ADC to Recognize Hasan and Shereen Newash with Alex Odeh Memorial Award

posted on: Jun 6, 2009

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is pleased to announce that the 2009 Annual Alex Odeh Memorial Award will be presented to Mr. and Mrs. Hasan and Shereen Newash at the upcoming ADC National Convention. The award is presented annually to a couple who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to ADC and the Arab American community.

Mr. and Mrs. Newash are longtime members of ADC and highly regarded advocates and activists in the Arab-American community. The Alex Odeh Memorial Award is being presented to them because of their dedication and commitment to the Arab American community, which includes spearheading local activities, organizing and educating the public about issues pertaining to the Arab American community domestically and abroad. Further they have contributed personal resources and time in an effort to promote just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Biographic Information:

Hasan Newash was born in Ein Karem, near Jerusalem. Graduated with a B.S. and M.S. from Central Michigan and worked as an Executive Engineer at Chrysler Engineering Center, while pursuing his PHD in Anthropology. He took his early retirement from Chrysler to open the Palestine Office Michigan and become its pro bono director for the last 5 years. Hasan has been a longtime Detroit area peace with justice activist, and published poet, he is co-founder/initiator of numerous Arab American/Palestinian organizations, including ACCESS, ADC, Association of Arab American University Graduates (AAUG) and others. He currently serves on the Coordinating Committee of the Detroit Area Peace with Justice Network (DAPJN), comprised of 30 peace and justice organizations in Michigan and Board member of Michigan Coalition of Human Rights (MCHR). Newash is also Director of the volunteer-driven Michigan Citizens for Palestinian Rights.

Shereen Newash was born in Amman Jordan to Palestinian refugee parents. She graduated with a degree in Lab Technology and held several assignments in her field both in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. After coming to the US in 1995, she went on to obtain her degree in Medical Technology while remaining active in and contributing to the work of the Arab American Arts Council, and for the last 5 years she serves as a Steering Committee Member of the Palestine Office Michigan. She and Hasan, her husband, are the two pillars upholding the work and continuing accomplishments of the Palestine Office Michigan. Shereen’s exceptional social skills coupled with her disarming permanent smile enable her to ensure the success of Palestine Office and its projects among multiple segments of Detroit Metropolitan Communities.

Please join us at the ADC Annual National Convention to honor the achievements of these distinguished awardees and several well-deserving others.