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UI U I-I I $15.00 SUBSCRI $15.00 SUBSCRI PTION www.syrianlebanesestar.com XXXXII #1 JANUARY 2004 I I II LIILCI ~ PI Noor Pushes Women's Role In Middle East Peace Q ueen Noor of - Jbrdan believes women are key to peace ilding efforts in the Middle East. "Women are left to pick up the shattered pieces of society when a conflict is over," she told a crowd of about 2,000 people at Trinity University. "If peace is truly to take place in the Middle East, women must play a role." Noor was Queen Noor in San Antonio Wednesday as part of the university's 2003-04 Distinguished Lecture Series. She said many women in the Middle East feel hopelessness because of hard-line traditions that stifle attitudes supported by peace-loving mainstream majority. Such traditions,-she said, tend to deny women a voice in their national future. "Studies have shown that the positions of women are the best indicators of a country's development," she said. "Women help cross ethnic, religious and cultural divides toward peace." Number of US Arabs Rising Fast The Census Bureau The Arab population in the United States has doubled in the past two decades, according to the Census Bureau's first report on the group. Experts citied liberalized U.S. immigration laws and unrest in the Middle East that led many people to come to America. The bureau counted continued on page 15 Eqypt Fish Car Chair Ramadan Decals Bring Campaign Tops Religious $1 million Tension First came the fish bumper stickers, pasted on cars by members of Egypt's Coptic minority as a symbol of their continued on page 10 Algeria: Leading Saudi Poet Shot, killed in ambush A prominent Saudi poet was shot to death by attackers while on a iu g p in Algeria, where an Islamic insurgency has raged for more than a decade. Talal al-Rasheed and his continued on page 7 More than 1, 000 turn out for fundraiser in DC The Council on American- continued on page 7 EU grants 7.14m for Sesame Street TV series in the Middle East Episodes of the popular Sesame Street television series for children are continued on page 7 Lebanon: 3 men' charged in embassy bombing try Three men were charged Tuesday in the continued on page6 Morocco Plan Azur Forges Ahead , \ .si~s^^vM xssws~ss US Set to Impose Sanctions on Syria /-. ptlQ. Syria In Washington S.',:: ..; is expected which will impose economic rather than political restraints on Damascus Neil Ford reports. Following the US led invasion of Iraq, many feared that Iran or Syria could be next on _the hit list. Increasingly inflammatory language came out of Washington regarding Syria's alleged support for terrorist groups in Lebanon continued on page 8 2004 Mid Winter Conference In Mobile, You Say? "Tell us more..... Just the facts, sir." Well, it goes like this; We've been planning the Mobile 2004 Mid-Winter Conference for a long time, you see. You know, have the most fun with the least cost. And invite everyone in the Southern Federation to come to our hometown to have a great time! It's been a long continued on page 12 A prominent national Islamic civil rights organization today announced that it was filed a defamation lawsuit against a congressman from North Carolina who falsely claimed the group is "the fund-raising arm for Hezbollah." The Council on American- Islamic Relations (CAIR) filed the lawsuit Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in response to an October 2003 Charlotte Observer newspaper article in which Rep. Cass Ballenger (R-NC) claimed the stress of living near CAIR in Washington, D.C., caused the breakup of his marriage. Ballenger said that proximity to CAIR "bugged the hell" out of his wife. He said his wife also objected to women "wearing hoods" going in and out of CAIR's Capitol Hill headquarters. (NOTE: Many CAIR staffers were religiously-mandated headscarves, or hijab.) At continued on page 11 Morocco has drawn countless numbers of foreign visitors to its fabulous imperial cities over the years but a new ambitious, multi- billion dollar plan to open up continued on page 17 T he Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today condemned a firebomb attack on the office of an Arab American newspaper in that state. CAIR-MI said the attack may have been prompted by the rising tide of anti-Muslim,- anti-Arab rhetoric in our society. According to Osama Siblani, publisher of the Arab American News in Dearborn, the attack continued on page 14" THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR AN INDEPENDENT MONTHLY SERVING AMERICANS OF ARABIC HERITAGE Celebrating 41 Years ofService MEMBER ARAB-AMERICAN PRESS GUILD MEMBER AMERICAN LEBANESE CONGRESS ESTABLISHED IN 1963 North Carolina Musum Group Sues Congressman For Defamation Michigan Arab Newspaper Office Fire Bombed w ~iQ LL SC) n~( r~j 0 C i IIa h.i A- r Lr) L Lo L0L X >> 0 C 0 0.i- Tl M. J M '..1 *-1 .J~J '1 LL 4-W _- 'T r. LU W C:C:> Z .0 0j -'c< .,.1 .-13 - I I -I- I F" LA 1-1 TH YINLBNI SA Jnay20 .I II Page 2 Business & Financial Briefs Qatar grants $15m to Iraq's Higher Education Fund A multi-million-dollar initiative to rebuild and revitalize Iraq's universities received its first donation from the State of Qatar, totalling $15m. The grant has been transferred to the International Fund for Higher. Education in Iraq. Panasonic records 10% sales increase in the Middle East Panasonic achieved a sales target in the Middle East of over $1.lbn in fiscal year 2003, a 10% increase over last year's figures. In the next three years, the company intends to achieve a 50% increase in business volume in the region. v\ ' www.skitour.com colleen@skitour.com 904-388-7669 4000 St. Johns Ave. Jacksonville, FL $1.3bn Bahrain Financial Harbour Project Work is currently underway on Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), the $1.3by development on a prime waterfront site in the heart of Manama set to consolidate Bahrain's status as the leading financial centre of the Middle East. The two magnificent towers comprising the first phase are among Bahrain's tallest buildings. they will accommodate leading regional financial institutions alongside other prestigious international companies and a Financial Mall- site of SAppetizers Salads Sandwiches Seafood SEl Jibarito Dish Specialties Beer Wine Specials of the Day Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday Thursday: 11 a.m. 9 p.m. Friday Saturday: 11 a.m. 10 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. 8 p.m. 904-241-7022 1013 Atlantic Blvd. Atlantic Beach, FL PARTIES FOR AWY OCCASION OUR PLACE OR YOURS Best Wishes To Our Many Syrian f & Lebanese oyster ba Friends& -. Customers iPt11Z1 w 218 First Street Neptune Beach 904-246-0881 SPECIALS CHANGE DAILY BEER & WINE "BEST QUARTER BUSHEL OF STEAMED OYSTERS AT THE BEACHES" QUALITY FISH AND SHELLFISH a number of financial markets including the Bahrain Stock Exchange. This single, strategic location will offer access to a $2,000bn regional investment pool. The BFH project will consolidate Bahrain's 30year pedigree as the financial gateway to the Middle East. With zero taxation and overseas- friendly ownership regulations, bahrain is a recognized regional base for international firms. Manama is host to more that 350 banks, .insurance companies and other financial institutions, drawn by an open economy underpinned by international financial best practice. continued on page 9 National Cremation Society -'4 Simple Local Affordable www.nationalcremation.com 1-800-627-7456 904-346-3331 Jacksonville, FL JAN.~ rr l Ili~si iid 114 I a WWW":''' wlr,~ngl O EJNG NIGHT WIm-p nr c.111 42 ALL TICKETS $121 r-II n-IIL~34M 1.IJGr~ JAA 1% JAN 16 1 MAN 1 I U Ak U I TltKE Palm: tom UM PM ,.V rU tm .-. MWel the clowi-A asnti at ti t he Thirae Ring Adyenthe o8ei' hour before shlomtrne- ZlZ==ZM&==== I ing.com P41n Rlkuu t SI. 'dJ. P~w - r h " ALBERTSONS Our Prices Bring You In Our People Bring You Back Open 24 Hours 7 Days A Week A COMPLETE FOOD & DRUG STORE Bakery Deli Liquor Camera Store 2875 University Blvd. W. 731-4305 5940 Beach Blvd. 396-4319 7117 Merrill Road .744-4345 5435 Blanding Blvd. 778-4906 Jacksonville,-Florida -January 2004 1 1 = THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STARR 1) Page 3 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 I Hear O Israel, the Lord Our God is One Lord ee i e t e Blessed is he that read, blessed is he that hear, but blessed is he that keep the Word of this prophesy. (Deut 6:4-5) Proverbs 19:16 'He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die." Once I spoke about how God blessed Israel, and fought for them, when they obeyed Him. Many times God destroyed thousands in Israel when they disobeyed Him. From this we can understand that God ahs no respect for persons. This goes to each one of us from our president to the trash collector. God is love, God is just, He demands love, worship, adoration, and obedience. He said in Isaiah 34:16, "Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read." Our God is not a God of confusion. He did not give us more than one book. In His book we find eternal life. So be careful which book i ed Massabni you obey. The brain was given to us to know Him personally and "to know the true meaning of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in should not perish but have everlasting life." In Ephesians 3:19, ".....to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge;" Jesus is the Word of God. He is God in the flesh and God called His Word His Son. His Word became flesh to be offered as a sacrifice for all the world. God's judgment will be continued on page 12 M.J. SIMON REALTOR APPRAISER (904) 356-2489 432 East Monroe Street Jacksonville, FL PAUL G. MILLER, JR., CHTD Certified Public Accountant OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE COMPLETE CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY Specializing in Professional Accounting (write-up) Services, Income Tax Preparation, Tax and Business Consulting, IRS Representation, Auditing, and Financial Statements for individuals and small businesses. Phone 642-8000 Fax: 646-1259 12187 Beach Blvd., Suite 10, Jacksonville, FL or visit our website at: www.paulmillerjrcpa.com Best Wishes From The Bajalia Family SAM'S ST. JOHN'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT ~ Rated 5 Stars'For Food & Service - VaiA e yow Ca Sat seSiedci IncdiaOcg ShriWmp & Fis 1464 Park. Ave. Orange Park, FL 269-1460 7979 Normandy Blvd.. Jacksonville, FL 693-1911 Our Lady of Refuge Patroness of Both Californias Our Lady of Refuge, Nuestra Senora del Rufugio, is patroness of Both California's (Ambas California's). The Franciscan missionary Francisco Diego Garcia y Moreno was the first Bishop of the Californians Baja California (lower California in what is now Mexico) and Alta California (upper California in the present USA). It was he who proclaimed Nuestra Senora del Rufugio, Patrona de las Ambas California's. The official proclamation was made by Bishop Garcia SDiego on January 4, 1843, at Mission Santa Clara in Alta California. The Episcopal Proclamation The entire text of Bishop Garcia Diego's declaration is recorded in Mission Santa Clara's Libro de Patentes. After citing the early Fathers of the Church on the practice and spiritual benefits of naming patrons saints, the first bishop of the California's stated: "We make known to you that we hereby name the great Mother of God in her most precious title, 'del Refugio,' the principal patroness of our i. By Brother John Samaha, S.M. diocese... With so great a patroness and protectress, what can we not promise ourselves? What can be wanting and whom need we fear? "If through the centuries this most worthy Mother of God has shown goodness and compassion to all peoples and nations....will she not do likewise for those peoples who bind themselves to her as their refuge and special patroness?" All California missions, and the parishes established later, celebrated this patronal feast with great solemnity. In the many political and historical shifts, interest in celebrating the feast had waned. But continued on page 13 HARDAGE GIDDENS FUNERAL HOMES & CEMETERIES Modern and Convenient Funeral Homes Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes 6940 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville ......................904-355-5641 1702 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville ................. ..... .904-249-2374 5753 Blanding Boulevard, Jacksonville ................... 904-355-5641 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville ......................... 904-355-5641 4315 Main St., Jacksonville .......................... .904-355-5641 517 Park St., Jacksonville ....................... .904-355-5641 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville ..................... 904-355-5641 950 Park Ave., Orange Park ......................... 904-264-2481 127 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park ................... ..... 904-272-6316 Greenlawfi Funeral Home 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville .......................... 904-396-2522 Holly Hill Funeral Home/Holly Hill Memorial Park 3601 Old Jennings Rd., Middleburg ........ .............. 904-282-9336 Chapel Hills Funeral Homes 850 St.Johns Bluff Rd., Jacksonville ...................... .904-641-9755 Chapel Hills Memory Gardens 850 st. johns Bluvv Rd., Jacksonville .....................904-641-9755 Edgewood Funeral Home 729 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville .......................904-355-5641 Edgewood Cemetery 4519 Edgewood Dr., Jacksonville ........................ 904-765-2484 Jacksonville Florist 501 Park Street., Jacksonville ...... : .................... .904-356-5575 National Cremation Society 4981 Atlantic Blvd. Ste. 2, Jacksonville ............. ..... 904-346-3331 Riverside Memorial Park 7242 Nonnandy Blvd., Jacksonville ...................... 904-781-9262 Town & Country Funeral Home 7242 normandy Blvd., Jacksonville ........................904-786-4337 \{Thgni/ Prayer in Islam is a spiritual pinnacle of a devout Muslim man and woman. Prayer in Islam is a personal link between an individual and Almighty Allah-the Creator of Heavens and Earth and everything in between. By means of Prayer, a devout Muslim, beseeches forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, invoking His Mercy and Blessings. By means of prayer, a Muslim directly appeals to the Almighty, invoking His Mercy and Blessings. By means of prayer, a Muslim directly appeals to the Almighty for forgiveness of his/her shortcomings. An individual may request other devout Muslims to remember others in their prayers. However, personal prayer is a condition to establish a direct link with Allah, the By Dr. Qazi Muhammad Barkatullah Almighty. Prayer in Islam, is a means of self-purification. As such, in Islam, a person has not to join any 'club' to -pray for him/her; no need to seek someone 'to make a confession' and get his or her sins forgiven. In Islam, an individual calls upon no one but Allah, the Almighty, to forgive his or her sins and cover up his or her shortcomings. A Muslim begins his or her prayer 'in the name of Allah', the Gracious, the Merciful, and in no one continued on page 10 Gingerbread House Learning Center New Owners New Staff Certified Teachers All Ages Summer Camp Before & After School Care Contracted by Jacksonville's Childrens Commission 6 a.m. 6 p.m. 904-731-2464 6005 Chester Ave., Jacksonville, FL Atlantic Oriental Rugs Lowest Prices On Handmade Oriental Rugs Oushak Kazak Kashan Needlepoint Aubuson Accessories & Florals 904-739-3993 Jacksonville, FL The Club at Charter Point $299 Move-In on 12 Month Lease For a tour of our spacious, newly remodeled apartment homes, call (904) 745-5950 5501 University Club Blvd. N Jacksonville, FL Prayer 6i 1 -0, SPage 4 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 A hundred years ago, the first Turkish club ----- Besiktas ------ had just entered the Christian- dominated Ottoman league. A century later the beautiful game is deeply rooted in the Turkish psyche. Jon Gorvett reports from Istanbul It was a night of high tension in the stadium, , with a botched penalty, a string of other missed chances and a half-time punch-up in the dressing room tunnel just part of the night's entertainment. Around the ground, clouds of red smoke from brilliant firecrackers drifted among the stands -- from which visiting fans had been SERVICE Turkish Football Comes of Age TIME Evening Worship & Children's Ministry Sunday 6:00 P.M. Arab Outreach meets at Regency Assembly of God 668 St. Johns Bluff Road N. Rav George Rafidi Ja, FL 3 Ordained Minister Jacksonville, FL 32225 Assernblis of God (904) 724-7984 banned, after warnings that their presence might spark a bout of generalized murder and anarchy. But then, as the drums rolled and a barrage of water bottles, coins and insults hurtled towards the pitch, the final whistle blew, with one team collapsing in despondency, while the other danced a circle jig -- apparently oblivious to the deafening abuse being flung at them from the 50,000 strong crowd. It was England 0, Turkey 0. In what surely must have been one of the most heavily anticipated matches in history, the visiting England side went through to the next round of the European championship with visible relief, while the Turks had to settle for a qualifying play of. But this match in October, which threatened at times to resemble the kind of international incident 19th century empires sometimes went to war over, represented something of a landmark in Turkish football. While only the 10th time England and Turkey had met since Ottoman times, it was surely the first time ever that the majority of football pundits watching the game had been expecting Turkey---not England--to win. "Turkish football has changed utterly in just a few years," says Bagis Erten, a producer for Istanbul's Acik Radio, who has also produced a string of books on the subject. "Now we go out there and we expect to win." Last summer, the Turkish national squad reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, only finally going down to Brazil after a closely fought encounter. Turkish league sides have also been making their mark, with Istanbul side Galatasary winning the UEFA cup in 2000 after beating UK club Arsenal in the final. This year, Istanbul rivals Besiktas have so far beaten another UK club, Chelsea, in the Champions League, while Ankar's Genclerbirligi have seen off Blackburn in the UEFA. Turkish clubs are appearing everywhere, and giving a solid account of themselves. Behind all this lies a change of mentality that many see also underscoring changes in Turkish society as a whole. "The most important reason why Turkish football as changed is the country itself," Erten says. "We're continued on page 10 Best Wishes To Our Many Syrian & Lebanese Friends & Customers SERgqOP S fortfhern 'talian and Continental Cuisine 4Make Reservations 9Vow for Your Specia Occasion Dinner Featuring Full bar & Fine Dining in an Elegant Atmosphere huTrsday is 'isih bht $10.95 Complete 'Dinner 249-01 01 1021 Atlantic Blvd. Atlantic Village Shopping Center Atlantic Beach,FL ARAB OUTRnACH MlNIsrRInS P & W DISCOUNT FURNITURE & APPLIANCES www. pwdiscountfurniture. cor NPS INC. CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 7442 Silver Lake Terract- (904) 725-0522 ".'rving .7'kovell sinc-e I 7'" A-1 HOME INSPECTION "We inspect it all, from wall to wall" Serving Northeast Florida Licensed & Insured A-1 can help you find any potential problems before you buy your home. Complete structural & environmental testing 904-349-6745 Jacksonville, FL Large Diamond Specialists Gemstones Gold Estate Jewelry Rolex Watches Custom Work Stone Setting Remounts Pearl Stringing Special Orders Jewelry Cleaning Fast Service Appraisals - Expert Watch & Jewelry Repair on Premises SEIKO CITIZEN PULSAR SPOON Largest Repair Center in North Florida 904-278-2480 668 Kingsley Ave. Orange Park, FL Best Wilshe> LFron\ ATKINSON'S PHARMACY (904) 268-5575 9735-15 ()ld St Augutstine Rd. Jac'ksonville, I. You are Invited! ~L c2 311 r k~~ i. II Page 5 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 1I The Star is published once per month by A.M. Coplan. The Star is an independent monthly serving Americans of Syrian and Lebanese heritage for over 35 years. MEMBER ARAB-AMERICAN PRESS GUILD The Syrian-Lebanese Star Publisher and Editor...A. M. Coplan For Advertising Information Write P.O.Box 5545 Jacksonville, Florida 32247 Phone (904) 737-6996 Postmaster-send change of address to the above address Please send