The History of the Druze in America between 1986 and 1990… A Conference in Washington and the First Cultural Center

The 40th annual conference of the American Druze Society was held at the Meadowlands Hilton Hotel from July 1 to 5, 1986. The society president was Kamal Shaib, and Rand Shaaban was vice president. Executive secretary and treasurer: Emma Sally; past president: Sami Merhi; board members: Dr. Maan Abu Al-Hosn, Shaheen Faris Alwan, Hani Ashtey, Dr. David Najjar, Nabih Nasr El-Din, and Dr. Marwan Ramadan. Dr. David Najjar served as the conference chair, and the tri-state area convention committee planned an exciting and enjoyable conference. There were many highly organized social, cultural, sports, and entertainment events to celebrate the 40th convention.

President Kamal Shaib and the new board focused on improving communication with chapter presidents and members in general. They sought membership growth by explaining the benefits and goals of the ADS. This effort led to a doubling of paid memberships in 1986. Dr. Sami Abdel Baqi gave a speech at the conference on behalf of the Druze Social Welfare Foundation, and Mrs. Adela Halim Takieddine spoke at the banquet night. The 1986 annual book, "Forty Years of a Great Idea," included articles on the history of the ADS, conference photos, chapter news, CORA activities, and an outline of future community goals. In 1986, new bylaws were ratified to include the position of President-elect and 10 other board members. Voting was changed to a secret ballot by mail before the conference, with the results announced at the annual convention.

 

1987 Conference in Durango, Colorado:

The 41st annual conference of the American Druze Society was held at the Tamarron Resort from June 30 to July 5, 1987. The society president was Kamal Shaib and the vice president was Randy Shaaban. Board members included: Emma Sally, Dr. Mona Abu Al-Hosn, Dr. David Najjar, Nabil Nasr El-Din, Hani Ashtey, Bahjat Al-Jurdi, and Salim Asrawi. The conference chair was Randy Shaaban. Jihad Zahiri, Abbas Halabi, Ziad Hamadi, and Issam Makarem were our guests from Lebanon. Hafiz Abi Al-Muna was appointed editor-in-chief of "Our Heritage" magazine, supported by an English-language editorial staff. Emma Sally continued as secretary and treasurer.

The Student Loan Fund provided scholarships to 20 needy students. The "Thousand Club," led by Jack Hamada, provided some of the donated funds to help pay executive office expenses. It is important to note that the "Thousand Club" had raised $88,000 by 1986. Dr. Wehbe Al-Sayegh announced that CORA had published its third book, titled "Ethics and Morality."

The California chapter raised $150,000 to purchase the ADS Cultural Center in Southern California, led by the efforts of Salim Asrawi, Bahjat Jurdi, Uncle Jack Hamada, the Ladies' Auxiliary, and YADS of Southern California. President Shaib and the ADS Board of Directors supported these efforts. The "Housing Committee" began searching for a suitable location.

On November 1, 1987, Salim Asrawi submitted his resignation as national president due to health problems and irreconcilable differences with the Board's interpretation of the constitution and bylaws. A group of concerned Druze then responded to Mr. Jack Hamada's call to meet in Florida to discuss Mr. Asrawi's resignation and present future plans to ensure the organization's continuity. Attending were: Jack Hamada, George Rafeh, Dr. Abdullah Najjar, Ajaj Andari, Salim Asrawi, Kamal Shaib, Ray Hilal, Sami Merhi, Dr. David Najjar, and Adel Najjar. A vote of confidence was held for Dr. David Najjar, the vice president at the time, to assume the presidency, and Bahjat Jurdi was then appointed vice president.

Dr. Najjar affirmed to the community the unity of the Board and its commitment to preserving our heritage and faith despite ideological differences among members. It is the duty of every Druze to uphold the doctrine of Tawhid in their mind and soul, and for American Druze, it is their duty to unite and promote the goals of the American Druze Society. Dr. David Najjar also took on the role of conference chair and invited members of the American Druze community to attend the 1988 conference.

1988 Conference in Tampa, Florida:

The 42nd conference was held at the Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs, Florida, from June 28 to July 2, 1988. The society president was Salim Asrawi and the vice president was Dr. David Najjar. Board members: Bahjat Jurdi, Hani Ashtey, Hafiz Abi Al-Muna, Fouad Halabi, Akram Jurdi, Mounir Zeineddine, Raouf Al-Rishani, Eddie Samaan, Bobby Jaber, and Ajaj Andari. The conference chair was Bahjat Jurdi.

Dr. David Najjar's experience and Bahjat Jurdi's dedication led to a very successful and enjoyable conference. The gathering was full of educational, social, and sports activities, as well as music and entertainment. David Najjar announced the appointment of Ray Hilal as executive director effective July 15, 1988. Upon his appointment, Ray Hilal implemented the Board's recommendation to purchase the necessary computers and office equipment to upgrade our filing systems, update mailing addresses, computerize financial data, and issue "Our Heritage" and our newsletters via desktop publishing.

