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ADC Press Release – August 14, 2007
Three Arabs appointed to official positions
Three Arabs have been appointed this month to official positions in Michigan and New Jersey.
Ismael Ahmed was named to lead Michigan's Department of Human Services by Governor Jennifer Granholm. The Department of Human Services is one of the state's largest departments and handles numerous state programs including welfare, foster care, and childcare.
For 32 years Ahmed was Executive Director of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), as well as one of its co-founders.
In New Jersey, Samer Khalaf and Tawfiq Barqawi were appointed respectively to the Executive Committee of the State of New Jersey Human Relations Committee and the New Jersey Governor's Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigration Policy.
In addition to this appointment, Tawfiq Barqawi is a dedicated community activist involved with state and local government on civil and human rights issues. Barqawi is also well known for his many years of service to the Arab-American community. He is the Vice-President of the ADC Philadelphia Chapter and a member of ADC's National Advisory Board. He is also a member of the National Policy Council of the Arab American Institute (AAI). Earlier this year Governor Corzine of New Jersey appointed Barqawi to the New Jersey Human Relations Council Executive Committee. Camden county also awarded Barqawi the Unsung Hero of Human Relations Award for his work.
Samer Khalaf is an Arab-American attorney who is currently a member of the board of directors for the ADC-New Jersey chapter. Last week, Governor Corzine of New Jersey appointed Samer Khalaf to the Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigration Policy. This 27-person panel was created in order to help immigrants integrate more smoothly and effectively and will develop policy recommendations for the state of New Jersey. The panel includes public representatives from civil rights, commerce, education, faith-based groups, labor and service providers, immigration advocates, and community organizations.
ADC President Mary Rose Oakar welcomed the appointments.
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