Word: awad
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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While CAIR likes to present itself as a public affairs organization, in reality it is a purveyor of hate. In May 1998, it co-sponsored a rally at Brooklyn College where radical Egyptian cleric Wagdy Ghuniem referred derisively to Jews as "descendants of the apes." Its founder, Nihad Awad, has publicly expressed his support for the terrorist group Hamas...
When the trial began in Athens in 1991, Awad was flown to Greece on a military plane and housed on a U.S. military base in Crete. Despite the dangers implied by such heavy security, Awad did not flinch. His detailed testimony about Rashid helped put the terrorist away for 18 years. For his pains, Awad was told his reward would be delayed until after he testified again during Rashid's appeal. Even after that, the check was withheld for another eight months while government departments bickered over the amount. State officials backed the FBI's recommendation for a $1 million...
Finally, last December, Awad's patience ran out. He filed a $15 million lawsuit, complaining that his rights had been violated and demanding a passport. "I came to America because I love this country," he told TIME several weeks ago. "They took my freedom and put my life in danger. Everything put in front of me was like a mirage." A Justice official then tried to kill the reward altogether, arguing that Awad would use the money to finance his suit against the government. That proposal ignited yet more bureaucratic wrangling...
...largely the determined campaign of Bradley Smith, the head of the State Department's reward program, that secured Awad his payment. For the neglected Awad, Smith's efforts represented the dose of appreciation and human kindness that had been missing all along. Last week when Awad was finally given his long-awaited check, he seemed less interested in the record- breaking payment than in the presence of Smith at the paltry ceremony. "He took my heart," Awad said. "I know he did everything he could." Later that afternoon, Awad announced he would advise his lawyers to drop his suit...
...Awad is now living under a new name somewhere in the U.S. -- and still dreaming of citizenship...