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EDITORIAL BOARD
.Editor: Ali Khemili.
.Contributing Writers: Maya Charrad, Hedi Jaouad, Raouf Khelil.
.Contributing Editors: Hedi BenAbdallah, Jihane BenKhedher, Hazem Bennaceur, Adel Mabrouk Boudaga, Meriem Chared, JB Gabsy, Sami Guedoir, Yassine Jaouadi, Youssef Khouja, Ridha Lanouar, Sofian Riabi, Ammar Zarkani.
.Editors-at-large: Phil Jones (Friends-Of- Tunisia), Jerry Sorkin (TunisUSA) |
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CELEBRATING THE
TUNISIAN-AMERICAN DAY! | |
Safa Dahan |
On May 29, 2010 members of the Tunisian-American community and their friends attended the Tunisian American Day / Ibn Khaldun Award-2010 Hafla. As in previous years, they came from all corners of the United States. They even came from across the Atlantic...From Tunisia, to be precise: a two-dozen person delegation representing the Tunisian Organization for Aerospace Education (OTEAS).
They came to celebrate the accomplishments of the events awardees: renown space engineer Dr M. Laoucet Ayari and student-Athlete Haythem Abid.
They, also, came to be part of the proud tradition, now in its sixth year, established by the Tunisian Community Center. It was an opportunity for the capacity crowd at the elegant Grand Horizon Room at UCLA to network, experience some Tunisian style and panache, and of course savour some Couscous and enjoy some great Tunisian Music.
Reflecting the organization's focus on the future, two first-generation Tunisian-American teenagers, charmingly MC'd the formal portion of the evening during which the guests were treated to several inspiring speeches by L.A. team leader Raouf Khelil, Ibn Khaldun Institute Director Leila Laoudji, UN diplomat Dr Salah Bourjini, our Tunisian Student federation Director Youssef Khouja,, and Guest of Honor Mr Salem Chaieb (OTEAS). .
...my warmest greetings to you as you gather to celebrate then Tunisian American Day. I wish I were able to join you and share in what is sure to be a memorable event for all in attendance...
(US Senator Barbara Boxer)
Then, it was time .for the Award ceremonies. First, it was the handsome, 6'2" UCLA student-athlete Haythem Abid's turn to receive the A.K. Chebbi Student of the Year scholarship. After that, came the highlight of the evening: the presentation of the Ibn Khaldun Award to Dr M. Laoucet Ayari who delivered a magnificent acceptance speech. In his his heart-felt remarks, our honoree brought the attendees attention to some the great values that are particular to the Tunisian culture.
That was for the formal segment of the event. The rest of the evening is when the Hafla, in the true sense, took place: The attendees were treated to a sensational Tunisian Music performance by the very talented Safa Dahan; for the rest of the evening, virtually every one in the audience filled up the dance floor and danced to her enchanting voice.
"See you same time...next year"! |
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