Akouri 'Rides & Drives' at Ford Proving Grounds

(FORD COUNTRY, USA)-In recognition of his leadership in the Middle Eastern Community, Ford Executive VP & President of the Americas Greg Smith personally invited Farmington Hills Councilman John Akouri to join him at Ford Michigan Proving Grounds for a special 'ride-and-drive' event. Smith, executive champion of the Middle Eastern Community (MEC) employee resource group at Ford said the event will provide the opportunity to experience all of Ford's great new products including the all-new Fusion, Milan and Zephyr, as well as the full array of Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Mazda, Volvo, Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. Many of these products were made available to test drive and a mouthwatering luncheon of traditional Lebanese cuisine was prepared by the talented chefs of La Shish restaurants. The all day automotive excursion was held at Ford Motor Company's Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo, Michigan.

Tawheed Center Welcomes Councilman Akouri to 5th Annual Mosque Open House

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI)...Religious and Mosque Council leaders welcomed Farmington Hills Councilman John Akouri to their 5th Annual Mosque Open House held Sunday, September 26, 2005. Registration and an official welcome began at Noon followed by a tour of the Mosque. A special lecture by Imam Achmet Saleh entitled, "The Rights of Neighbors in Islam" was delivered after the tour and just before prayer time. A fellowship luncheon was then later enjoyed by all those present including Law Enforcement Officials, Government Leaders, Inter-Faith Council Ministers and local community members. The Open House organizers also presented a free medical clinic with blood pressure and sugar testing. The event which featured many families and their children was a delightful success even when the light rain forced the event attendees inside. Recently, Tawheed Center joined with the Islamic Shura Council of Michigan (ISCOM) to raise funds to assist Hurricane Katrina victims and families at Unity Center in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA.

Iraqi Prime Minister Visits the United States

Akouri Greets Premier, Presents Token of US Welcome

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI) – With a $100,000 bounty on his head from an extremist group, Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari arrived in Michigan amid heavy U.S. and Iraqi security. He spoke briefly at a private dinner to a select group of local Iraqi and Arab leaders gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and then at a Town Hall style meeting, addressed an eager audience of Southeast Michigan’s Iraqi-American population, who form one of the world's largest Iraqi expatriate communities and despised Saddam Hussein. Speaking to a jubilant crowd of nearly 1000 metro Detroiters who embraced their country’s first democratically elected Prime Minister, and at times shouted prayer and poetry in his praise, Iraq's top leader vowed to crack down on terrorists & protect the innocent.

At the dinner, Farmington Hills City Councilman presented the Prime Minister with an official City Ambassador Medal. “On behalf of the City of Farmington Hills, and our large number of Iraqi-American residents, I wish to welcome you to the United States and to Farmington Hills” Akouri told the Premier. “As Farmington Hills is recognized globally throughout our country and the world, it is indeed a distinct honor to recognize your achievements and present you with this small token of greeting as you visit our region. It is my hope that in addition to recent positive progress in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Libya, the people and the nation of Iraq are headed towards democracy, peace and stability. I wish you safe travels on your journey Mr. Prime Minister, for you and all of Iraq.” The Premier graciously thanked Councilman Akouri and expressed warm salutations to the many Iraqi expatriates residing in the city of Farmington Hills, MI.

Al-Jaafari, a medical doctor, arrived in Michigan just after a trip on Monday to the city of Tal Afar, Iraq near the Syrian border where Iraqi and U.S. troops launched a joint offensive over the weekend against insurgents. "What moves me is my desire to work for my country and for you," al-Jaafari told the attentive crowd at the Town Hall gathering. "We were cursed with Saddam, now we are cursed with the insurgents. Just as we were once upon a time imposed on by this tyrant, we are now imposed upon by this group of terrorists. Don't think the time between May 3 and now is enough to diminish 35 years of Saddam's rule. Don't think that anything is going to happen overnight. We need time,” said al-Jaafari, referring to the day he took office and adding that it was his top priority to combat terrorism. After his talk, al-Jaafari listened to concerns and comments and took some questions from audience members.