your letters, news stories, pictures and club activities to The Editor's Desk. 4251 University Blvd. S., Suite 201, Jacksonville, Florida 32216 Subscription. Rate: $15.00 per year "My Big Fat Atlanta Convention" It wasn't the biggest convention in the history of the Federation, but it could very well have been the most fun. From the sing-a- long on Wednesday evening through the "Until We Meet Again" breakfast on Sunday morning, it could truly be said that there was something for everybody and every age. The weekend began with the much talked about Networking seminar on Wednesday evening. It was a success and an event that will probably be held again in years to come. There is already talk of one next year in New Orleans. Also on Wednesday evening the Welcome and get acquainted party turned into a sing- a-long that only broke up because of Hotel Security. Among other things, Thursday tournament which was held right there in the lobby of the Hotel thought it was fun and so die *- we. Bingo is always a popular event and that proved true this year. On Thursday events were held for. Young Adults, Children, as well as singles. One of the most popular events of the day ws belly dance lessons. It's supposed to be for girls, but many of out young men got into the act. Thursday evening was packed. the night started with the presentation by our Cultural Committee along with a wonderful barbecue dinner. They were followed by the much anticipated "My Big Fat Lebanese Wedding" parody. We had continued on page 7 "We Eliminate Termites" Complete Pest Control Service - Guaranteed! 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I E 'S S-d I "TuIor Thank You for supporting the advertisers of the Syrian Lebanese Star Federation News Cultural Committee Brings Our History and Heritage alive: Announces "Proud to be An American" and "Our Christian Heritage" Dr. Michel Laham, Father John Nahal and Richard Karam he Cultural C o m m i t t e e announces that "Proud To Be An America: 'Syrian Lebanese Americans' Contributions to American Civilization" is now available for purchase in DVD or VHS format at a price of $25.00 including shipping and handling. A live performance of this presentation was featured a the Summer Convention of 2002 in Jacksonville, Florida and received wonderful reviews from those in attendance. In view of the warm reception and the many requests for copies of the presentation, the Federation Foundation commissioned Richard Karam and Dr. Michel Laham, members of the Cultural Committee, to produce the work.in DVD and VHS format and make it available for purchase to the membership. All proceeds will go the Federation. "Proud To Be An American" continued on page 6 A1A Nassau Shed, Inc. Storage Buildings Carports Garages Repairs Specializing in ALL types of fencing Including Installation Limited 20 Year Warranty Most Credit Cards Accepted 904-225-0322 1445 E. State Rd. 200 Yulee, FL CARTER'S FUNERAL HOME SARAH L. CARTER, LFD "Service From the Heart" Funerals Memorial Services Chapel Services Veteran Funeral Services Cremation Shipping Advance Planning Personalized Services For Individual Needs 904-399-4150 2212 Emerson St. Jacksonville, FL C.L. PAGE MORTUARY Formerly GARRETT YOUNG PAGE MORTUARY Serving Florida & Georgia FULL SERVICE ................... $2875.00 (Service Standard Casket & Limo) DIRECT BURIAL ................... .. $1375.00 (includes standard casket) FULL FUNERAL W/VIEWING FOLLOWED BY CREMATION ......... .$1875.00 DIRECT CREMATION ................. $475.00 *** NO HIDDEN CHARGES *** In Home & Evening Appts. Avail. REGARDLESS OF YOU CIRCUMSTANCE WE CARE AND WE CAN HELP DOWNTOWN NORTHSIDE 354-6642 353-4434 3031 Moncrief Jacksonville, FL CARLA L. PAGE, LFD 17 YExperience 24 Hour Free Emergency service Estimates TREE SERVICE *Removal Firewood Trimming Mulch Stump Grinding Debris Hauling VISA 727-0839 Jacksonville, FL Vernon's Sewer & Drain Cleaning Co. V4c 7 We Will Beat Any Price In Town Any Household Drains & Sewer Licensed & Insured 904-210-6101 Jacksonville, FL MASSAGE THERAPIST WALT HAWORTH LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST, MA 31156. BACKACHE? HEADACHE? TIGHT MUSCLES? Perhaps my "Healing'Hands" can help 904-731-7262 Office 904-318-6867 Cell E-mail: wkhaworth(attbi.com to set up appointment Jacksonville, FL SPage 6 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2003 Algerian energy Company hires US firm to build $205m desalination plant The Algerian Energy Company has selected separations technology company lonics for a 25-year sea water desalination build-own- operate project. Ionics and AEC will form a joint project company to finance, build and operate the plant, with lonics owning a majority interest in the $250m project. USAID awards contract for agricultural reconstruction in Iraq The US Agency for International Development has awarded an initial $5m to technical consulting firm Development Alternatives to carry out agricultural development in Iraq. Saudi Amiantit wins 51% ownership in Russian wastwater projects Saudi Arabian Amiantit, through its group company AmiWater, is the leading partner in a joint venture contract for two projects in Russia with a total value of $30m. AmiWater's Austrian subsidiary InfraMan has 51% .of the joint venture contracts. Orascom selects Motorola as SGM supplier for Iraqi network operator Orascom Telecom Iraq Corporation has chosen Motorola as its supplier of GSM base stations and transmission equipment for the network to provide communications services to Baghdad and the central region of Iraq. Jordan's telecom regulator announces licensing procedures for new mobile operator The Jordanian telecommunications Regulatory Commission has issued a public notice containing the proposed terms and conditions for the issuance of a further license for mobile services. Bidding will be open to all potential investors that meet the requisite criteria. Alcatel selected for nation-wide ADSL deployment in Saudi Arabia French telecom giant Alcatel has .been selected by saudi Telecom to supply equipment for a DSL network that delivers high-speed services to 38 locations across the country. The deal is worth approximately $6m. Business & Financial Briefs cont. from pg. 2 Lebanon: 3 men charged in embassy bombingtry continued from pg. 1 attempted bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon a week ago. Two of the suspects were identified as Abed Mreish and Mehdi al-Haji Hasan, both Lebanese, and the third as Ibrahim Serhal, a Palestinian. Mreish and Serhal were arrested Dec. 10 outside the embassy in Aukar, a district north of Beirut. According to the allegations, Mreish was carrying a suitcase packed with 2 pounds of explosives and Serhal ws posing as his taxi driver. Hasan is alleged to have ordered the attack. Federation News continued from pg. 5 features 85 prominent Syrian Lebanese Americans who have made significant contributions to this country irr the fields of politics, business, science, literature, sports, entertainment and the military. It highlights their accomplishments and demonstrates beyond a doubt that we as an ethnic group are part of the very continued on page 7 SAnnabel Krott & Assoc., Inc. 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Sun. 5pm 10pm Closed Mondays (904) 268-4458 10601 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAA * Carousel Entertainment * k "l'We dave the Varty for you!" * SMr. & Mrs. Santa Claus Clowns Face Painting.* * * Balloon Art Magic Shows Fortune Tellers * * Special Events Fairy Princess Parties Pirate * * Parties Balloon Sculpturing Live Animals A *- * Games Prizes Party Bags * (904) 992-6503 * * Jacksonville, FL * AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Advanced Tech Solutions Susana G. Murray, President msusana@bellsouth.net 904-641-9906 SBookkeeping & Individual Tax '- Preparation QuickBooks company ,, set-up S Small Business ... Consulting * Notary Public & Translations to/from Spanish PO. Box 19535 Jacksonville, FL 32216 PLANTANA REALTY, Inc. Buying ? Selling? Call Me for All Your Real Estate Needs! Experience Sandra Fisher Does Count! BROKER/REALTOR" Licensed Since 1984 Office: (904) 284-9600 Cell: (904) 591-1391 "Reputation for Results" 4 A. S-- Sebastian's "Since 1982" Page 7 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 FLORIDA'S GULF COAST / CENTRAL FLORIDA Chair Ramadan Campaign continued from pg. 1 Islamic Relations (CAIR) today, announced that the group's Ramadan fundraising campaign topped its goal of $1 million dollars at a standing-room-only banquet last night by more than 1,000 people, including presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich and Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV). Both Kucinich and Rahall encouraged American Muslims to participate in the political process. Kucinich said America and the world are currently at "a defining moment," the theme of Federation News fabric of American society. The Cultural Committee is in the process of completing a second presentation entitle "Our Christian Heritage" which should be ready for distribution within the next 4 to 6 weeks. A live performance of this presentation was featured at ihe Summer Convention of 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. CAIR's banquet. A number of elected officials sent letters of support for the dinner. "We would like to thank all those who helped us reach our fundraising goal," said CAIR Board Chairman Omar Ahmad. "These added resources will enable us to continue and expand our work defending civil rights and promoting a positive image of Islam.". He said the dinner was so popular that some attendees were willing to stand in the back of the banquet hall throughout the program. "This demonstrates the commitment of those who support CAIR;s important work," said Ahmad. continued from pg. 5 This work chronologizes the participation and involvement of the Syrian and Lebanon, including the Maronites, Melkites, Syrian Orthodox, Chaldeans, Greek Orthodox, etc. Although covering religious topics, this work is cultural in its outlook since the Middle East is the origin of the three great monotheist faiths. 