Testimonials

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.