliff Road, Houston, TX 77099

In Honor of the Memory of the Late Rafik Hariri, Former Prime Minister of Lebanon
Event held under the auspices of The Honorable Honorary Consul of Lebanon Mr. Amin Bohsali

February 11-12, 2005  -  American Churches & the Palestinians Conference

The Interfaith Community for Palestinian Rights, Friends of Sabeel-North America & Pax Christi USA are holding a Conference in Austin, TX on Friday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 12 titled

...to loose the chains of injustice...
AMERICAN CHURCHES and the PALESTINIANS

Featured speakers include The Rev. Naim Ateek, Director of Sabeel Ecumenical Center in Jerusalem; The Rev. Dr. Donald Wagner, Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at North Park University; and leaders of the Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Lutheran Churches, and Pax Christi USA.

The focus of this conference is on the work of the churches for a just peace in Israel-Palestine. National leaders of the Presbyterian, United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches will address the history, strategy and future directions of American mainline church involvement in this issue.

For more information, call (512) 708-8293 or visit www.fosna.org.

February 8, 2005   -  Discussions by Lebanese and Syrian Ambassadors

Discussions by the Lebanese and Syrian Ambassadors Imad Moustapha and Dr. Farid Abboud expressing their views on the opportunities and pitfalls of the peace process in the Middle East, the cease-fire agreement, and the United States' position in the Middle East.

When:  Tuesday, February 8, 2005
Time:  6:00PM
Where:  Baker Hall, Rice University in Houston

Sponsor: James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy

February 4, 2005  -  “IS PEACE POSSIBLE”?

Palestinians for Peace and Democracy organization is holding an event right here in Houston titled “IS PEACE POSSIBLE”?

This event will be held on Friday, February 4 at 7 pm at the Arab American Cultural and Community Center, located at 10555 Stancliff Rd

Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who recently returned from a peace mission to Palestine and Israel will be speaking at the event about the possibility of peace through nonviolence.

The program includes video clips from the film “Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land”, and will also have Traditional Middle Eastern meal, and Traditional Palestinian music and folkloric dancing.

For more information, call Sahar at 832-860-6161.

January 19, 2005 & January 29, 2005  -  “People and The Land”

The American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee will be airing a special film documentary titled “People and The Land” on local TV Channel 17 on Wednesday, January 19th at 8:00 PM, and Saturday, January 29th at 10:00 AM.
 
“People and the Land” airdrops viewers into the universe of an occupied people, unreeling images of a new form of apartheid based on ethnicity.
 
Challenging U.S. foreign policy and the conventions of the documentary form itself, People and the Land examines the concrete realities of Israel's conduct in the West Bank and Gaza, the level of US support for that conduct through foreign aid, and the human cost of that aid in Palestine and the U.S.
 
Again, this film documentary will air on Houston’s public channel 17 on Wednesday, January 19th at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 29th at 10 AM.
 

January 13, 2005  -  Water and peace: Israeli and Palestinian perspectives

The James Baker Institute for public policy at Rice University and the Lyndon b. Johnson school of public affairs at the University of Texas at Austin are holding a special presentation on Thursday, January 13, 2005 titled

Water and peace: Israeli and Palestinian perspectives

There will be several participants in this, including Dr. Eilon Adar, senior lecturer of hydrology and hydrogeology at Ben-Gurion University,

Dr. Marwan Haddad, professor of environmental engineering at Al-Najah National University in Nablus,

Dr. Sara Hakklai, water supply planner, and

Dr. Abdel Rahman Tamimi, President of the Palestinian hydrology group.

This presentation will be held tomorrow evening at 6:00 p.m. at doré commons baker hall at Rice University, to be followed by a question and answer period.

For more information, send e-mail to bipprsvp@rice.edu.
 

Click here for a list of Current/Upcoming Events.