(BIRMINGHAM, MI) — The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce welcomed two candidates for United States Congress on Wednesday during the group’s annual ‘Garden Party’ in Birmingham, Michigan.
Candidates Mike Bishop and Dave Trott chatted with Lebanese and Middle Eastern chamber members about some of the issues facing the Middle East.
“The Lebanese community is a very influential community within Southeast Michigan and for an individual candidate running for office today to think that they could run for office without approaching the Middle Eastern community would be non-constructive,” said John Akouri, the president and CEO of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce.
Akouri, who said the Chamber does not endorse candidates, asked Congressman Bishop to clarify his position on Middle Eastern foreign policy.
“We need a strong foreign policy, we need to restore America’s dignity,” Bishop said.
Other attendees included FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Abbate, Our Lady of Redemption Pastor Michel Cheble, French Chamber Executive Director Stephanie Salvadero, Attorney Joumana Kayrouz, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Senator Marty Knollenberg and his wife Lori Boutros Knollenberg, Birmingham Mayor Mark Nickita, Consul General of Mexico Juan Manuel Solana Morales, Consul General of Iceland Eric Christian, and retired Consul General of Jordan Karim Ajluni, Esq.
Watch highlights:
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