Anaheim : Memorial Event Slated for Slain Arab Leader
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The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is sponsoring a memorial dinner for Alex Odeh, the Arab leader who was killed by a bomb in Santa Ana, on Oct. 11, the first anniversary of his assassination.
Nadia S. Bettendorf, chairwoman of the event, said that at least a dozen civil rights, Arab and ethnic groups will co-sponsor the dinner.
Between 600 and 700 guests, including members of Odeh’s family, are expected to attend the event at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.
Although the dinner is not a fund-raiser, “if there’s any leftover money it will go to the Alex Odeh Scholarship Fund, which is given by the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee,” said Rusty Kennedy, executive director of the Orange County Human Relations Commission, a co-sponsor.
Kennedy said the FBI still is investigating the fatal bombing, in which an explosive device planted in Odeh’s office went off as he opened the front door. Odeh, 41, was western states regional director of the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee. He has not been replaced, Kennedy said.
The 6-year-old committee has about 70 chapters nationwide and more than 13,000 members. Its Santa Ana office had been open for four years.
Bettendorf said a tribute to Odeh in Los Angeles last November drew 750 guests.
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