The Board of Directors was very active, meeting regularly in various cities where ADS chapters were located. On August 20, 1988, the Board met in Mesquite, Texas, and adopted the following resolutions:

The ADS was to appoint a CPA to prepare tax returns, audit the books, and prepare and publish a detailed financial report.

Mounir Zeineddine was appointed to represent the ADS to the Council of Presidents of National Arab American Organizations.

Ajaj Andari was appointed chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and editor of Arab Heritage.

Make the convention more culturally, educationally, and religiously oriented and less social.

Ensure that all chapters are duly registered with their state governments.

Implement religious services at the chapter level.

Ray Hilal, as the full-time executive director and editor of Our Heritage, dedicated all his time to organizing the national office, communicating with the chapters, and researching and compiling facts and figures regarding our achievements to encourage our community to join the ADS.

1989 Conference in Washington:

The 43rd annual conference of the American Druze Society was held at the Sheraton Washington Hotel from July 4 to 8, 1989. The society president was Dr. David Najjar and the vice president was Bahjat Jurdi. Board members: Ajaj Andari, Hafiz Abi Al-Muna, Sarah Abu Al-Hosn, Mounir Zeineddine, Fouad Halabi, Akram Jurdi, Raouf Al-Rishani, and Bobby Jaber. The conference chair was Bahjat Jurdi.

"We Shine in Washington, D.C.," wrote the executive director about the 1989 convention. We recorded our largest pre-registration ever. The conference was attended by Druze and families from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, England, Switzerland, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon, who enjoyed the historical sites, conference activities, and the hospitality of the Druze community in Washington, D.C. The Druze community was very proud and honored to host Salwa Choucair and the Honorable James Abourezk as guests of honor and keynote speakers. Jihad Zahiri also delivered a message from Walid Jumblatt, Dr. Abdullah Najjar spoke on behalf of the Druze Social Welfare Foundation, and Sami Merhi spoke in honor of Mr. Chakib Nakadi.

The success of this conference can be attributed to the hard work and efforts of Dr. David Najjar, Jimmy and Nadine Sleiman, Bahjat Jurdi (Chair), Kamal Najjar (Coordinator), Samia Fayyad, and Ghassan Abdel Khalek. Ajaj Andari was sworn in as president along with the new Board of Directors.

On July 8, 1989, Ajaj Andari held his first meeting as national president. He requested the cooperation of the Board and each committee chair to help achieve the goals and ideas he had set for 1989-1991. The goals and plans included:

Focusing on chapter reorganization by appointing a membership chair to contact inactive members to rejoin the ADS and attract new members, and to assist in a modern census of American Druze. Tasking board members with the following: visiting their assigned chapters at least twice a year, working with chapter and community officials, assisting in coordinating chapter activities with national activities, planning Eid al-Adha celebrations, planning religious and educational seminars annually, providing assistance to chapters as needed, and reporting on their progress and problems to the National Board.

Additionally, creating a youth program (educational, social, athletic). Establishing a Board of Trustees to work with the Board of Directors to address and plan for the social, cultural, religious, and financial needs of the community; to actively support CORA's efforts to plan and sponsor religious retreats, especially for youth; planning a youth exchange program for Druze youth with other countries abroad; and actively supporting the efforts of the Central Audit Committee and encouraging our members to contribute to the orphanage and other worthy Druze charities; to advertise the Student Loan Fund's contribution to educating needy students, and to make fundraising and loan availability goals of the ADS. The goal also included encouraging chapter participation in the convention by sponsoring a lecture, seminar, talent show, dabke, play, and arts and crafts; honoring and recognizing members who graduate with special achievements, and who have succeeded in business, and the talented and gifted. The goal is also to include the appointment of a committee to communicate with Druze communities around the world for the mutual exchange of ideas, talents, and programs that meet the common needs of our people, and creating an ADS liaison committee to coordinate and play a larger role with the Arab American community. Appointing a committee to review and update chapter guidelines and publishing the outlines of the duties and responsibilities of the chapter and national convention committee chairs is also one of the goals. Every board member must submit a detailed list of proposals to be discussed at the next board meeting.

President Andari corresponded with the chapters and the general membership to inform them of the goals for the next two years and appealed to everyone to join the Board and committees in contributing to the success of these goals. The positive response to the president's appeal came from the American Druze Youth, led by Mazen Shami and Nizar Andari, who sent an open letter to the Druze youth urging them to organize, declare their goals and objectives, and discuss how to participate and contribute to achieving their faith and culture.

