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Al Sahafa Editor, Fatina Salahedin
What is the purpose of Al-Sahafa?
To provide a bridge of communication and spectrum of information for the direct benefit of the Arab-American community in Ohio. Al-Sahafa, which means "the media" or "the reporter" in Arabic, seeks to improve cooperation among its community members and leaders, as well as promote and assist public officials to ensure the proper representation of Arab-American issues and concerns. The key for a unified, effective and significant platform is organisation. Al-Sahafa's purpose is to be that key, empowering, motivating and inspiring the Arab-American community. Unity is the aim, organisation is the hope, empowerment is the dream.
Do you see Sharq serving the same purpose in Britain?
Absolutely. These days, we as Arabs need to keep our vast and beautiful culture alive and readily available to the world. There needs to be a reminder that civilisation began in the Middle East. There needs to be constant positive images publicised to balance the negative international media portrayal of all things Arab. No matter where we are in the world, we as Arabs must share in the responsibility of producing positive messages about the Middle East, and the people of the region.
What does Al-Sahafa contain?
A broad range of topics, something for everyone to enjoy, including Arab-American events, news, culture, features, editorials and politics.
How large is Al-Sahafa's readership?
It proudly reaches 150,000 readers throughout Ohio, but we also have readers nationally and internationally.
When did you set up the newspaper?
In the summer before the 9/11 attacks that brought Arabs, the Middle East, Islam and Arab Americans to the forefront and controversy of the news media.
Through Al-Sahafa, I was determined to initiate and open dialogue to help bridge the gap by providing news with an Arab viewpoint, reminding readers that there is always another side to every story told.
How many staff are involved in the newspaper?
There are nine managerial positions, four fulltime and part-time reporters, and a photographer. We are also working with almost 70 intern students from three Ohio universities.
Who are Al-Sahafa's backers?
It is a free newspaper, and is supported by local, national and international advertisements and yearly subscriptions.
How has Al-Sahafa been received by Arab Americans and non-Arabs?
In the beginning, its target audience was Arab Americans, but 9/11 brought the curiosity of all communities that wanted to know more about Arabs and the Middle East. So each month, we find increasing interest from Italian, Greek, Spanish, East European, African-American and Asian communities.
Do you have plans to expand beyond Ohio?
We have a subscription base of close to 15,000 outside Ohio, including Washington DC. My plan is to turn Al-Sahafa into the leading and most trusted Arab-American publication.
You are also CEO of Nonabel Entertainment Inc. What does it do?
It is custom-designed to provide the wedding that dreams are made of! Established since 2000, Nonabel handles all the details, leaving its clients to enjoy their engagement period, their families and themselves.
It also coordinates, promotes, sponsors and plans Middle Eastern concerts. It is proud to have held successful concerts (in Ohio, Atlantic City and Las Vegas) for superstar singers such as Wael Kfoury, Najwa Karam, Nawal Zoghby, Assi Hallani, Amr Diab, Diana Haddad, Aline Khalef, Nabeel Ish'ayle, Zein El Omr, Tony Keewan, Katia Harb, Wael Jassar, Ehab Tofeek, and many more.
Note that Nonabel is Lebanon spelled backwards!
What else are you involved in?
I still find time to aid charities, committees, groups and organisations that need guidance and expertise in event fundraising. Many people helped me along the way, and continue to. Why not give back in return?
I am a proud and active member of organisations such as the Arab-American Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Arab Americans of Central Ohio, the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee, the Cleveland American Middle East Organization, the Lebanese-American Chamber of Commerce, and the Lebanese-Syrian Junior Women's League.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Traveling - it is not just a favourite hobby, but a way of life! I love meeting new people. When you meet a new person, you discover a new language, country, music, food, culture, and way of thinking.
I also enjoy drawing, reading, shopping, cooking, and spoiling my cat Nunu!
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Al Sahafa Editor, Fatina Salahedin To provide a bridge of communication and spectrum of information for the direct benefit of the Arab-American community in Ohio. Al-Sahafa, which means "the media" or "the reporter" in Arabic, seeks to improve cooperation among its community members and leaders, as well as promote and assist public officials to ensure the proper representation of Arab-American issues and concerns. The key for a unified, effective and significant platform is organisation. Al-Sahafa's purpose is to be that key, empowering, motivating and inspiring the Arab-American community. Unity is the aim, organisation is the hope, empowerment is the dream.
Do you see Sharq serving the same purpose in Britain?
Absolutely. These days, we as Arabs need to keep our vast and beautiful culture alive and readily available to the world. There needs to be a reminder that civilisation began in the Middle East. There needs to be constant positive images publicised to balance the negative international media portrayal of all things Arab. No matter where we are in the world, we as Arabs must share in the responsibility of producing positive messages about the Middle East, and the people of the region.
What does Al-Sahafa contain?
A broad range of topics, something for everyone to enjoy, including Arab-American events, news, culture, features, editorials and politics.
How large is Al-Sahafa's readership?
It proudly reaches 150,000 readers throughout Ohio, but we also have readers nationally and internationally.
When did you set up the newspaper?
In the summer before the 9/11 attacks that brought Arabs, the Middle East, Islam and Arab Americans to the forefront and controversy of the news media.
Through Al-Sahafa, I was determined to initiate and open dialogue to help bridge the gap by providing news with an Arab viewpoint, reminding readers that there is always another side to every story told.
How many staff are involved in the newspaper?
There are nine managerial positions, four fulltime and part-time reporters, and a photographer. We are also working with almost 70 intern students from three Ohio universities.
Who are Al-Sahafa's backers?
It is a free newspaper, and is supported by local, national and international advertisements and yearly subscriptions.
How has Al-Sahafa been received by Arab Americans and non-Arabs?
In the beginning, its target audience was Arab Americans, but 9/11 brought the curiosity of all communities that wanted to know more about Arabs and the Middle East. So each month, we find increasing interest from Italian, Greek, Spanish, East European, African-American and Asian communities.
Do you have plans to expand beyond Ohio?
We have a subscription base of close to 15,000 outside Ohio, including Washington DC. My plan is to turn Al-Sahafa into the leading and most trusted Arab-American publication.
You are also CEO of Nonabel Entertainment Inc. What does it do?
It is custom-designed to provide the wedding that dreams are made of! Established since 2000, Nonabel handles all the details, leaving its clients to enjoy their engagement period, their families and themselves.
It also coordinates, promotes, sponsors and plans Middle Eastern concerts. It is proud to have held successful concerts (in Ohio, Atlantic City and Las Vegas) for superstar singers such as Wael Kfoury, Najwa Karam, Nawal Zoghby, Assi Hallani, Amr Diab, Diana Haddad, Aline Khalef, Nabeel Ish'ayle, Zein El Omr, Tony Keewan, Katia Harb, Wael Jassar, Ehab Tofeek, and many more.
Note that Nonabel is Lebanon spelled backwards!
What else are you involved in?
I still find time to aid charities, committees, groups and organisations that need guidance and expertise in event fundraising. Many people helped me along the way, and continue to. Why not give back in return?
I am a proud and active member of organisations such as the Arab-American Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Arab Americans of Central Ohio, the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee, the Cleveland American Middle East Organization, the Lebanese-American Chamber of Commerce, and the Lebanese-Syrian Junior Women's League.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Traveling - it is not just a favourite hobby, but a way of life! I love meeting new people. When you meet a new person, you discover a new language, country, music, food, culture, and way of thinking.
I also enjoy drawing, reading, shopping, cooking, and spoiling my cat Nunu!
© SharqMagazine.com
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