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The EU grant is part of a 7m fund Sesame Workshop is using to develop 26 programmes promoting cooperation, respect for others and self-esteem. party were ambushed late Thursday, newspapers reported Saturday, citing unidentified sources. At least six others in the hunting party were wounded, the daily Liberte reported. The newspaper L'Expression said the gunmen hurt several police. There was no immediate confirmation of the death by Algerian authorities, nor any claim of responsibility for the attack. fun putting it on and from the reaction of the crowd, they had just as much fun watching it. The hafli began as the skit was ending and lasted until the wee hours. Bobby T from Birmingham, who has been an Atlanta fixture for more than-20 continued from pg. 5 years, helped close out the evening. Friday was more fun with some culture added. Exploring your Heritage, put on by the Atlanta Cultural Committee has proved to be a continued on pg. 15 Southern Starz Gymnastics First Class Free! 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Washington Street Orlando, FL "My Big Fat Atlanta Convention" Page 8 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 FLORIDA US Set to Impose Sanctions on Syria and the Occupied Territories. yet it now appears that sanctions, in the form of a Syrian version of the US Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA), are more likely to be the tool of choice in turning up the pressure on Damascus. What is not yet certain, however, is what impact this could have on Syrian foreign policy. President Bashar Al Assad's plans to liberalise the economy, increase political freedom and improve relations with the West have progressed slowly since he succeeded his -father, Hafez Al Assad, in 2000. Upon assuming power, the younger Assad legalised private banks, tolerated an increased level of political opposition and released hundreds of political prisoners, but just one year later the detention of many leading reformists indicated that wholesale change was not on the cards. As a result of the slow pace of change, Assad decided in September to form a new, more reformist, government and the Speaker of the People's Assembly, Mohammed Naji Al Otari, was chosen to replace Mohammed Mustapha Mero as prime minister. continued from page 1 Although not regarded as an out and out reformer, Al Otari is keen to streamline the country's administration and his desire to increase trade with the rest of the world will certainly require improved political relations with the West. Assad has promised the workings of his government will be made more transparent and has pledged that Al Otari will pursue a programme of reform. However, much the same was said of Mero when he was appointed to office, shortly before the death of Hafez Al Assad. Nineteen new ministers were named in the 30-man cabinet, which remains dominated by the ruling Baath Party. The Ministry of Finance has been beefed up by the nomination of former Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Al Hussein in the place of Mohammed Al Atrash. However, Foreign Minister Farouq Al Atrash. However, Foreign Minister Farouq Al Sharaa remains in place and after almost 20 years in the post it is unlikely he will change his hard line stance now. A great proponent of Arab unity, he has never softened his position on Israel. The US view W'DELORIS FLORI Flowers & Gift Baskets For All Occasions weddings Funerals Birthday Baby & Bridal Showers Local & National Delivery All Major Credit Cards Accepted www.deloristflorist.com r 305-971-7973 1-800-597-7973 14654 Lincoln Blvd., Miami Miami, FL BELL MARINE SERVICE, INC. Boat Slip Rentals Engine & Stern Drive Sales Service Parts (850) 455-7639 Mention This Ad. 18 Audusson.Ave. .........Pensacola, FL Syria is well known as one of the members of Washington's second axis of evil countries which the US state department claims are supporting international terrorism. The US State Department claims little success in persuading Damascus to sever its relations with armed militant groups in Lebanon and the Occupied Territories. Moreover, radical Palestinian groups, including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine- General Command (PELP- GC), Hamas and Islamic Jihad have had a presence in Syria for the past decade but Damascus insists that their operations are limited to public relations work. The government has provided information on Al Qaeda o the CIA but the US remains angered by what it sees as an undercurrent of support for anti-US forces in Iraq. Washington also claims Syria allowed a large number of foreign volunteers to cross its borders to join the fight in Iraq. Publicly the Syrian government is keen to mention the support it is giving Washington in the war on terrorism but it. is impossible to determine whether this is merely intended for international consumption. John Bolton, the US Under Secretary of State for arms control, claims Syria is a threat to international security on two counts: firstly by supporting terrorism and secondly, because Washington claims to have evidence of Damascus trying to acquire weapons of mass destruction. Bolton described Syria as one of the rogue states, "those most aggressively seeking to acquire weapons of mass destruction and their delivery and which are therefore threats to our national security". Syria rejected the claims forcefully, citing Foreign Minister Farouq Al Sharaa's offer to cooperate with the US in fighting terrorism where possible. He noted, "America has too many demands. If they are reasonable and realistic Syria is ready to cooperate." However, resentment at Syria for its perceived support for terrorism has grown in Washington among all strands of opinion. In October, the International Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives voted to strengthen economic sanctions on Syria under what will become the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act (SALSRA), for its alleged support for terrorism. The -bill took another step closer to becoming law when the House of Representatives voted 298-4 in favour of the proposals. continued on page 9 SA division of SCG FamilyCare Lic NR3021098 When Family Can't Be There, We Will. 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ELECTRICAL REPAIRS DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE BRAKE REPAIRS FUEL INJECTION TUNE-UPS COOLING SYSTEMS CLUTCH REPAIR TlIL ESd~l Z Ii Page 9 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 GEORGIA US Set to Impose Sanctions on Syria New legislation would require Syria to comply with a set of demands which, if not met, would provoke the Introduction of a range of sanctions. The list of sanctions available includes diplomatic, travel and trade measures, although the impact of trade and economic sanctions is likely to be slight given the lack of US investment in Syria. Nevertheless, Syrian assets in the US could be frozen and the movement of Syrian diplomats in the US severely curtailed. The Lebanese element in the proposed legislation relates to a US demand for all Syrian military personnel to leave Lebanon. Before entering into law, the bill must first be passed by the Senate before being signed by President George :W. Bush, but both hurdles now appear a formality. Both President Bush and the State Department initially opposed the legislation but both have since reconsidered. Consequently, further categories of trade with, and investment in Syria have been forbidden for US companies. House majority leader Tom DeLay announced, "It has become continued from page 8 increasingly clear which side Syria's government has chosen in the war on terror. Syria's government has obstructed our coalition's work, harboured and funded terrorists, and is even now helping terrorists cross the Syrian border into Iraq to target American soldiers." Delay added, "Syria is a government at war with the values of the civilized world and a violent threat to free nations and free men .everywhere. We will send a very clear message to Syria that the United States will not tolerate .terrorism, its perpetrators or its sponsors." President Assad says that while he would not welcome the sanctions, they will have little impact on Syria but could hurt US oil companies operating in the country. President Al Assad confirmed that government officials and the military were trying to control the border with Iraq to prevent both Saddam loyalists from fleeing and freelance soldiers from making their way to the fighting inside Iraq. He noted, "Under normal conditions and when there are no problems, the smuggling of persons or goods is frequent. But in the PERSONALIZED AIR SYSTEMS Serving West Chatham Effingham County and Surrounding Areas Air Conditioning Service And Installations Call For A Free Estimate *Reasonable Rates (912) 964-2854 Ask For Indoor Air Fax (912) 964-7401 Quality Products Port Wentworth, GA GA Reg. # CR109119 insecure conditions where a war, occupation deteriorate. The borders are long and- uncontrollable." The President's message was otherwise generally conciliatory: he insisted that Syria has not used terrorism to achieve its ends since the 1980s and conceded that the presence of some US troops in Iraq to maintain order was preferable to civil war in the country. He said that European countries generally understood the Middle East better than the US and indicated that either Europe or an Arab state with friendly relations with the US could act intermediary in talks between the US and Syria. Israeli bombing However, Syrian foreign policy has been further complicated by the Israeli attack on an alleged training camp for Palestinian militants outside Damascus. The raid in October, the first Israeli attack on Syrian soil for 30 years, was launched in response to the Haifa suicide bomb, which killed 19 people. The Syrian government claims that the site was a refugee area but has prevented journalists from visiting the area. However, several sources within Syria have indicated that the site of the attack was actually an abandoned training camp and that the raid was intended as a warning to Syria. Washington did not condemn the attack, a White House spokesperson merely commented: "Syria needs to change course, change its VETEmRANS CAB COXD F'AMY Ai.PlT.