The Clipboard: FBI target now honored

From an article¹:

As we continue to look for lessons from Sept. 11, searching for good in the everlasting aftermath of America's greatest tragedy, remember that America's greatest attribute, a love of freedom, survived.

Then consider what happened recently to Imad Hamad, who shares that love of freedom.

Hamad endured two decades of FBI investigations, false allegations and court fights in his quest to become a U.S. citizen. He finally became one last September. He voted for the first time in November.

And this month, Hamad, director of the Dearborn, Mich.-based American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, was to fly to Washington, be escorted to FBI headquarters and receive a national award for community service.

It could happen only in America. (link)

It's quite a story.

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Complete text of the article, FBI target now honored for leadership, by Rochelle Riley

As we continue to look for lessons from Sept. 11, searching for good in the everlasting aftermath of America's greatest tragedy, remember that America's greatest attribute, a love of freedom, survived.

Then consider what happened recently to Imad Hamad, who shares that love of freedom.

Hamad endured two decades of FBI investigations, false allegations and court fights in his quest to become a U.S. citizen. He finally became one last September. He voted for the first time in November.

And this month, Hamad, director of the Dearborn, Mich.-based American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, was to fly to Washington, be escorted to FBI headquarters and receive a national award for community service.

It could happen only in America.

Building respect, trust Hamad has become an international spokesman for human rights and the fair treatment of Americans of Middle Eastern descent since Sept. 11. His organization hosts town meetings with federal authorities, helps residents file complaints and distributes information about the Patriot Act.

U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Collins called Hamad's award "well-deserved."

"Imad has just been a terrific leader in building bridges of trust," said Collins, who, with Hamad, cochairs BRIDGES (Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity). The coalition of federal law enforcement agencies and about a dozen Middle Eastern community groups meet monthly.

"It's the only group of its kind in the country," Collins said. "Having that dialogue builds confidence and faith in law enforcement. The absence of that dialogue builds mistrust."

Hamad is among 102 people who was to be honored at FBI headquarters in Washington at the 12th annual Director's Awards. But he's one of only two to receive an Exceptional Public Service award.

Hamad said he planned to accept his award "on behalf of the great contributions that many members of our Arab-American community have made to this great nation."

But the award represents so much more for Hamad.

As a college student in 1982, he joined a San Francisco protest of Israel's invasion of Lebanon. He was placed on a government watch list of possible terrorist sympathizers, beginning 14 years of monitoring.

In 1996, he became a test case for the Immigration and Naturalization Service's use of secret evidence for deportation. It took three years for judges to clear him, and another two years and nine months before he was allowed to apply for citizenship.

Hamad was angry, but not bitter.

"It's always the case that despite the agony and pain and suffering, the injustices and the bigotry, the true American fabric always manages to prevail," he said.

"The FBI - the same agency that I had my share of ordeals and my share of injustices because of, that my family had to deal with, is honoring me! It's like a blessing that gives you the strength and energy to believe that, despite racism and bigotry, America will not fail to recognize those who are of service to their community."

As we search for lessons from Sept. 11, consider this: We cannot let the terrorists change us. For America to be America, it must remain the home of the brave, the land that welcomes all souls yearning to be free.

reference=http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/democrat/news/opinion/6834862.htm