Source: Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)

Senator Charles Schumer made a surprise appearance at the sold-out "Iranian Sounds of Peace" concert featuring Hafez and Shahram Nazeri at New York's famed Carnegie Hall on November 14th.  In a short speech given during intermission, Senator Schumer took the opportunity to thank Iranian Americans for their contributions to American society.  "America and New York are so much the better for it".

Senator Schumer went on to say: "We know the Iranian people love America". Citing candle-lit vigils on the streets of Tehran in solidarity with the anguish of New Yorkers in the days following the 9/11 attacks, Schumer underscored the solidarity between the peoples of Iran and America. Despite the fact that so many Iranians "are not given the freedom they deserve and the government does not allow them to express their feelings fully, there is still solidarity between us".

Senator Schumer concluded his remarks by indicating that it was fitting that two of Iran's most celebrated musical artists were performing at Carnegie Hall. "Tonight is a wonderful night of solidarity between the American people and the Iranian people".

A long time friend of the Iranian American community, Schumer is the senior U.S. Senator from New York, serving since 1999.  In November 2006, he was elected to the new post of Vice Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, making him the third-ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate.  The Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the bipartisan connected PAC of PAAIA, has in the past supported Senator Schumer's campaign.

... Payvand News - 11/21/09 ... --

Bookmark/Share this post with:
Delicious | Digg | Facebook | Furl | Google | Magnolia | Newsvine | Reddit | Yahoo