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The Australian Arab Choir sings its way to breaking communal stereotypes this Australia Day - The Australian Arab Choir
18 Jan 2019 10:06 AM
The Australian Arab Choir sings its way to breaking communal stereotypes this Australia Day
The Australian Arab Choir will be performing a rendition of ‘I am Australian’ by the Seekers at an Australia Day event organised by the Iraqi Australian Christian Association and the Australian Arab Affairs, in an attempt to shatter negative stereotypes around the Arab and Middle Eastern communities in Australia. The event will be held on Sunday, January 20th at Elettra Hall, Bossley Park NSW.
The Australian Middle Eastern Community has been subjected to some negative stereotyping over the last couple of years, causing a sense of identity crisis among those, young and old, who call Australia home. This event is an effort to change the dialogue around the community’s pride in their patriotism towards Australia.
The members of the Australian Arab Choir are from Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria and they come from a variety of religious backgrounds. They will start off the event by singing ‘I am Australian,’ followed by Arabic song performances, sending a powerful message about the importance of peace and harmony. This will be followed by a sport medicine seminar in Arabic then more Middle Eastern music.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon and Founder of the Australian Arab Choir, Dr. Laith Barnouti explains, “It worries me that many people from Middle Eastern backgrounds are too ashamed to admit their own heritage because of the way our community has been portrayed over time. These members of the community are unfortunately suffering from an identity crisis over this issue. Through our Australia Day event we want to shine a light on the majority of Middle Eastern residents who are proud and patriotic Australians. I believe music brings everyone together and puts our nationality as peaceful human beings of the world first. Music can narrow our differences and bring us closer together.”
Mr Andrew Fathalla, Secretary of the Australian Arab Affairs stated events like this one promote a deeper understanding for the Australian public of the patriotic nature of the Australian Middle Eastern Arabic community through open, and more accurate, dialogue. We participate in community events like this Australia Day celebration to raise awareness of the importance of accepting each other, and to encourage the Arabic community to integrate and embrace Australia’s values.
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Event Details:
What: Iraqi Australian Christian Association & Australia Arab Affairs Australia Day celebration
When: 6.30pm, Sunday 20 January 2019
Where: Club Marconi - Elettra Hall, Prairie Vale Rd., Bossley Park, NSW
About the Australian Arab Choir:
Established in 2015 by Dr. Laith Barnouti, the Australian Arab Choir consists of 15 Australian Arabs from different religious backgrounds celebrating their new lives as proud Australians.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Dr Laith Barnouti, Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Founder of Australian Arab Choir.
email: [email protected]
M 0401 677 811