On Sunday, November 29, 2015, Rev. Jessie Jackson of Rainbow Coalition met with several key Syrian and Arab American leaders in the city of Royal Oak. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Basha, a prominent and highly- respected leader in the Arab American community. The meeting discussed the rise of the anti-Syrian refugee sentiment in America. The meeting included a diverse group of leaders and advocates in the domain of civil and human rights. Rev. Jackson stressed on the importance of the collective efforts and collective collaboration in order to address this challenge of overcoming the manufactured fears regarding the Syrian refugees. He stressed on the importance of building a coalition that combines all efforts to advance this humanitarian cause. Rev. Jackson extended his support and the Rainbow Coalition’s support against the rhetoric of hate towards the Syrian refugees and the Arab and Muslim community at large. The group agreed to continue this active dialogue.
“The discussion was very important and highly needed,” said Dr. Opada Alzohaili, AHRC President. “We appreciate Rev. Jackson’s principled and moral leadership on this issue and his honorable stand of solidarity with our brothers and sisters in humanity, the Syrian refugees who are escaping death and destruction,” continued Dr. Alzohaili.