The next day, as the Prime Minister toured the southeast Michigan area, his motorcade briefly passed through the City of Farmington Hills. With traffic on both sides of the road at a halt and nearly twenty cars long and advanced by a helicopter overhead, and close to 100 State Police motorcyclists and a number of local and county law enforcement agencies assisting, al-Jaafari’s heavily fortified motorcade passed along Northwestern Highway waving to passers-by. Later this week he is expected to meet with hurricane evacuees and to then visit Washington D.C. and the United Nations in New York City.

Akouri Sends Message of Support, Offers Assistance to US Rep. Boustany & Governor Barbour following Hurricane Katrina

Governor Haley Barbour & Councilman John Akouri

(JACKSON, MS)...Farmington Hills City Councilman John Akouri has sent messages of support and offers of personal assistance to both Louisiana Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA) and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (R-MS) following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In calling Governor Barbour today, Akouri expressed that his sincerest thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering in Mississippi and the surrounding region. He also offered any assistance that he or his family may provide to ease the pain and help restore some semblance of life to the residents affected by the Hurricane, noting he is only a phonecall away. Similarly, last week Akouri called Congressman Boustany stating, "As our fellow Americans work to rebuild their lives and salvage their homes in New Orleans, we stand ready to help in any way possible the people of this devastated area." Later this week, Akouri plans an informal visit to welcome evacuees who have arrived in neighboring Southfield and are being housed at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center to offer comfort and aid. "Across the country, emergency and city officials are rushing to find ways to aid nearly a million people dispossessed by Hurricane Katrina," said Akouri. "Their past lives washed away, many have arrived here with little more than the clothes on their backs, and until such a time when they are able to return to their hometowns or their families, Michiganders must work together to give them a place to call home."

To support local relief efforts, please contact: The Southeastern Michigan Red Cross or The Southeastern Michigan Salvation Army or visit GIVE.org.

Akouri Meets with Foreign Exchange Students Delegation from Lebanon

At the invitation of the Lebanese American Club of Michigan (LACOM) President Joseph Mourani and under the auspices of the Honorable Consul General of Lebanon in Detroit Dr. Ali Ajami, Farmington Hills City Councilman John Akouri met with a delegation of Foreign Exchange Students from Lebanon at a reception held in their honor at the James & Kathleen Tamer Gathering Place on the grounds of St. Sharbel Maronite Church in Warren, MI. The students were making the rounds in the Detroit/Toledo region thanks to the leadership of Haj Yehia Shousher of the Toledo-based Lebanese American Association and the Sister Cities International network.

Akouri Leads Delegation to Attend Event in Support of Councilwoman Suzanne Sareini

Tony Shalhoub pictured with Councilwoman Suzanne Sareini

(DEARBORN, MI)-Last night John Akouri led a delegation comprised of political and business leaders to attend a campaign fundraiser for longtime Dearborn City Councilwoman Suzanne Sareini who is running for re-election. In addition to Akouri - a Farmington Hills City Councilman, the group included Sterling Heights Planning Commissioner Nick Najjar, Southfield City Council candidate Dr. Robert Kakos, Senior Counsel to US Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) Carol Patton, Esq., Dearborn Magistrate Salem Salamey, Esq., ADC National Board Member Ashley Mammo, Esq., Atrient, Inc. President Sam Attisha, AAI-liason Kenwah Dabaja, Esq., Pharmacist Nidhal Garmo, and G-Tech, Inc. VP Louis Ghafari among others.

"Her proven leadership exemplifies the many qualities and ethics that Lebanese Americans have contributed to the USA for over a century"

"It is with a great deal of enthusiasm and considerable support that we join here this evening to rally behind Suzanne," said Akouri. "Her proven leadership exemplifies the many qualities and ethics that Lebanese Americans have contributed to the USA for over a century and tonight I am happy to once again endorse Suzanne Sareini for City Council!" Dearborn Mayor Michael A. Guido also made a cameo appearance at the packed event held in the trendy Grappa Lounge.