The Syrian American Congress (SAC) Organizes an Independence Day Commemoration

Burr Ridge, IL (April 27, 2008) – The Syrian American Congress commemorated Syrian Independence Day on April 27. The evening included three presentations addressing issues of concerns to the Syrian American community, including the “Role of the Syrian American community in Human, Cultural, and Economic Development of Syria” and “State of Law and Civil Society in Syria.”

Mr. Safa Zarzour speaking

Dr. Radwan Ziada, updated the participants on ongoing hearings in the US Congress on Syria. He echoed early speakers on the importance of the contribution of Syrian Americans for the political and economic development, and urged all concerned parties to do their part.

Dr. Haytham Manna, the renowned Syrian human rights activists and spokesman for the Arab Commission for Human Rights, gave the keynote address. He provided an overview of the history of political activism in Syria, and underscored that Syrian were active in developing human rights organization and democratic practices as early as the forties and fifties of the last century. He spoke strongly against the obsession with power politics, pointing out that true democracy requires and active and involved citizenry. Intellectuals and political activists must focus on projects and programs that benefit society, he stressed (Dr. Manna's Presentation).

                               Dr. Manna speaking

Dr. Louay Safi, SAC Chairman, thanked the participants for supporting the Syrian American congress, and asked them to get involved in advancing the development agenda proposed during the evening sessions. He also recognized the important contributions made by SAC members which allowed SAC to serve the Syrian American community, particularly stressing the invaluable contributions of Dr. Talal Sunbulli, SAC President, Dr. Ala Sassila, SAC Secretary, and Mr. Tarek Rifai, SAC Treasurer.

The Evening featured a documentary on cultural life in Syria and a profile of tourist attraction, and a banquette dinner. There was lively discussion among participants and speakers.