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SAC Modifies its Name but Retain the Acronym

The Syrian American Congress has recently changed its name to the Syrian American Council. After five years of using the word “congress” in its name, SAC members voted on April 17, 2010 to replace the word “congress” with “council.” This will not change the acronym, but only the name and will make it more easily understood by Syrians.

Although the word “congress” refers to an assembly or a public meeting for discussing a public business, it is often used to refer to the two main legislative bodies in the United States. In Syria and other Arab countries, the word is associated with the American national legislature. Changing the word to “council” will maintained the initial meaning intended by the founders but will take away the confusion created by the assumption that SAC is a governmental organization or is somehow connected with the American Congress.

The change was adopted unanimously by SAC members during their last meeting and we hope this small change will help provide a more accurate impression about the nature of the organization, particularly when engaging Syrian civil organization and citizens.
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Syrian Independence Day Reception and Dinner
April 17, 2010

(Burr Bridge, IL – 4/20/2010) The Syrian American Council (SAC) organized its fourth Independence Day celebration since it was formed five years ago. The Annual Syrian Independence Day banquet took place at Burr Ridge, Illinois, and featured an essay competition and lecture by Dr. William Quandt titled “Prospects for Peace Treaty Between Syria and Israel.”

Dr. Louay Safi, SAC chair, opened the event by welcoming the participants and underscored the importance of their support to enable SAC to continue to serve the Syrian American community and the people of Syria. “Many of us at the SAC,” he noted, “continue to explore the best way to improve the conditions of our community in the United States and help improve the conditions of the people in Syria.” He stressed that it took a while for SAC to clarify its mission but now the mission is clear and the work stated to take shape through specific projects and initiatives. Changing the name for “congress” to “council” is intended to bring more clarity, he added.

Dr. Talal Sunbulli, SAC president, gave an update about SAC plan to open an office in Washington DC to create more opportunities for dialogue with policy analysts and policymakers on issues relating to Syria. He also briefed the participants about SAC’s plan to set up a radiation center in Syria to help cancer patients who have limited access to cancer treatment. Efforts to identify local partners in Syria has already started in major steps are planned this year.

The names of the five finalists in an essay contest were announced. The contest was open to high school students and the first award went to Sarah Jaber.

The keynote speaker Dr. Quandt reviewed the recent efforts by the Turkish government to advanced peace negotiations between Israel and Syria over the Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights, and analyzed the reason early negotiations during Hafiz al Assad presidency did not bear fruits. He noted the shift in US foreign policy stance under the Clinton and Bush administrations in favor of Israel, but saw a determination in the Obama administration to more back to a more evenhanded posture. He nonetheless acknowledged the difficulties that lie ahead.

The Master of Ceremony Dr. Ghassan Zalzaleh shared a poem on Syria and conducted a light contest during the dinner to help participants refresh their memories about Syrian geography and history. He acknowledged at the end of the program the invaluable contribution of SAC executives, particularly Dr. Talal Sunbulli, Dr. Ala Sassila, Tarek Rifai, and Marwan Safadi for the success of the program.

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