ZING don of power, Arab and Muslim leaders in America say the Al-Maravati episode \-- is particularly distressing. Khalil Jahshan, president of the National Association of Arab Americans, said the controversy has done "extremely important and signifi- cant damage" to Jewish-Arab relations, especially \vhen you consider the fact that there is very , little trust and work- ing relations in existence at this time." James Zoaby, president of the Arab American Institute, said the allegation that Al-Maravati poses a security threat is "dangerous" and "repugnant," adding, "People need to think about what that means." Zogby, whose son, Joseph, was at the center of the State Department controversy, added that he was "very distressed that some responsible leaders in the Jewish community have bought into the effort to defame" Al-Marayati. Following, word of Al-Marayati's appointment last month, which came at the recommendation of David Bonior (D-Mich.), the Democratic whip of the U.S. House of Representatives, Gephardt's office was flooded by letters of protest from • groups including the Conference of • Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Zionist Organization of America, the American Jewish Congress, the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League. Although Al-Marayati has said he condemns terrorism, he has come under fire for a series of statements that Jewish officials say justify terrorism, equate America's struggle for indepen- dence with Islamic fundamentalism and call for a renewed Arab economic boycott of Israel. A March 1997 MPAC statement found on the group's Web site, for example, asserts that Israel's prime min- ister "bears the brunt of responsibility — ,for the loss of innocent lives" following a Hamas suicide bombing attack. "Because the Palestinian people have no avenues to redress their griev- ances," the statement said, some of them have been pushed beyond the margins of society and have adopted violent reactions to express their despair and suffering." The 38-year-old Al-Marayati has /-- lived in the United States since his fam- ily fled political persecution in Iraq when he was 4. He has been active in the Democratic Party and has been invited to attend events at the State Department and White House, includ- ing two Middle East peace signings. He currently serves on Los Angeles' GS® We Sell Quality Brand Name Closeouts at "AMAZING" Prices! New Closeouts Arriving Daily, One Time Deals! YOUR BELOW WHOLESALE DEPARTMENT STORE! AMAZING AMAZING EDGE° ALL OUT COMFORT° Shaving Kit ALL-STAR Bat 'n' Tee Set Set includes: All-Star Plastic Bat, Batting Tee with base and 2 plastic balls. Batting Tee adjusts from 23 to 34 inches. Includes: 3 Fl. oz. Aftershave 7 oz. 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