CAF elects new executive

by James Clark

The Canadian Arab Federation (CAF) elected a new executive board at its 45th annual general meeting in Toronto on July 9.

Dr. Farid Ayad, past president of Palestine House, was elected CAF’s new president. Dr. Nour El-Kadri becomes vice-president Ontario and Dr. Bassam Hussein becomes vice-president Quebec. Seven other positions were filled. Dr. Ayad thanked the outgoing board for its contributions to CAF, including past president Khaled Mouammar and past vice-president Ontario Ali Mallah.

During their time as executive members, Mouammar and Mallah transformed CAF into a more engaged, politically active and membership-driven organization. CAF now enjoys a high profile and widespread respect among the social movements, especially for its commitment to the struggle in Palestine. CAF has also supported a wide range of struggles in the labour and student movements and is a member organization of the Canadian Peace Alliance.

In early 2009, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney targeted CAF for its outspoken criticism of the Conservatives’ support for the war in Gaza. Kenney later unilaterally cut funding for CAF’s award-winning immigrant settlement program, sparking a legal challenge in the federal court. Kenney’s attack on CAF is part of the broader Tory attempt to undermine Palestine solidarity initiatives in Canada and to silence criticism of Canadian foreign policy.

The new CAF leadership will inherit the ongoing case against Kenney in the federal court, which will have its hearing in the coming months. To donate to CAF’s court costs, visit http://bit.ly/SupportCAF.