-t Trspo utati ou- behavior, and stop harboring terrorists. President Assad accused Israel of trying to start a new Arab-Israeli conflict in order to distract the world's attention from the stalemate in the Occupied Territories and warned that a second attack would trigger a retaliatory attack on Israel. Assad said the attack was "an attempt by the Israeli government to extract itself from its big crisis by trying to terrorize Syria and drag it and the region into other wars." Damascus proposed a draft UN resolution to condemn the attack but the Security Council rejected this. Although Damascus remains a vital player in any Arab-Israeli peace plan, talks between the Syrian and Israeli governments have all but ground to a halt. The October raid was merely the culmination of a protracted period of deteriorating relations. Syrian foreign policy and US-Syrian relations are so closely bound up with many different issues, from the Palestinian situation and the war on terror, that it is difficult to assess how the situation will develop over the years to come. But with SALSRA likely to pass into law there seems little possibility of detente in the immediate future and while relations between the two nations can only improve very slowly, they could easily deteriorate at high speed. $25 S4M I 45 (912) 32 1 -00OB S3am FOh* GA Villa Rica, GA Ina I,-V Fine Wines, Spirits & i MK, aMore. HUGE INVENTORY . Member: 770-952-2337 Wine & Spits Guild Mon,-Sat. 8:30am-11pm of America 1-75 & Delk Rd. S E 500 Yards East of 1-76 A .. @ Marietta, Georgia Lff iti am , Automatic or Standard TRANSMISSIONS 4x4 "If We Can't Fix ItCan't Be Fixed" * Axles * CV Joints e Clutches * Hi Performance SHi Perfo c Receive FREE TOWING H BBB ( (with major repair) 105W.14th Street Rincon, GA Z e U (912) 826-5754 82--ilm I 4tkJ ,11CVo 5o3 ME- "W 30F- JaC 1%ci-u-rn i IMIotor C U0G3 2, I-Iw- 8 ROBERSON DAY CARE locally Owned & Directed By Anette Hamilton Proudly Serving This Area For Over 16 Years 912-496-3620 13 Milton St. Folkston, GA CO3 I = ILJ UcE I- 5R Service Repair Sales Commercial & Residential We Custom Build Computers To Your Needs 1803 MIitchell St. Savannah, GA 8DEowEtowfll SouthsUde Tybee IsIluud Egyptian Fish Car Decals continued from pg. 1 Christianity. Before long, some Muslims responded with their own bumper. stickers: fish-hungry sharks. The competing symbols that have cropped up on Cairo streets are a tiny reminder of the tensions between Egypt's Copts and majority Muslims. "All I wanted to say is that I am a Christian, kind of expressing my Coptic identity," said 25-year-old Miriam Greiss, who has a fish sticker on her car. "I think choosing a shark doesn't make sense, as if someone is saying, 'I am a violent, bloody creature, look at me.'" Emad, a Muslim who would give only his first name, was unapologetic about the two shark stickers on his car. S"The Christians had the fish so we responded with the shark. If they want to portray themselves as weak fishes, OK. We are the strongest," he said. Turkish Football continued from page 9 big enough now to do many things." Football began officially in Turkey back in 1875. Back then, England had also played a role, as it was English tobacco and cotton traders who had set up the first match in the then- Ottoman city of Thessalonica. The "beautiful game" then moved to Istanbul and Izmir, though still initially confined to bouts between visiting foreigners and the Sultan's local Greek subjects. Bu 1903 though, the first Turkish club -- Besiktas -- had entered the Christian- dominated Ottoman league, to be followed by the other two Istanbul giants, Fenerbahce and Galatasary. The post-World War I occupation of the city bythe British also added a national dimension to the Turkish game, with matches against the occupation forces taking on heightened importance --- and games against England being particularly significant ever since. Yet the Turkish game only really began to look fully professional in the early 1980s, with the steps taken by Orhan Seref Upak in the '1950s and 1960s to create a nationwide framework finally bearing fruit. By this time, the game had also become a major part of Turkish life. "The game has a very important part in Turkey's cultural history." says Erten. "To begin with, fathers and sons would go, with it being central to the weekend's activities in many Anatolian towns. In recent years, it has broadened out though, and now we see the rise of the female Turkish football fan, with women also starting to appear on the terraces in the last 10 years or so." Part of the game's success also lies in its international links. "To find out what made Turkish football improve, you have to go back to the German coaches," says continued on page 13 Prayer continued from page 9 else's name. And there is no statue or any image before him or her. A Muslim, thus, whole heartedly, sincerely and earnestly beseeches Allah's Forgiveness and solicits His Blessings. It so happened that in the later part of the nineteenth century' C.E., the Muslims had become so lethargic as to forget the Blessings of prayer. Equally so, the non-Muslims. In fact, especially in the Indo- Pak-Bengladesh sub- continent, the Muslims had given up altogether on the Blessings of prayer saying 'prayer or not prayer' is almost alike. A devout leader Sir Syed Ahmad Khan had awakened Muslims to activate their life and seek advancement in the field of education. But so far the topic of prayer was concerned, he had expressed .- his hopelessness that the prayers are not heard. The Muslims had fallen into sad and deplorable condition considering that prayer to Allah was not going to help to make any continued on page 13 Hear O Israel continued from page 3 according to His book which is the inspired Word of God. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3:16) If anyone doesn't obey this gospel he will be judged according to this gospel. Anyone who rejects Christ Jesus will go to eternity without a Savior. "He that cometh from above is. above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all." All the prophets are earthly but Jesus Christ is the Creator the only Son of God. He is above all. This verse is from the life of our Lord and it is very much neglected. God is Spirit. When His Spirit enters our hearts we become a new creation, heavenly, saved, forgiven, and our eyes will be enlightened to understand the mysteries of Heaven. I praise God that through the shedding blood of Jesus we are continued on page 13 THE CHILDREN'S CORNER Savannah's 41 Resale & Oldest Consignment Shop For Children's Clothes, Toys, & Furniture Mon-Fri 10am-6pm & Sat 10am-qpm Please Mention Ad When Calling - 912-355-2661 15 E. Derenne Ave. Savannah, GA "Speialists n Distinctive Custom Upholsterf Custom Built Furniture Imported Decorative Trim Imported Frames Metal & Wood Re-Upholstery ( Slip Covers Drapes lighting Fixtures TRADE PROTECTED For Free Piek-p Deliery 404-355-9331 zi Free Phone Estimates 1190HuffRoad, N.l, Atlanta d , ax:04-355-936r Visit our website~wwwfurnitureworks.cofm :, . 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The suit says Ballenger's claim that CAIR raised funds for terrorists was made "with actual malice, wrongful and willful intent to injure....and with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity." CAIR is continued from pg. 1 seeking $2 million in compensatory and punitive damages, together with costs and attorney's fees. "With this lawsuit, we are sending a clear message to all those who make malicious and defamatory statements against American Muslims or their institutions that they will be held accountable in a court of law," said Arsalan Iftikhar, CAIR's director of legal affairs. Ballenger, who serves on the House International Relations Committee, has angered African-American and women's groups with U.S. SKYLINK INC. 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"Ok, go on, tell us what your club has planned........." Well officer, the last time we had a Mid-Winter in Mobile was 1993...and well, it snowed It has never done that before, you see. So far, we haven't decided to have it snow again; but we're still working on it. And we do have a lot of other things planned for our guests: March 4 7, 2004 The dates to remember! Oh THURSDAY, March 4 there's going to be a lot of activities planned. Some unique tours, youth activities, games, indoor drive-in movie, costume selection, workout at the Y, and encounters. Later that evening, we are going to be treated to an elaborate Wine & Cheese Reception at a 100-year-old Neo-Classical Historic Home. There will be quite a bit of heavy hors d' oeuvres, and beverages. 1 understand there will also be a classical treat for entertainment, if all goes as planned. From there, the entourage will return to the Adams Mark Hotel for the evening's hafli. 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But things will really get interesting later that evening, though. We will go 1 block away to the famous, and unique 1700's reconstructed Fort Conde, for an incredible Seafood Extravaganza. We'll havre a great variety from the Gulf of Mexico. This is a really distinctive and popular spot. There's a buzz going around that there'll also be some 'surprises' at the fort....but nobody's talking! After that, we will go back to the hotel for the Hafli. The popular, and talented band 'SAHAR' will crank up the dabke dancers to the max. We also will have a 'late nite' hospitality room open for midnight snacks. "Get some sleep, you say....Why's that?" Well, it's your own business, you know,, but SATURDAY, March 6 is going to be one heck of a busy day for everyone! yes, the hospitality room will be hummin' you know the sittie's will have been making all your favorites! Don't forget to pick up your costume for the evening's event. So what's for lunch, you ask? How about an incredible Barbecue feast at the beautiful Cooper's Waterfront Park.....directly across the street from our hotel, on the river. After that, we recommend that you go on one of the walking tours, or workout at the Y....to help digest that Southern-style BBQ! Later that evening is the BIG EVENT: the Grand Banquet and Mardi Gras Ball. You'll never have seen anything like this before! It will be unbelievable! Oh yes, our buddies SAHAR will be at their best for the hafli! Nabil, Gihad, Adib, and Tom are the Dadke Kings! "Hmmm, this sounds great! And it's too good to pass up...but tell me, what is the registration rate?" We'll officer, you won't believe it....These crazy people in Mobile are only charging $125 for adults and $99 for youth. (a bit more if you register late). And the fine ADAM'S MARK HOTEL (rated 4-diamonds) is only $69 for singles & doubles.