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Syrian American CouncilAddress:
P.O. Box 371 Willow Springs, IL 60480 Phone:(630) 642-0026  
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About SAC
Who is SAC
SAC is a grassroots organization devoted to promoting educational, civic, economic, and human development, as well as advancing civil liberties and human dignity in Syria. It also aspires to build bridges of understanding and cooperation between American and Syrian people and institutions.
SAC was founded on November 20, 2005, in Burr Ridge, Illinois. The founding meeting was attended by representatives from Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and California. SAC’s president and Council of Representatives (COR) were elected during that meeting.
Vision and Mission
SAC's Vision To be recognized as a leading organization for the empowerment of Syria Americans to promote educational, civic, economic, and human development, as well as supporting civil liberties and human dignity in Syria.
SAC's Mission
- To Mobilize Syrian Americans to strengthen civil society in Syria,
- To promote friendly relations between the Syrian and American peoples,
- To engage civic and governmental organizations to advance civil liberties and human dignity in Syria, and
- To encourage international cooperation based on international law and justice.
Membership & Strcuture
SAC’s membership is open to all Syrians or those of Syrian origin who live in North America.
SAC consists of the following bodies: The General Body (GB), the highest authority within the organization, and consists of all members in good standing. The Council Of Representatives (COR) is the second highest authority in the organization, and is elected by the GB. The COR is elected for two years. A representative cannot serve more than two consecutive terms. The SAC’s president is the third highest authority in the organization, and is elected directly from the GB for 3 years.
Current COR Memebrs (Please click on the name for biography)
Louay Safi, Ph.D., Chairman Amjad Alazmah Homam Albaroudi, Ph.D. Azzam Alkhudari, MD George Alsheikh YahaBasha, MD Mahmoud Harmoush Tarek Rifai Marwan Safadi M. Zaher Sahloul, MD Ala Sassila, Ph.D. Talal Sunbulli, MD Yaser Tabbara, Esq. Yaser Wafai, MD Safa Zarzour, Esq.
Executive Board (Please click on the name for biography)
Talal Sunbulli, MD, President Ala Sassila, Ph.D, Secretary Tarek Rifai, Treasure YahaBasha, MD, Memebr Marwan Safadi, Member
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Principles and Priorities SAC’s Guiding Principles
Political rights and liberties must be respected at all times, including freedom of religion and expression. Religious and ideological groups have no right to force their beliefs and religious practices on the larger population.
All citizens regardless of ethnicity, religion, and gender are subject to the rule of law, and all have equal claim to political rights.
Political reform and change must always rely on efforts of the citizens of Syria. All incriminations and arrests must be authorized by law and must be based on due process and legal measures.
Separation of executive, legislative, and judicial powers is essential to protecting political rights and liberties of citizens.
The military is a none-political institution, and must not under any circumstance interfere in the political process. Any military personnel who desire to hold a political position must first resign from the military.
Respect the ethnic, sectarian, and religious diversity of the country, and reject all attempts to isolate or marginalize segments of society on the ground of ethnic, religious, or sectarian group.
SAC’s Priorities for Action
Develop better understanding and cooperation between Syrian and American people.
Raise Awareness of reform efforts in Syria.
Promote and protect the rights and dignity of Syrians and Syrian Americans.
Facilitate discussions and deliberations among Syrians about current social and political changes, and explore ways and means for supporting positive developments in Syria
Engage public and private Syrian institutions with the aim to exchange views and support reform efforts
Engage public and private American institutions to promote mutually beneficial economic, political, cultural, and social ties with Syria and Syrian people.
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