IN CELEBRATION OF THE AMERICAN SYRIAN ARAB CULTURAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL BANQUET

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IN CELEBRATION OF THE AMERICAN SYRIAN ARAB CULTURAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL

BANQUET

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HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

of michigan

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American

Syrian Arab Cultural Association and celebrate its 2019 Annual Banquet.

The association's lasting commitment to supporting our Syrian Arab

American community is worthy of commendation.

The American Syrian Arab Cultural Association (ASACA) is a non-profit

and non-sectarian cultural and education organization with a mission to

\\\`\\\`acquaint the American public with the rich Arabic culture and

heritage through the promotion of lectures, educational seminars and

cultural events.'' The association aspires to strengthen ties and

promote friendly relations by building bridges between Arabic culture

and the American community at large. In addition, ASACA tirelessly

strives to preserve and instill Arabic language, culture, and heritage

within the youth of the Arab community, ensuring it will be shared with

generations to come.

ASACA's Annual Banquet exemplifies the association's continued

commitment to our Arab American community. This year, the banquet will

support Syrian Youth Empowerment (SYE), a non-profit initiative that

empowers Syrian youth by providing paths to higher education.

Established by a group of Syrian refugees who personally experienced

the challenges of pursuing higher education both inside and outside

Syria, SYE was created to support students in conflict areas and help

them navigate the barriers they encounter throughout the college

application process. ASACA's important work alongside SYA will generate

a greater awareness for the obstacles many Syrians face due to ongoing

conflicts, and ASACA's dedicated efforts with help better support

students who wish to obtain their college degrees.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the

American Syrian Arab Cultural Association as it hosts its annual

banquet. ASACA's commitment to empowering Syrian youth truly changes

lives, and I am deeply appreciative of the association's remarkable

work.

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