Canadian Arab Institute presents: A New Conversation Gala
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 4, 2013
CANADIAN ARAB INSTITUTE PRESENTS: A New Conversation GALA
The Canadian Arab Institute (CAI) will hold their inaugural gala A New Conversation at the Royal Ontario Museum on Wednesday, October 30th. This exciting evening will feature The Honorable Bill Graham, former Minister of External Affairs as keynote speaker; award winning CBC news anchor Suhana Meharchand as MC; the critically acclaimed Lebanese-Canadian soprano Miriam Khalil as star entertainer; as well as outstanding Arab musicians and Al-Asala Dabke group. A live auction will feature art work by renowned Canadian contemporary artist Charles Pachter and other painters. In keeping with the theme of Arab contributions, past and present, guests will cap off the evening’s activities with a special guided tour of the ROM's dazzling Mesopotamia Exhibit.
A New Conversation will showcase the cultural, social and economic contributions of Canadian Arabs from all religions and countries in the Arab World and shine a new light on the diverse cultures and lifestyles represented in the Canadian Arab mosaic. CAI President and Co-founder Raja Khouri, a commissioner with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, believes strongly that it is vital that Canadian Arabs contribute to the conversations on policy to the benefit of all Canadians: “We are Canadians first and foremost and consider ourselves integral to the economic, cultural and social fabric of this country.”
Gala guests will consist of Community leaders and people from all religious backgrounds together with politicians from every political party. The array of illustrious Canadians lending their support to this inaugural event is a testament to the importance of CAI’s voice and mission in Canadian society.
The Canadian Arab Institute was founded in 2011 by a committee of dedicated Muslim, Christian and secular Arab community leaders, academics, professionals and activists. The Institute reflects Canadian ideals of diversity, human rights, gender equity and the rule of law. It is a non-profit, non-partisan policy think tank that generates original discourse to engage Canadian institutions, improve understanding between communities and articulate a research-based Canadian Arab perspective on domestic and international issues. CAI Director Dr. Bessma Momani, associate professor at the University of Waterloo's Balsillie School of International Affairs and a senior fellow at both the Brookings Institute and the Centre for International Governance and Innovation says: “Our community is rich in tradition and makes many contributions to Canadian society and we want to encourage and multiply those types of contributions.”
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Tickets: $250 per person can be purchased at: https://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/events/gala-2013/ or phone: 888.983.4775
To arrange an interview or for more information contact: CAI President Raja Khouri at 416-899 4993 or email: raja@canadianarabinstitute.org