Tesimonials

Our friends, colleagues, supporters and patrons were always, and still are, kind enough to manifest there appreciation in every shape and form. .

Your plans for the Almobarak Cultural Center are certainly most ambitious and praiseworthy . Anything that can be done to improve understanding and relations between the Arab - Islamic world and the United States deserves success.

I still recall being enthusiastically introduced to Omar Almobarak by mutual friend s in Hot Springs twelve years ago. As an intellectually curious and proud Jew raised in Arkansas, I was very fortunate to begin a long dialogue and respectful friendship with a gentleman so well versed in his Arab roots and so positive about the brotherhood of all mankind.

Ours was no sterile friendship but included numerous others of separate faiths and values . This pursuit of understanding, kinship, and peace was, and is, full of joy. Omar's realization of the Almobarak Cultural Center is needed in our region and world. Just as President Clinton is a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, I am confidant that this Center can have significant, far reaching benefits.

Omar's presence has aided cultural healing already. As an example, I recall his having asked to attend Jewish Synagogue Services with me. Our Rabbi was very hesitant due to general Middle Eastern tensions. Omar understood, but was undeterred as a next Rabbi arrived. We gained approval, and Omar's presence led to greater understanding and kinship. I still admire his own understanding, persistence and character. He is a wise and gifted man. I give thanks that he has chosen to remain in our community.

I totally support Mr. Almobarak in his Cultural Center. His warmth and wit will certainly lead to great success in the spread of knowledge and understanding.

The Almobarak Cultural Center is an excellent institution that could do a great deal to promote better understanding of the Middle Eastern culture. With his love and respect for learning, Omar is a natural teacher. He has very generously given of his to lecture on the Koran, Islamic, and Arabic cultures in schools, churches and civic groups here in our area.

Mr. Almobarak has contributed much to our community. I respect and whole heartedly support the goal he is trying to achieve.

I have traveled enough to realize how important cultural understanding and awareness is to better understanding and cooperation in varying cultures. It is vital in order to work for peace throughout the world. No one I know is better suited to help explain Middle East culture than Omar, not only because of his knowledge of both cultures, but because of his abilities to reach people and promote education.

Omar is not content to let jobs that need to be done fall by the wayside. His enthusiasm, attitude, and his enjoyment of life is very inspirational to those who come in contact with him.

This cultural center will be a continuing asset to our community as we grow and progress towards the future, allowing our citizens and visitors to better understand and respect each other.

On behalf of the City of Hot Springs, I wish Mr. Almobarak the greatest success in his endeavor.

I have known Omar Almobarak since he first came to Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1983. He went out of his way, right from the very beginning, to make acquaintances with people from a variety of racial, religious and ethnic groups.

I believe that Almobarak Cultural Center can serve a very useful purpose particularly at this time when there is so much violence through out the world. This individual is a peaceful person who is trying to promote harmony and understanding among all people. I am in favor of his efforts.

I thought I would take the opportunity to thank you for your presentation to chief White's Police and Community Relation class. ( I am certain I speak for the others as well )

I am sure with ambassadors like yourself your objective for a bridge between cultures is being met.

In the few days we have spent together you have enlightened me in so many ways. Through your eyes... I see the world in such a romantic way.

You are a very talented and intelligent man who has so very much to offer the world, and you are not afraid to do it.

I am grateful to you for teaching me so much about your faith. It helps so much during this terrible time in our country.

There are so many confused people and I am so proud I am not one of them thanks to you.

Thank you so much for speaking to my Death and Dying class last week. As always, the students have high praise for your visit and are fascinated with what they learn about Islam. Many have very little, if any, first hand experience with Muslims, so your presence helps to correct much misinformation and negative impressions they receive from our media.

Thanks very much for your visit yesterday to my Religious Worldviews class. The students very much enjoyed it and I think benefited greatly from it. I especially liked the way you actively engaged them early on with your comparison of the various aspects of Western forms of monotheism. Your openness to their questions was also admirable. You are a gifted speaker. I hope you'll be able to visit with us again in the future.

Andrew Eshleman
Department of Philosophy and Liberal Studies
University of Arkansas at Little Rock

December 11,2002