Dozens Of Suburban Candidates To Speak Sunday At AADC Brunch And Forum

BRIDGEVIEW, IL — The southwest suburban Arab American community will be flexing its voice this Sunday, Feb. 16, at the Arab American Democracy Coalition of Illinois candidates brunch and forum. The brunch, featuring several elected officials and candidates running in the upcoming April election, starts at 10 a.m. at Niko’s Banquets, 7600 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview.

The Arab American Democratic Club of Chicago membership has temporarily rebranded themselves in protest of the Democratic Party, namely former President Joe Biden’s funding of Israel and Israel's bombing of Gaza that has killed 55,000 Palestinians.

Over the past decade, the Arab American community has grown significantly in the southwest suburbs with a growing presence in Bridgeview and in Orland Park, communities that each have Mosques. But the majority of Arabs are Christian and are parishioners in the more than 100 Christian churches in the suburban area.

“The Arab American community has a strong voice that has been augmented even more over the past few years in the face of growing racism,” said AADC President Ahmad Sows in a news release. “By coming together like this at the Forum and Brunch, we are making a statement that the Arab American vote cannot be taken for granted.”

The organization was founded 40 years ago by longtime political and community activist Samir Khalil, who said the organization has helped strengthen the voice of candidates seeking to outreach to Arab and Muslim voters.

“We ask only one thing that candidates and government officials show respect to our community by including us, but inviting us to meet with them to discuss issues that are important to all communities, and to hire Arab Americans not just before an election but when there is no election. We are American citizens, and we are taxpayers too in all of these communities. Many of our keynote speakers have been stalwart supporters of our inclusion and that’s why we are respecting them,” Khalil said in a statement.

“As you can see, we changed our name slightly to broaden who we support. Anyone who shows respect to the Arab American and Muslim American community is someone who should be able to address our community at our event, regardless of partisan politics. We have seen some Democrats and some Republicans attack us unjustly. But we have so many who support us and who recognize that our community has value.”

Sunday’s event will feature keynote speakers who have spoken out consistently in support of the Arab American and Muslim community. They include former State Rep. Cyril Nichols, State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, State Senator Michael Hastings, State Senator Michael Porfirio, Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek, Lyons Village President Christopher Getty, Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett, Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa, Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, Palos Heights Mayor Robert Straz and Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps.

Also speaking is Roxanne Assaf, who will provide a brief overview on the genocide in Gaza.
Entertainment will be provided by Michigan standup comedian and political satirist Amer Zaher.

Other candidates and community leaders who wish to get to know the Arab American and Muslim community are invited to attend. Every candidate will be allowed to address the group for 3 minutes during the general speaking session.

“This is one of the most important events in the Arab American and Muslim community of Chicagoland when it comes to voter empowerment and engagement,” Jaber said. “I am proud to be a part of a 40-plus year organization that has one objective, to strengthen the voice and engagement of Arab Americans and Muslims in local politics. No other organization does it better.”

Tickets for the event are $75 per person and can be purchased online. Groups may still purchase tables of 10 ($700 each). While the ad book is closed, ads are still being taken for the website and the PDF version of the ad book, which will be distributed to AADC’s growing list of more than 3,500 email recipients.

AADC Board members include District 230 Trustee Mohammed Jaber, a longtime education champion, political consultant Sonia Khalil and former candidate for State Representative, Vice President Nivene Judeh, and board members Sophia Yasin and columnist and media consultant Ray Hanania. Lena Zayed, the daughter of the late honored activist Miriam Zayed is an honorary board member.

Other candidates and community leaders who wish to get to know the Arab American and Muslim community are invited to attend. Every candidate will be allowed to address the group for 3 minutes during the general speaking session.

“I believe we must approach our voting decisions thoughtfully, rather than simply choosing candidates based on shared culture, particularly in political positions,” Sows said. “It’s important to consider a variety of factors when selecting individuals for public office. We should strive to elect candidates who possess the qualifications and knowledge necessary for the role, as their performance will impact the perception of the Arab community as a whole.”

“Many non-Arab politicians have positively contributed to the Arab community,” Sows continued. “For example, Mike Price, the alderman up for re-election in the 1st Ward of Palos Hills, is a commendable leader who has significantly supported the Arab community, both locally and beyond. At the same time, when we have the opportunity to support a qualified Arab candidate, we should rally behind them. By doing so, we can foster representation and ensure that our voices are heard in the political landscape.”

For more information, contact Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmauil.com or visit the website at Arab American Democratic Club.