November 14, 2011

To Whom It May Concern:

Over the years, the Levantine Cultural Center has been a consistent source of support and inspiration to the Arab/Muslim community in Southern California, and we here at CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area, wish to express our deep appreciation. The Center is an important resource that provides Americans with high-quality arts and educational programming that humanizes its participants, regardless of their background or heritage.

From film, theatre, music, literary and arts programs to classes, workshops and public forums, the Center's programs create a safe space for exploration of potentially complex issues.

We encourage everyone to plan a visit to the Levantine Cultural Center, and to lend it your support.

Sincerely,

Hussam Ayloush
Executive Director
CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area

Jordann Saliba Sullivan

When I learned about the Levantine Cultural Center, it immediately captured my attention. Having just returned to the United States after living in Egypt for a few years, I was longing to incorporate the culture of the Middle East into my daily life again. As a newcomer to Los Angeles, the Levantine Cultural Center not only allowed me to experience the arts of the Middle East in a meaningful way, but also provided me with a strong connection to my new community. It truly was a home away from home for me during my stay in California.

As I search for a job in international development, I have come to appreciate the professional skills I gained during my internship with the Levantine Cultural Center. Jordan Elgrably, the organization's founder and artistic director, encourages the interns to take charge and pursue their interests. The independence and responsibility afforded to the Levantine Cultural Center's interns helped me to develop the skills necessary for a career in international work quickly, and the office environment is engaging and supportive. Furthermore, I was able to experience things I never thought I could experience in an internship. With the Levantine Cultural Center, I had the opportunity to meet Middle Eastern authors, musicians, artists, and academics that I had only read about. I met with city officials in Los Angeles to promote the mission of the Levantine Cultural Center and further engage our community.

The Levantine Cultural Center is an organization worthy of local, state, and national support. In a time when the Middle East is misunderstood and even demonized, the Levantine Cultural Center strives to educate the Southern Californian community about this fascinating region of our world. By fostering an environment that celebrates the culture of the Middle East, the Levantine Cultural Center fulfills a need that has yet to be answered elsewhere. I sincerely hope that the Levantine Cultural Center continues to serve the Los Angeles community (and perhaps more!) for years to come.

Regards,
Jordann Saliba-Sullivan
Former Public Policy and Community Coordinator
B.A. Political Science, B.A. Middle Eastern Studies, University of Kentucky

Steven D. LavineTo Whom It May Concern,

During the course of the past year, I have become familiar with one of L.A.'s most important new initiatives, Levantine Cultural Center. A nexus for cultures of the Middle East and North Africa, the center presents a range of literary, visual and performing arts programs. The center also offers workshops and classes in Arabic, Persian, drumming, dance and voice; and it serves as a needed resource to the mainstream media, looking for alternative voices to comment on Middle East issues.

Levantine Center includes majority and minority cultures in programs that emphasize coexistence. It offers critical support to emerging Middle Eastern artists. It also lends intellectual and contextual support to such large institutions as LACMA, UCLA and others, that benefit from a community organization with deep roots in the Arab, Iranian, Armenian, Turkish, Middle Eastern Jewish, Kurdish and other communities.

I have been consistently impressed by the quality of Levantine programs in which I have participated and it is almost beyond belief that the center has been able to accomplish so much as an essentially volunteer organization operating on a modest budget. Levantine Cultural Center is seeking funding that will provide both for a staff and a permanent home of its own, so that the center can meet the expanding demands on its services and programs.

I urge you to give Levantine Cultural Center every consideration.

Sincerely yours,
Steven D. Lavine

Dear Nile and Jordan,
Kamal Amin
Thank you for your letter. The work you are doing is of great value to the millions who find themselves inadvertently trapped in imagery created by others. There is nothing inherently sinister about Islam or about the way Middle Eastern people feel about the west, Pat Robertson not withstanding.

After WWII, America was the knight in shining armor who was going to deliver the world from colonial era. The American dream was everyone's dream. The components of understanding have been always in place. They only need someone with your vitality to bring them to the attention of the public. I congratulate you for taking on this very important work.

I will be happy to talk with you about the architectural plans for the future center. When the time comes, I can come to LA, or you are welcome here.

With my best regards

Sincerely,
Kamal Amin

Marilyn GottschallI just want to let you know how very much I appreciate the work that you do and the work of the Levantine Cultural Center. I depend on your site to keep me informed about authors, artists, films and discussions that are taking place in the LA area. While I do find it difficult to get to LA for most of the events, I am keenly interested and have continued to learn through your descriptions of the programs. I know you have more on your plate than you can handle, but it would be fantastic if the Levantine Cultural Center could spawn another cell...one in Orange County. Thanks so much for your good work. I'll renew my membership which I'm sure has expired.

Marilyn Gottschall