AAI Launches Darfur Ads Aimed at Arabic-Speaking International Community

WASHINGTON – Jan. 8, 2007 – The Arab American Institute launched an Arabic language television advertising campaign, geared towards the Arabic-speaking international community, urging action regarding the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. 

The stirring commercial features firsthand testimonies in Arabic from victims of the violence in Darfur.  The ad ends with text that reads, “Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq – Darfur.  We must pray for them all.”

“Just as the Arab American and Muslim American communities have spoken out against the violence and injustice that has taken place in Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq, we have an obligation to take action to help the 400,000 Muslims who have been killed in Darfur,” said Dr. James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute. 

Viewers of the television commercial, which can be viewed on AAI’s website, are encouraged to visit http://www.aaiusa.org for more information about the conflict in Darfur.  The website features an Arabic section with background information on the crisis, links for more information and a listserv for action updates regarding Darfur.

Currently, the ad is airing on Arab satellite news channel Al-Arabiya and MBC North America, but in the coming weeks, the commercial is expected to be shown on other media outlets. 

The campaign is sponsored by the Arab American Institute, a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of the Arab American community.  The ads were paid for by the Save Darfur Coalition.

————————————————————————————————————————

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.