2012 Alex Odeh Memorial Award Recipients, Muna & Basem Hishmeh
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is pleased to announce Muna and Basem Hishmeh as the 2012 recipients of the Alex Odeh Memorial Award. The Alex Odeh Memorial Award, named for the late ADC Southern California Regional Director who was killed in October of 1985, is presented each year to individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership, public service, and commitment to the mission of ADC and the Arab American community.
Muna and Basem Hishmeh truly exemplify the qualities for which the Alex Odeh Memorial Award was created. Their foundation, the Muna and Basem Hishmeh Foundation, was established in 2005 to support cultural organizations in the United States and Palestine. The Foundation’s goal is to break down cultural barriers through music and the arts. It seeks to enhance the lives of underprivileged youth through exposure to various artistic media by providing grants through which children can explore their creativity, artistic capabilities, and talents. Among the Foundation’s successes are its Palestinian Youth Cultural Tour and sponsorship of student musical concerts and programs.
In addition to the many accomplishments of the Foundation, Muna and Basem Hishmeh have facilitated the creation of the Arab American Scholarship Fund at the William Paterson University in New Jersey. This fund issues four $3,000 scholarships to undergraduate students of Arab descent with financial need to encourage them to become leaders in their disciplines and contribute to their community. These are just a few examples of the way in which Muna and Basem Hishmeh have shown their deep commitment to the Arab American community.
ADC warmly congratulates the couple and is proud to recognize them with this award for their contributions. Mr. and Mrs. Hishmeh will be recognized at the ADC National Convention Gala on the evening of Saturday, June 23, 2012.
Gala admission is included with a full convention registration package. To purchase a package, or learn more about the convention visit convention.adc.org. Early bird registration ends Thursday, May 31st.