[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 168 (Wednesday, October 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1334-E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN CELEBRATION OF THE AMERICAN SYRIAN ARAB CULTURAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL 
                                BANQUET

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2019

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American 
Syrian Arab Cultural Association and celebrate its 2019 Annual Banquet. 
The association's lasting commitment to supporting our Syrian Arab 
American community is worthy of commendation.
  The American Syrian Arab Cultural Association (ASACA) is a non-profit 
and non-sectarian cultural and education organization with a mission to 
``acquaint the American public with the rich Arabic culture and 
heritage through the promotion of lectures, educational seminars and 
cultural events.'' The association aspires to strengthen ties and 
promote friendly relations by building bridges between Arabic culture 
and the American community at large. In addition, ASACA tirelessly 
strives to preserve and instill Arabic language, culture, and heritage 
within the youth of the Arab community, ensuring it will be shared with 
generations to come.
  ASACA's Annual Banquet exemplifies the association's continued 
commitment to our Arab American community. This year, the banquet will 
support Syrian Youth Empowerment (SYE), a non-profit initiative that 
empowers Syrian youth by providing paths to higher education. 
Established by a group of Syrian refugees who personally experienced 
the challenges of pursuing higher education both inside and outside 
Syria, SYE was created to support students in conflict areas and help 
them navigate the barriers they encounter throughout the college 
application process. ASACA's important work alongside SYA will generate 
a greater awareness for the obstacles many Syrians face due to ongoing 
conflicts, and ASACA's dedicated efforts with help better support 
students who wish to obtain their college degrees.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
American Syrian Arab Cultural Association as it hosts its annual 
banquet. ASACA's commitment to empowering Syrian youth truly changes 
lives, and I am deeply appreciative of the association's remarkable 
work.

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