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BRIDGES to Take Shape in Western District

On Friday, November 21, 2003, during an Iftar dinner hosted by the ADC Greater Kalamazoo Chapter, Margaret Chiara, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, announced plans to replicate BRIDGES (Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity), an initiative by ADC Michigan in the Metro Detroit area that brings local, state and federal law enforcement officials and leaders in the Muslim and Arab American communities together for monthly meetings to discuss mutual concerns.

BRIDGES in the Western District will focus on the Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Lansing areas and will coordinate efforts with the BRIDGES of the Eastern District that is co-chaired by both US Attorney Jeffery Collins of the Eastern District and ADC Michigan Director Imad Hamad.  BRIDGES is expected to include, in addition to US Attorney Chiara, the FBI, Secret Service, Marshall Service, immigration and drug-enforcement agencies, the Michigan State Police and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

These monthly meetings were initiated by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) Michigan, in an effort to strengthen the relationship between the Arab American community and the federal government following September 11.  Through these meetings, both the US Attorney and the Community have been able to address mutual issues of concern and work together to enhance the concept of trust between the community and law enforcement, as this has always been a challenge that can only be established through dialogue.  This forum has provided an opportunity for the community to voice concerns directly to the government.

“This group has proven that an open line of communication is an effective way to address the challenges that we face,” states Hamad.  “ADC is determined to move forward and serve the interest of the Arab American community and our nation.”                                               

“Our district continues to place community outreach as a top law enforcement priority.  Public safety is enhanced when law enforcement and the community are able to work well together,” states US Attorney Jeffrey Collins.

“The mission of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee must be the mission of law enforcement, as well to protect safety, as well as to protect civil rights," Chiara said.