GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: 

• Thanks to the Syrian-American community's diligent work, the Caesar bill once again has passed the House.  It takes a village as they say and the community certainly rallied behind the bill and called on their representatives to co-sponsor the bill.  The Caesar bill is now in the Senate.  Get ready for the second round of Caesar bill advocacy soon!

• More about the bill: The Caesar bill is formally known as HR 1677, the “Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act.” This bill is vital to passing laws that will sanction the perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria. This would impact not only Assad but also his Russian and Iranian backers. To find out more information about the Caesar bill, click here.

• On April 25 SAC and the Turkish Heritage Organization (THO) hosted the Young Professionals in Foreign Policy group. Government Relations Director, Mohammed Ghanem, spoke to the young professionals on US foreign policy on Syria. Also speaking at the event was Mais Balkhi from the Syria Relief and Development Organization who focused on the Syrian refugee crisis.  

• On May 15 SAC and the THO hosted a congressional staffer briefing on US Foreign Policy in Syria. SAC's Policy and Advocacy Officer, Shlomo Bolts, served on the panel, along with Col. Brian Cook, Director of Theater Strategy, Planning, and Operations at the US Army War College, and Michael M. Gunther, THO Advisory Board Member and Professor of Political Science at the Tennessee Technological University. To read more about the event click here.

• On May 25 Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA) established the Friends of a Free, Democratic, and Stable Syria Caucus. This Caucus - the first of its kind ever in Congress - will serve as a platform where lawmakers and their staff educate themselves on matters involving US-Syria relations and discuss issues that concern Syrian Americans.  SAC trusts that this bipartisan institution will support and advocate for legislative measures and policy options needed to end the bloodshed in Syria and SAC urges you to reach out to your representative in Congress and to ask them to join the Caucus. 

• NOW we need YOU! Click this link and fill out the form: http://cqrcengage.com/sacouncil/app/write-a-letter?1&engagementId=356933. 
• An email will be then sent to your representative asking them to join the caucus. This is a vital step you will take to ensure stronger and more consistent work is taking place for the sake of Syria. You will soon hear more from Government Relations Team and your local chapter representatives about the Caucus. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

• OP-EDS
  • Is the Trump Administration About to Make a Huge Mistake in Syria?
    • Mohammed Ghanem, SAC's Government Relations Director's piece in the Washington Examiner
  • Don't Be Fooled Assad is No Friend of Syria's Christian Minorities
    • Mirna Barq, SAC'S President, as an opinion contributor in the Hill

• PRESS RELEASES
  • Astana Memorandum Not Enough For Peace in Syria… Read more here.
  • Crematorium Revelation... Read more here.
  • SAC Thanks Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA) for establishing the Friends of a Free, Democratic, and Stable Syria Caucus... Read more here.

• INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
  
  • HALAB TV, Darren Fenwick, SAC DMV Chapter and National Board Member

• FOX NEWS, Bassam Rifai, SAC NJ/NY Chapter and National Board Member

Several of board members and staff will be on hand including President, Mirna Barq; Vice President, Dr. Zaki Lababidi; and Director of Operations, Suzanne Meriden.  

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GRASSROOTS:

GET INVOLVED:

SAC is looking for hard-working graphic designers, communications, and PR interns. If you are interested in applying, please email us at [email protected]. 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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