- (just about half price for everything)! "You know what the only crime will be?" "What's that, sir?" If you don't go to the Mobile Mid-Winter 2004 Conference....you'll never forgive yourself It will be the BEST Hafli that Mobile has ever had! Midwinter conference Hosted by The Lebanese-American Club of Mobile John Givens, President P.O. Box 66483 Mobile, Alabama 36660 Turkish Football continued from pg. 10 football commentator Keith Dern, who has been following the Turkish game for years. "Back in the 1980s, many of them came here to coach teams and develop a .more serious approach to the game." Erten agrees, and adds that it was also a two way process. "The German aspect is also very important because many Turks who were born or grew up in Germany started playing for German teams -- under 21s and amateur leagues there are very well organized. These players grew up in an organized structure and brought that to the Turkish game." Many of the country's star players have German origins, such as Ilhan Mansis, one of the country's most popular continued on page 13 Carpet & Oriental Rug Store "YES THERE'S A NEW ONE IN TOWN" So Drive A Little and Save A Lot Over 10,000 square feet of showroom and ware- house space specializing in all types of carpet, vinyl floor covering, custom draperies, wallpa- -per, and authentic handmade oriental rugs for home and business. 205-663-2310 2844 Montgomery Hwy. ... Pelham, AL. Page 13 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 LOUISIANA / TEXAS Turkish Football continued from pg. 12 enfact terrible, who scored the goal that took Turkey to last years' World Cup semis. Yet the most important change has been in the mind. "Turkish teams go out there now believing they can win - - before, they had usually lost the match before it had started." continued on page 16 Hear 0 Israel .continued from page 10 called saints, secured in Him. The Bible says, give diligence to make your calling and election sure. Friends be of good courage, God chose us for these days for a purpose. WE are in these days in a warfare to fight the good fight of faith. "Preach the word: be instant in season; out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine." Not every church is a Christian church. The Christian church is called the bride and will be in heaven forever. Remember Satan comes as an angel of light and assures every religious leader that what he believes is right. Satan is blinding 85% of the people on earth and leading them to Hell. AFter the rapture of the Christian church many churches and mosques will be still full of their congregations including pastors.. If you read Matthew 24, and Revelation 6-18, you will be scared to continue to live the same way you live now. Romans 9:12- 13, "It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esua have I hated." Because people reject Jesus ignorantly, II Corinthians 4:3-4, "But is our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." In Micah 1:3, For behold the Lord cometh forth out of his place and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth and the mountains shall melt under him and the valleys shall be cleft as was before the fire. Isaiah 13:10, "For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine." I wonder if the treasures of the atom is in Christ. God said return unto me and be ye saved before it is too late. For I am God and there is none else beside me. "Thus saith the Lord God....Cursed be the man that obeyeth no the words of this covenant," How can we understand the mysteries of this salvation except we are born again from above by trusting Jesus Christ to our heart? God loves you and me. He wants you to be saved. I am not asking you to change your church or your religion. I am asking you if you are saved! If not repeat this prayer. Lord forgive all my sins. I don't deserve your love that you would die in my place. Enter my heart. Rule my life. Thank you for saving my soul. HEINRICHS & DEGENNARO A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Estate Planning Probate/Guardianship Fiduciary Litigation STrusts Estate & Gift Taxation *Business/Corporate/Partnership A. Chris Heinrichs* Gina DeGennaro* Mary Ella McBrearty. Jane K. Dingivan *Board Certified Estate Planning & Probate Texas Board Of Legal Specialization tBoard Certified Tax Law Texas Board Of Legal Specialization 210.366.0900 70 N.E. 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' 7444 SBouquets Of Balloons Proms Weddings * Reunions Grand Openings "Defivering Smiles On Strings" Send A Teddy Bear Bouquet Today 225-272-1249 Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Livingston, LA BAGELS & BREAD" BAKED FRESH DAILY OPEN 7 DAYS: Mon. Fri. 7AM 5PM Sat. Sun. 7AM 2PM (504) 837-8707 We Are Kosher Certified 3113 North Causeway Metarie, Louisiana For All Kinds ofInsurance Needs Remember One Name KHAN INSURANCE AGENCY Serving the Community of Texas for 14 Years AUTO COMMERCIAL LIFE Page 14 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 ARIZONA / NEVADA Our Lady continued from page 3 now the feast is attracting fresh attention....... The Liturgical Feast In 1981 the California Catholic Conference of Bishops petitioned the Vatican Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship for authorization to observe the feast of Our Lady of Refuge on July 5 as an obligatory memorial. This was approved by official document dated January 15, 1982, and signed by Archbishop Giuseppe Casoria. The dioceses of Baja California celebrate this patronal feast on July 4. Because of Independence Day, the dioceses of Alta California chose July 5, and the memorial is listed for that day in their Ordo. The feast of Our Lady of Refuge (sometimes called Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners) has its own proper prayers for the Eucharistic Liturgy and the Liturgy of the Hours. Over the last century and a half the original Dioceses of Ambas California's has been divided many times on both sides of the border as the local Church has grown. Until the end of the nineteenth century the priests of the Archdiocese of San Francisco prayed a special liturgical office for the feast of Our Lady of Refuge. In the Dioceses of San Diego the feast has always been observed. The renewal of interest in this Marian feast honoring the patroness of the Golden State was stimulated by the 1987 1988 Marian Year observance and Pope John Paul II's encouragement to revitalize interest in special, local feasts of the Virgin Mother Mary. The Image The entire coat of arms of Bishop Garcia Diego included only the image of Our Lady of Refuge. A painting of Our Lady of Refuge holding her Child, usually the product of a local or native artist, graced each mission church after the bishop's proclamation. To this day most of the twenty- continued on page 15 AC ciESSO R ls I E Road MVouritaiIr BVIMX I CIN GREEN VA-LLEY'V S2578- Wi g am P- a I- Pecos Rd. a Wigwam)> S www.sprinfflrstsource com/blkesho . Henderson, NV Please mention ad when calling - MOORE MORE Jewelry Designs 4205 N. Scottsdale Rd. 3626 E. Ray Rd., Suite 8 (next to See's Candies) (next to the Melting Pot) 480.994.1267 480.704.2822 Scottsdale, AZ 4fspireworks ..,solutions "Making eBusiness Easy" Web Site Design Web Site Hosting Web Database Design Shopping Cart Systems Web Site Maintenance eCommerce Services Email Mailing Lists Free Consultation www.aspireworks.com Henderson, NV Michigan Arab Newspaper Office Fire Bombed continued from page 1 occurred some time between midnight on Monday and 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Siblani told CAIR that the firebomb failed to penetrate a bullet- proof door that had been installed after earlier attacks, and instead burned an area just outside the office. Some of the flammable liquid leaked under the door and burned a small area of interior tiles. He said Dearborn police, along with the FBI and the ATF, are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. "It is still too early to conclusively judge the. motive for the attack, but if past experience is an indicator, the perpetrators were likely inspired by the deluge of Islamophobic rhetoric emanating from a growing list of Muslim- bashers in our society," said CAIR-MI Assistant Director Celena Khatib. In the past year, CAIR has received a number of reports of physical assaults against American Muslims (or those perceived to be Muslim) and Islamic institutions. Those incidents included an arson attack on a Georgia mosque, the bombing of a Muslim family's van in Illinois, a cross burning at a Maryland Islamic school, the kidnapping and beating of a continued on page 15 UNITED WE STAND "SWAT" S." BUG KILLERS Inc. 