October 4, 2001

To: American Friends Service Committee
637 S. Dearborn, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60605

To all members of American Friends Service Committee:

We are writing to express our utmost concern with
rumors that Jennifer Bing-Canar of American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has started among the Arab and Arab American community in Chicago. This rumor, regarding alleged statements made by Hakim Husien, was disseminated to members of the Arab American Action Network and other members of the community.

We believe these rumors are destructive to the Arab American community. Rumors are always destructive, but at this particular time, they are not only divisive but dangerous. At this time members of the community feel apprehensive about participating openly in any events. Since the AFSC has supposedly been working with the community and understands its needs, we assume its members are aware of the threats Arabs and Arab Americans face. For this reason, these destructive rumors are even more egregious.

Our organizations will not stand for rumors that attempt in any way to discredit any activist or member of our community. If any organization or member of an organization spreads rumors about activists, we cannot work with them. In fact, we will boycott their work.

We have full confidence in Hakim, and stand behind him. When he participates in meetings, he speaks on behalf of our organizations. It is difficult for Arab and Arab American community members and activists to stand up and speak publicly in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. Spreading rumors about those who do so is not the appropriate way to encourage and support their efforts to organize in their own defense.

We will not tolerate this attempt to discredit our work. We may take into consideration your actions when deciding whether to contact AFSC about working in the Arab and Arab American communities in the future.

Written by:
Palestine Aid Society, Committee for Democratic Palestine, Palestinian American Community Center, Chicago Islamic Center, Arab American View Newspaper, Chicago Association of Arab American Journalists and Communicators, Arab American Media Guild, Palestinian American Congress

cc: American Friends Service Committee
Philadelphia, PA