The American Druze Society held its 1997 annual convention in San Francisco, California. Here are the convention minutes:
In 1997, the 51st annual convention of the American Druze Society was held in San Francisco, California. This prominent event brought together the Druze in the United States for six consecutive days, from July 1 to July 5, 1997, at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel.
On Tuesday morning, the convention events kicked off with the start of registration operations at the registration desk set up in the lobby of the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel. It was a happy social moment for many participants as they met their Druze friends and colleagues whom they had not seen for a long time. Meeting old loved ones who had left Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, or elsewhere and settled in the United States was a moving and special moment.
It is worth noting that the registration committee made a great effort to ensure a smooth registration and reception process. Members of the Northern California chapter worked diligently, in cooperation with the National Executive Director, Sahar Makasa, throughout the duration of the convention.
During this event, the National Board of Directors met under the chairmanship of President Fawzi Makarem. The composition of the National Board was as follows:
– President: Fawzi Makarem
– Vice President: Abdul Majeed Ghreizi
– National Treasurer: Sahar Makasa
– President-Elect: Julie Makarem
– Board Members: Youssef Abdel Samad, Ziad Alamuddin, Romana Zakka, Ali Assaf, Hani Ashtay, Ramzi Qaidbey, Joe Seif, Fouad Salim
The various American states were represented by the chapter presidents as follows:
– Richmond: Nimat Shaaban
– Seattle: Ramzi Salha
– Southern California: Justin Boudari
– South Florida: Rifat Al-Ghawi
– Tri-State: Ziad Alamuddin
– Washington D.C.: Fouad Salim
– Ohio: Fares Allama
– Central Florida: Issam Hatoom
– Pennsylvania: Walid Rafeh
As for the American Druze Society officials, the key positions were appointed as follows:
– C.O.R. Chairman: Dr. Wahba Al-Sayegh
– KOKA Chairman: Sami Merhi
– C.O.E. Chairman: Dr. Abdullah Najjar
This special event brought together the Druze community in the United States and documented intimate moments of meeting and gathering between loved ones who had moved to the United States from their countries of origin. The six nights were recorded in the hospitality suite, where each family provided generous hosting that reflected the Druze spirit and remarkable hospitality.
The 1997 San Francisco convention is considered one of the most successful and well-organized conventions in the history of the American Druze Society. This historical event was documented in the society's archives, and the memory of this convention remains vivid and special in the history of the Druze community in America.