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Scbttsdale, AZ FRANK'S TV SERVICE Since 1963 (702) 385-9959 Frank Caravella MAGNAVOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT CENTER WARRANTY STATION FOR * Philips Magnavox Sharp Mitsubishi Zenith Hitachi Samsung 1825. Western Ave: Las Vegas, NV 89102 -------- ---- ------ ^*^ Page 15 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Our Lady Fire Bombed Number of US Arabs Rising Fast continued from page 14 continued from page 14 continued from page 1I one missions of Alta Massachusetts pizza delivery nearly 1.2 million Arabs in Iraq because of wars there. California still display this image in the churches or in man whose attackers thought the United States in 2000, Almost half of the Arabs their-museums. he was Muslim, the shooting compared with 860,000 in in the United States live in of a Sikh man in Arizona 1990 and 610,000 in 1980. e ite California The original painting of Our who may have been About 60 percent trace their five states aliforTHE UALITY IS BUILT IN Lady of Refuge came to the mistaken for an Arab, and the ancestry to three countries: (190,890), Nw Yk M n UFETIME GUARANTEE Franciscan College of stabbing of a Virginia Lebanon, Syria and Egypt (120,370), Michigan (77, ) T IEGARANTEE ING Zacatecas in Mexico from Muslim who was called a (115,284), Florida (77,461) MAINTENANCE FREE (NO PAINTING -EVER) Italy. An Italian Jesuit "terrorist pig." Similar While earlier Arab and New Jersey (71,770). EASY CLEANING missionary brought it to incidents have been reported immigrants came from "It would be better to REDUCES ENERGY COSTS Mexico to explain the in other states. countries with large come to America than NOISE REDUCTION enthusiastic interest in Our Christian populations, newer Europe or Canada, said Zak Lady, Refuge of Sinners, that CAIR, America's largest arrivals come from heavily Trad, 33, of Anaheim, Calif., ak had developed in parish Islamic civil liberties group, Muslim countries such as who came from Lebanonlif., missions in eighteenth is headquartered in Iraq and Yemen. three years ago. "It's the century Italy. Devotion to Washington, D.C., and has three years ago. It's the the Mother of Jesus under 25 regional offices and "Immigrants from the largest Arab community not this title and in this pictorial chapters nationwide and in Arab world come for the in an Arab country." representation gained wide Canada. same reason all immigrants New York City, the first D&L LO K & KEY SERVICE popularity among the come economic opportunity, stop for millions of Mexican and Californian Atlanta Convention opportunities to have an immigrants fr more than a AL C if Franciscans and the people, ntinuedo education, to develop a century, had theme largest Arab Ce they served, continued from pg. 7 professional career," said century, had Ul t Master Locksmith very popular event at our last Helen Samhan, executive pop tion among U.S. Paintings of Our Lady of two Conventions held here. director of the Arab cities, 69,985. The Detroit Refuge are, with few The Children were American Institute suburb of Dearborn, Mich., AUTOMOBILE Lock-Outs? t where many Arabs settled to exceptions, quite similar in entertained in the afternoon Foundation, a research where any Arabs settle HOME Lost Keys Re-Key? design and execution. The with*some arts and crafts. g work in the automobile HOME Lost - heads of the Infant Jesus and The Young Adults walked group industry, was next at 29,181. BUSINESS Master Keys? his Mother Mary lean over to Hooters and had a Samhan said the lifting of Sterling Heights, Mich., 24 HOUR MOBILE SERVICE together with no background great time along with some U.S. immigration quotas in between them. Both figures twas the city with the largest between them. Both figures wings. An event that will be the 1960s opened the door to ate f Arab- #LCO 1534 All Major Credit C rds wear a crown. Mary's eyes talked about for years was the people from Arab countries Americans 9.7 percent, are turned toward the hypnotist who entertained at and many took advantage Amerdca s Cy, pN ent, 619 42 observer, while the gaze of the Singles, event. He did during the 1080s and 199. S 19 -424 - things that even people who A large number came from nations such as Lebanon and 1148 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach, CA continued on page 16 continued on page 19 continued on page 16 Becker & cBecker Executive Affiliate of SOTHEBY'S Pete Becker Owner Residential and Commercial Country Club properties throughout Palm Desert (760) 346-5593 Toll Free: (800) 347-2732 Fax: (760) 346-4078 44311 Monterey Ave. Palm Desert, CA Page 16 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR January 2004 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA US Arabs Rising Fast continued from pg 15 population is about 30 percent Arab. It was not ranked because the Census Bureau only counted cities with at least 100,000 residents. The Census Bureau asked those who received the long version of their questionnaire to list their ancestry. The form ws sent to about one- sixth of all households. Arab-Americans say their population is larger than that reported by the Census Bureau, but many are reluctant to fill out government forms because they came from countries with oppressive regimes. Turkish Football continued from pg. 13 The game has long been dominated by the three big Istanbul teams --- Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas. "The Turkish game is characterized by the hegemony of these three oligarchs," says the renowned columnist and football writer Tanil Bora. "This power structure pumps up the tension between these three, while restricting fair and exciting rivalry." It is a tension that sometimes leads to violence too, with city derby's often bloody encounters. Turkish fans have acquired a reputation for hooliganism that begins to put even that of England in the shade.. The stabbing to death of two England fans in Istanbul in 2000 before a Galatasaray- Leeds match being a major case in point. Yet, "some of this reputation The census report stops at 2000 so there is no data to measure the impact of the Sept. 11 attacks. But tighter immigration procedures since then have reduced the flow of Arabs to the United States.The Arab American- Institute Foundation said that just over 15,000 visas were issued to immigrants from Arab counties in 2002, compared with more than 21,000 in 2001. "The fact that immigration procedures and visa applications have been so tightly. screened is going to slow down the volume of new immigrants," Samhan is deserved and some of it isn't," says Der. "A lot of it is just social frustration. You are a little guy all week, maybe with no job, or a job that pays next to nothing, so you go along just to blow off steam. In a way, it's because Turkey is importing all the West's bad habits --- like drugs and football hooliganism." In the past, the only outside challenge to the Istanbul oligarchs came from the Black Sea team, Trabzonspor, who were the first and only non-Istanbul side to win the Turkish domestic championship -- a feat they first achieved in 1975, and which they have since repeated five times. Yet in recent years, "the talent has spread," says Dern. "We have a league now where anyone can beat anyone. That's a great improvement." As for stars, the critics have their favorites. "With his over-weight belly, his real Reseda Glass & Screen A Full Service Glass Shop Residential & Commercial Quality Workmanship Fair Prices SMirrors Tub/Shower Enclosures New Windows * Wardrobe Safety Glass Window Glass Patio Doors Tables Tops Store Fronts Mon-Fri: 8:00 am-5:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am-3:00 pm (818) 708-2981 Fax: (818) 343-2932 7121 Lindley Ave. (So. of Sherman Way) Reseda, CA said. "The scrutiny that will be placed on immigrants from Arab and Muslim counties is going to be even greater than other places." The backlash that occurred against Arab- Americans followed.Sept. 11 served to draw them closer and get more involved in politics. The concentration of Arab-Americans in a few key states, particularly Michigan, has boosted their political influence.In October, seven of the eight Democratic presidential candidates attended the Arab American Institute's national leadership conference in Dearborn, s did the heads of the Democratic and Republican parties. love of entertainment and the fact that he is always saying how he doesn't like running, Sergen Yalcin of Besiktas is clearly Turkey's George Best," says Bora. Elsewhere, "Rustu Recber has to be the best goalkeeper in Turkish history," says Erten of the former Fenerbahce keeper who now continued on page 19 Our Lady continued from page 14 the Child seems to turn left of the viewer. In the Santa Clara Mission church the painting of Our Lady of Refuge is found above the larger picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe in one of the side altar niches on the left as one nears the sanctuary. Another painting by Eulalio, a local Native' American, is on display in Santa Clara University's De Saisset Museum near the mission church. Other known and attractive portrayals of Our Lady of Refuge are found at Mission Santa Barbara, Mission San Francisco de Asis, and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. The proper, name, Refugio, was and still is given to both male and female Mexican children at the time of birth and baptism. Church historians and native Californians applaud the move for restoring the patroness of Both Californians to her original and rightful-prominence in the local Church's liturgical calendar. VENTURA COUNTY'S LARGEST INVENTORY OF VACUUMS & PARTS ALL VAC "We wilClhel you decide what vacuum best serves your needs at your budget." 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Morocco is already one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Middle East and North Africa, drawing 2.25m visitors a year. Its varied attractions and good weather ensure that tourist spending makes a sizeable contribution to the local economy. However, King Mohammed VI and his government hope to catapult the country into the premier league of Mediterranean tourist destinations and its optimistic that infrastructural investment will eventually enable Morocco to compete with the best established destinations, such as Spain and Greece. King Mohammed VI first unveiled the country's grand tourism strategy as part of his '2010 Vision' for economic development. Through the construction of a string of centrally planned new tourist resorts, increased expenditure on marketing and improved transport and utility infrastructure, the government aims to attract an ambitious 10m visitors a year by 2010. Although the sector already accounts for a healthy 8% of GDP, it is hoped that this figure will rise to 20% by the end of the decade. It is planned to double both the number of hotel rooms and the amount of jobs directly generated by the industry------quite a challenge given that 640,000 Moroccans already work in the sector. At present, Agadir is the country's only large coastal resort, which is surprising given the length and quality of the beaches. Moreover, Morocco has a more developed domestic beach culture than probably anywhere else in the Middle East or North Africa. As a result, the government has drawn up its 'Plan Azur' as the centerpiece of the '2010 Vision' tourist strategy, providing for the construction of six purpose- built tourist resorts along the coast. Although the government is partly financing the new resorts, the private sector is expected to contribute the lion's share of the required funding, while the World Bank will also provide some support. The .first of the six resorts, named Taghazout, is expected to receive its"first visitors in 2006. Developed by Palais des Roses, an offshoot of the Saudi Arabian company Dallah Albaraka, the site encompasses six new villages near Agadir, with accommodation for 23,000 people. Taghazout boasts all GREAT CUSTOM MADE HAND TOSSED PIZZA Fine Italian Food Catering Food To Go TV Banquet Facilities For Up To 40 SDelivery ~ S.un-Thurs 11 am 10 pm Fri & Sat 11 am 11 pm 818-363-7705 10371 Balboa Blvd. Granada Hills, CA Playmates Pre-School "Since 196'" * Developmental & Early Childhood Education Programs for 2 Years thru Pre-K * Special Emphasis n Kindergarten Readiness at the Pre-K level Full & Morning Half Day sessions Monday-Friday 6:30 am 6:00 pmr 714-540-1919 Director Arlene Shapiro Py T g A e St. Lic.