AAI Condemns Shooting in Seattle Targeting Jewish Center

WASHINGTON, D.C.—July 29, 2006—The Arab American Institute (AAI) today categorically condemned the hate crime that took place against the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle Friday.

News reports describe a lone gunman as having forced his way into the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and opening fire on those inside, killing one person and injuring five others.

“There is no room for the kind of despicable action that occurred in Seattle,” said AAI President James Zogby. “The tragic conflict raging in the Middle East cannot be used as justification for any criminal act of hate in this country. It is wrong and we reject it.”

  Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent.  AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities. For more information on AAI, please visit http://www.aaiusa.org