Introduction:
Prince Turki Al Faisal, Saudi ambassador to the U.S., addressed the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and expressed gratitude to Omar Sharif for following him as a speaker.

Recognition of ADC Prize Recipients:
He acknowledged four ADC prize recipients with ties to Saudi Arabia: Mukhlis al-Hariri, Misha al-Kano, and Saudi Aramco, praising their contributions.

Saudi Contributions to Hurricane Katrina Relief:
Prince Faisal highlighted Saudi Arabia’s assistance to the people affected by Hurricane Katrina, facilitated through Saudi Aramco.

Rafiq al-Hariri’s Loss:
He expressed the profound loss Saudi Arabia felt upon Rafiq al-Hariri’s departure from Saudi Arabia and subsequent martyrdom.

ADC’s Role in Protecting Arab Rights:
Prince Faisal commended the ADC’s efforts in safeguarding the rights of Arabs in the U.S. and promoting Arab Americans’ opportunities for positive public contributions.

Importance of Outreach and Dialogue:
He emphasized the significance of outreach, education, and dialogue in fostering understanding between Saudi Arabia and the U.S., particularly during the Arab world’s global attention.

Personal Reflections as an Arab:
Prince Faisal shared his experiences as an Arab ambassador in the U.S., celebrating the diversity of the Arab world and aiming to convey his observations and thoughts on Arabs’ place in American society.

Engagement with American Communities:
He described his visits to various American cities and towns, engaging with Americans of diverse backgrounds, including Arab American communities.

Observations on American Society:
Prince Faisal praised America’s melting pot of nationalities, ethnicities, religions, and ideas, where individuals can thrive and excel based on their imagination.

America’s Principles and Innovation:
He lauded America’s innovation and productivity, rooted in faith, fairness, and justice, noting that despite occasional deviations, it always returns to its proper balance.

Arabs’ Place in American Society:
Prince Faisal affirmed the vital role of Arabs in American society, highlighting their contributions to thriving communities across the country for over a century.

Contributions of Arab Americans:
Arab Americans have made significant contributions to various fields such as medicine, literature, science, politics, and commerce. Examples include Surgeon Michael DeBakey, Governor Victor Atia, author Khalil Gibran, and consumer advocate Ralph Nader. Dr. Ahmed Zewail won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1999, while Charles El-Ashi from Lebanon directs the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Internal Struggles:
Arab Americans often feel frustrated, angry, and defensive due to their lack of representation and understanding in the U.S. Terrorism and misinformation have negatively impacted their achievements and cultural identity, leading to internalization and hindered unity. The need for bridges of understanding between Arabs and Americans is more critical than ever.

Building Bridges for the Future:
To secure understanding and respect in the U.S., Arab Americans need to actively engage in political discourse and get involved in politics. With three million successful Arab Americans in the U.S., there is a need for greater representation in Congress. Political involvement will help break through cultural barriers and unite Arabs and Americans.

Patience and Action:
Prince Turki Al Faisal urges Arab Americans to be patient and persistent in their efforts to achieve tangible results. He emphasizes the importance of speaking out, getting involved, and recognizing that progress takes time.

Arab American Representation and Cohesion:
Prince Turki Al Faisal emphasizes the increasing representation of Arab Americans in political positions, from cabinet members to governors. He calls for greater collaboration and coordination among Arab-American groups to effectively address issues affecting the community.

Unity Amidst Diversity:
Al Faisal highlights the diverse backgrounds and faiths of Arab Americans, stressing that they share common concerns and challenges. He emphasizes the need for organizations supporting Arab-American causes to work together and engage in open dialogue.

Addressing Negative Perceptions:
Al Faisal acknowledges the negative perceptions about Arabs post-September 11th and expresses the desire of Arab Americans to counter these stereotypes. He emphasizes the importance of presenting a comprehensive narrative beyond sensationalism and addressing facts and issues, rather than solely focusing on emotions.

Growing American Interest in Arab Affairs:
Al Faisal notes the increased interest among Americans in understanding Arab affairs and the Middle East. He sees this as an opportunity for Arab Americans to engage and educate Americans about their perspectives and values.

Shared Beliefs and Common Ground:
Al Faisal emphasizes shared values such as family, faith, peace, and opportunity between Americans and Arabs. He believes these common principles can serve as a foundation for building connections and addressing issues.

Saudi Arabia’s People-to-People Strategy:
Al Faisal explains Saudi Arabia’s strategy of promoting people-to-people contact through delegations, business leaders, and student exchange programs. He believes this approach can foster understanding and build friendships between Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and the United States.

Arab Americans as Role Models:
Al Faisal praises Arab Americans as role models for a successful integration story and encourages them to share their experiences and heritage. He urges them to take pride in their contributions to humanity, American culture, and life.

Bridging the Gap:
Al Faisal emphasizes the crucial role Arab Americans play in bridging the gap between America and the Arab world. He encourages them to engage in the political process, build on existing foundations, and foster understanding through personal connections.

A Heartfelt Conclusion:
Al Faisal expresses his love and admiration for Arab Americans, recognizing them as role models for a successful integration story. He thanks them for their contributions and calls for continued efforts to build bridges between America and the Arab world.