Chapter heads expressed their readiness to participate in the National Board meetings. They welcomed the idea of appointing one board member to work with them throughout the year. The Central Audit Committee pledged to continue its efforts to raise money for charity, and the Student Loan Foundation promised to publicize the program to reach all needy students. The bylaws were amended and approved by the Board of Directors. Dr. Wehbe Sayegh, Chair of the CORA Board, wrote a technical article in Our Heritage explaining why Druze celebrate Eid al-Adha. It was very encouraging, and CORA urged the simultaneous celebration of the Eid throughout the United States. Ajaj Andari visited the Tri-State area chapter, the Connecticut chapter, the Boston chapter, the Washington D.C. chapter, the Dallas chapter, and the North Carolina chapter, and met with the heads of the Virginia, Houston, Miami, Kileen, and Michigan chapters to discuss future goals and ways and means to improve their relationship with the National Board.

Another event that occurred in the fall of 1989 was Ray Hilal's resignation as executive director effective January 14, 1990. President Andari thanked Ray on behalf of the ADS for doing an excellent job that was desperately needed for the growth and progress of our community. Ray's commitment, dedication, and professionalism for many years had set high standards for Our Heritage magazine and work procedures. The search for a new executive director ended on a happy note when President Andari announced the Board's approval of Miss Sahar Mokassa for the position.

1990 Conference in Costa Mesa, California:

The 44th annual conference of the American Druze Society was held at the Red Lion Inn in Costa Mesa, California, from June 26 to 30, 1990. The society president was Ajaj Andari and the vice president was Bahjat Jurdi. David Najjar was the past president. Board members: Hafiz Abi Al-Muna, Sarah Abu Al-Hosn, Imad Abu Al-Hosn, Raja Al-Aridi, Fouad Halabi, Ghassan Khaleq, Akram Jurdi, and Mounir Zeineddine. National Treasurer: Sahar Makassa. The national committee chairs were: Jack Hamada (Executive Center), Dr. Wehbe Al-Sayegh (CORA), Sami Merhi (Central Audit Committee), and Kamal Shaib (Student Loan Fund). The conference chair was Bahjat Jurdi.

The 1990 gathering in Costa Mesa, California, was very successful. Active participation and interest in the seminars, panel discussions, and presentations were the result of extensive pre-planning. The choice of topics focused on history, heritage, faith, and the role of the Arab American. Participating in the conference were Dr. Anis Obeid, Dr. Abdullah Najjar, Dr. Nadim Qasim, Dr. Hayel Saeed, Dr. Wehbe Al-Sayegh, Dr. Intisar Issam, Dr. Fawzi Al-Barouki, and Dr. Thuraya Abu Al-Hosn. Nizar Andari introduced Casey Kasem to address the American Druze youth about "Growing Up Arab American." Ambassador Nassib Lahoud from Lebanon was the keynote speaker at the "President's Night."

The year 1990 saw the fulfillment of a long-awaited ADS dream. The National Board of Directors unanimously approved the purchase of a property located at 2239 Merton Avenue, Eagle Rock, California, as the first "Druze Cultural Center" in the USA during their meeting on May 27, 1990. A dream and goal of Salim Asrawi since the early 1960s, the planning by Imad Abu Al-Hosn, Bahjat Jurdi, and Chakib Abu Al-Hosn, the dedication of the Druze community in Southern California, and the moral and financial support of the American Druze community across the United States led to this great achievement.

National President Ajaj Andari said in his message to the American Druze community that the “Cultural Center in Southern California is a ‘home’ for all American Druze people.” It is a symbol of our unity, our pride, and our determination. There is now a place for our children to learn Arabic, their history, and their faith. Our adults have a place to meet, our elderly have a council to pray on Thursday nights, and our community has a place to hold their functions and meet regularly.

The 1990 gathering in Costa Mesa, California, was very successful. Active participation and interest in the seminars, panel discussions, and presentations were the result of extensive pre-planning. The choice of topics focused on history, heritage, faith, and the role of the Arab American. Participating in the conference were our Druze scholars and intellectuals, Dr. Anis Obeid, Dr. Abdullah Najjar, Dr. Nadim Qasim, Dr. Hayel Saeed, Dr. Wehbe Sayegh, Dr. Intisar Issam, Dr. Fawzi Al-Barouki, and Dr. Thuraya Abu Al-Hosn. Nizar Andari introduced Casey Kasem to address the American Druze youth about "Growing Up Arab American." Also, representatives of the Arab American community, ADC and NAAA, discussed with the conference the issues related to unifying the Arab American community. Ambassador Nassib Lahoud from Lebanon was the keynote speaker at the "President's Night."

Another organization was established, the American Druze Foundation (ADF), which enjoys tax-exempt status. The main goal of the ADF is to raise funds to sponsor programs designed to introduce and preserve the richness of Druze culture and religious traditions among American Druze and other Americans. Dr. Wehbe Sayegh and the Religious Affairs Committee issued the fourth book on the Tawhid doctrine, titled “The Pioneers and Their Stations.”

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