Syrian American Congress

                  Fourth Annual Meeting

The Syrian American Congress (SAC) held its fourth annual meeting on October 31, 2009 at the Renaissance Hotel in Oak Brook, Illinois.  The meeting drew over 200 Syrian American professionals, families, and a number of non-Syrian friends.
 
The event began with the Syrian and U.S. national anthems, and words of recognition by Dr. Lina Jamoul, the master of ceremonies, for the invaluable contributions of Dr. Tala Sunbuli, SAC President, Dr. Ala Sasila, Tarek Rifai, and Marwqan Safadi, SAC executive board members.
 

                     Master of Ceremonies Dr. Lina Jamoul

Dr. Louay Safi, Chairman of the Board, welcomed the guests and SAC members in his opening remarks, and noted the constructive approach by the Obama administration toward Syria. He stressed the need for Syrian Americans to get more involved in the current debate on the direction of the American-Syrian relations. He also congratulated SAC leaders and members for working hard to inform the Syrian American community on developments in Syria and to work toward development a Syrian American presence despite mounting difficulties.
 
Following the dinner and an entertaining trivia by Dr. Ghassan Zalzalla, the program commenced with a power point presentation by Dr. Edward Langston, Board Member of American Medical Association (AMA). Dr. Langston’s presentation, titled Healthcare Reform, What you should know provided the audience, which included a large number of Syrian American physicians, with an in- depth analysis and update on the healthcare debate and the position of the AMA on the debate.


                               Dr. Ghassan Zalzalla's Presentation 



                 Dr. Edward Langston addressing SAC's meeting

Following Dr. Edward Langston's presentation, Dr. Syed J. Shirazi, Chairman of Radiation Oncology Center at LCMH and Palos Hospital, presented an overview for establishing cancer treatment center in Syria.  Dr. Shirazi presentation titled "Radiation Treatment Center for Syria, need, requirement, and cost."  Dr. Shirazi’s presentation described the local experience of establishing a Cancer Treatment Center in Illinois and drew parallels to a potential Cancer Treatment Center project in Syria describing the infrastructure, cost, maintenance and impact of such project. 
 
                  Dr. Syed Shirazi addressing SAC's meeting

The keynote speech was given by Nicole D. Shampaine, the U.S. State Department Liaison to the Middle East. Ms. Shampaine’s address was titled President Obama's Middle East Policy and gave a general overview of the Obama administration’s position on key issues in the Middle East including the policy towards Syria, the question of Palestine, and President Obama’s outreach to the Arab and Muslim worlds.


                  Ms. Shampaine addressing SAC's meeting 
 
Ms. Shampaine’s presentation was followed by a heated discussion which drew a number of critical questions from the audience on the motives and reasons behind some seemingly inconsistent positions by the Obama administration towards Syria and other issues linking Syria to the issue of Palestine.
 

                    Dr. Sunbuli addressing SAC's meeting

Dr. Sunbuli delivered the event’s closing remarks by thanking the speakers, attendees and organizers and by emphasizing the need of an organization bringing the talent and resources of Syrian Americans towards improving the condition of Syrian Americans and Syrians.


          Group Picture of Ms. Shampaine and Syrian American