# 3066DQ766 Potty Training Available 795 Palarino Ave. (Located between Bristol & Bear st.) Costa Mesa, CA 92626 the usual tourist attractions such sa golf courses, tennis courts and restaurants. If visitors stay for a two week period, with full occupancy Taghazout will have. the capability to accommodate almost 600,000 tourists a year. Replicated across.the six resorts, total investment of $4.2bn could create as many as 92,000 new tourists beds. Needless to say, private companies have flocked to bid for construction and management contracts on the other five sites. Of these, four lie on the Atlantic coast; El Hauzia, near the town of Essaouira; and Plage Blanche, close to the town of Guelmin; while only Mediterrania Saidia-Maroc is located on the Mediterranean. At the end of August, Spanish company Fadesa was announced as project developer of the $1.6bn Mediterrania Saidia- Maroc scheme. Other, more modest developments are being built along the country's long coastline, while Al Ghantout of the UAE signed an agreement in August to build three hotels in Marrakesh ajta cost of $22m. The general manager of the Crowne Plaza Casablanca, Francois Bonnel, says that the growing number of hotels and the government's plans to expand the tourist sector will also act to push up quality. He argues that the plan will "promote more competition through the creation of new hotels and force existing hotels to upgrade their quality." Standards of customer service and care are rising, partly as the result of the standards set by the many new luxury hotels. Morocco boasts attractions for almost every category of tourist, from long sandy beaches and sunny weather to historical sites, traditional medians and spectacular mountain and desert scenery. The country's natural beauty could help spread the financial benefits of tourism beyond the cities and around the country, including some of its poorest areas. The potential of desert safaris and hiking in the Atlas Mountains for example, has only just begun to be exploited. Flight times to Morocco from western Europe are not significantly different to the continued on page 18 S SWISS MOTORS EuropeanTrained Professional Technician Mercedes Benz Repair & Other Fine European Cars LATE MODEL SPECIALISTS COMPLETE MAINTENANCE QUALITY WORK* REASONABLE RATES In A Timel Manner ~ 3535 E. 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In the past the sector largely relied upon French visitors who took advantage of colonial and linguistic ties, and European backpackers keen to take their first taste of the orient. The imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Marrakesh and Fez have attracted large numbers of visitors over the years. Upsetting the apple cart Western perceptions of the Middle East as a viable .tourist destination have been adversely affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, the subsequent war on terrorism and the war in Iraq. The impact of the 9/11 attacks upon the tourist sector in the region ws profound but the effect on visitor numbers has varied considerably across the region. North Africa in general and Tunisia in particular have fared comparatively well but Morocco, perhaps surprisingly, has suffered badly. Visitor numbers in 2002 were 6% down on the previous year, while expenditure per visitor fell around 25%, possibly because tourists ventured less widely from their hotels. Although official figures have not yet been published, visitor numbers are expected to take another turn for the worse, following the May suicide bomb attacks in Casablanca which killed over 40 people. The attacks on the Positano, an Italian restaurant close to the Belgian consulate, a hotel and a Jewish community center singled out foreign interest and tourists, although most of the victims were Moroccans. However, hotels catering for the business travelers, including many in Casablanca, have been less severely affected. While the tourist sector is particularly vulnerable to scares of all types, from car bombings to the SARS virus, it can also be remarkably resilient. Over the past two years Egypt has recorded increased tourist numbers, demonstrating a substantial recovery since the killing of 58 tourists by Islamic extremists at Luxor in 1997. While Bali continues to suffer the after effects of the October 2002 attacks, the number of visitors to Kenya is already rising, following the lifting of flight restrictions to the country by the British government. There is no reason to assume that Morocco cannot bounce back to the same extent. Once the hotels and other infrastructure are in place, visitor numbers seem destined to rise. Moreover, certain nationalities seem 7I CTO R VI LLE Same day appointments with Statt readings" Extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 24 Hour turnaround on fifms and Reports Complimentary transportation 9No Paperwork for Patients SFriendly and Courteous Staff 12276 Hesperia Rd. V Suite 6 V Victorville, CA 92392 760-843-0995 V Fax: 760-843-0975 AMERICA HOME HEAT & COOL SERVICES Service & Installation of Heating & Air Conditioning Equipment Air Duct Cleaning House Painting State Lic. # 812973 650-201-6177 or 650-871-9049 415-756-6538 San Bruno. CA more deterred than others by terrorist and security scares. While the key French market held up during 2002, German visitor numbers dropped sharply leading to low occupancy rates. However, British tourists took advantage of the lower prices on offer and arrived in greater numbers than ever. The director of the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), Ali Kasmi, says his organization plans to stick to its strategy of attracting a mix of cultural and beach tourists, but also hopes to target visitors from elsewhere in the Middle East. Many people in the GCC states have been reluctant to travel to the West over the past couple of years because of uncertainty over how they would be received and so there has been an increase in inter-Middle Eastern travel. The ONMT has opened an office in Dubai to promote the country to the wider Gulf region. Morocco's success in attracting visitors has been mirrored by other, mainly Muslim Mediterranean states, including Turkey and Tunisia, which have achieved laudable success in attracting foreign visitors. The main obstacle now to further growth in mass tourism is the lack of infrastructure, including water and power supplies, but much is being done to improve facilities. The government has invested in the expansion of Casablanca and Fez airports and although access to Morocco for foreign airlines remains limited, the government has promised to liberalize the sector as part its- '2010 Vision' commitments. The government has also indicated that adequate water and power supplies will be provided to Plan Azur resorts, and insists that this will not be at the expense of other parts of the country. Although French companies have been present in the water sector for several decades, the government is slowly increasing the role of private companies in the industry. Vivendi Environment and Suez/Ondeo have won a host of new contracts over the past three years but further investment in water storage and transportation is required if sufficient water continued on page 19 HELP FOR TROUBLED SENIORS We deal with: Problems of relationships with adult children Loneliness Loss of loved ones Adjusting to retirement and other troubles you may have. We meet Thursday morning 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. I have over 35 years of experience and specialize in treating of older adults. Call me at (310) 824-5922 HINDY NOBLER, PH.D. 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Tf1o r ltrio wihic-h Mororcco-r follo dt r b \-th + h> lfli' NM t T !.- 1 -A1 -1 Iiuiui iu 1- iI continued from page 18 is to be supplied to the new jumbo tourist resorts. Much of Morocco's rain falls on the Atlas Mountains and is stored in local reservoirs. Some of the driest parts of Morocco lie on the coast, so one albeit expensive option is to pipe water from the mountains to the coast. However, neighboring Algeria is increasingly opting to supply its equally dry coastal strip with desalinated water from water and power producers (WPPs). Not only are such plants becoming an increasingly economic might consider, but they could also provide power supplies to the new resorts. While the target of 10m visitors a year by 2010 may have been a little over optimistic, even a figure some way short of this goal would greatly strengthen the economy. In order to consolidate its position as a middle ranking economy, Morocco needs to reduce its reliance on expatriate remittances -- currently the biggest source of foreign currency -- and boost economic growth. A burgeoning tourist sector would help it to do just that, the security situation permitting. Atlanta Convention continued from pg. 15 wievi u uy LIII i Ii only was the entertainment outstanding, both American and Arabic, but we were treated to a surprise visit by the legendary Richard Corey. Richard sang with Nabil Tohme and also did some of the songs that we all grew up with at Conventions for years and years. It was a very special evening. There was a Maronite Liturgy on Sunday morning that was standing room only followed by our "Until we meet again" good bye breakfast. So in closing, let me just say, see you in Mobile. SUlrkISh Footballa continued from pg. 16 plays for Barcelona. "Then Hakan Sukur, a different type of forward." 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