Fatina Salaheddine, Biography, Founder and young Lebanese-American Publisher, Al-Sahafa Newspaper USA

Fatina Salaheddine

Fatina Salaheddine is the Founder and young Lebanese-American Publisher of The Al-Sahafa Newspaper USA; America's monthly Middle Eastern Newspaper.

Since establishing The Al-Sahafa Newspaper USA in 2000, Ms. Salaheddine has continually proved to be an influential Publisher, Writer & Speaker in educating the American audience about the Culture, Art, Fashion, Lifestyle, Cuisine, Business & Politics of the Middle East.

Graduating as Senior 'Class President' of her High school, then holding leadership positions of various Campus Student Groups at University, most notably 'President of the Lebanese Students Club Association', brought a source of owed pride to Ms. Salaheddine’s family & to her Lebanese roots & upbringing. And with great honor & serious responsibility, she has become a Role Model in educating young entrepreneurs, writers & thinkers about the vast Middle East & its people.

The initial idea of establishing a Publication was conceived during Ms. Salaheddine’s position as the VIP Guest Director at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Her interaction with Clinic Staff and with the constant flow of Middle Eastern clientele, patients & guests coming for treatment at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, helped identify the enormous need to educate Americans in general, about Arabs and the Middle East - with major emphasis needed on the Arab culture, language & traditions.

A huge benefit to being an American of Lebanese descent, is being able to think as an American thinks, when reading about a topic concerning the Arab World – and at the same time, being able to communicate the ‘Arab viewpoint’ on a level to where the average American mind ‘gets it’. Realizing the importance of such a role that one can play in the dialogue of connecting the Eastern & Western minds – Ms. Salaheddine made the decision to resign her prestigious position at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and commence in the field of Media, as Founder & Publisher of The Al-Sahafa Newspaper USA. (When formulating the name of the Newspaper, a word was chosen that has its meaning in the Arabic Language, yet is easily pronounceable in the English Language. The word ‘Sahafa’ means ‘the Press’ or ‘the Media’ in the Arabic Language).

Since its inception, the monthly issues have highlighted Arab Culture in exciting colorful imagery & Artistic spreads. It became a platform putting a spotlight on Success Stories & Interviews with Arab Movers & Shakers, with Poets & Composers of Art & Music, & helped further the applause to the rise of Lebanese & Arab International Fashion Designers, Moguls, Philanthropists, Architects, Artists & Culinary Chefs that were arriving unto the Global Stage of prominence in their respected field.

The Publication essentially magnified to the American eye, very simply what was already there in the Middle East. It just wasn’t being highlighted in the mainstream American Media. (When formulating the Logo of the Newspaper, a ‘Magnifying Glass’ was designed & placed over the word ‘Sahafa’ for it is the sole purpose of ‘the Press’ to ‘Magnify’ & enlarge to the naked eye, what is there, but is unclearly seen).

An important mission of the Publication has been to provide thought-provoking positive articles that one could describe as the ‘additional back story’ to the current topics in the News, from the Arab world.

(For example; during the 2003 U.S. Invasion of Iraq & subsequent removal of President Saddam Hussein; The Al-Sahafa Newspaper USA, dedicated an entire Issue to the country of Iraq – Pre Saddam Hussein. Throughout the Issue, Readers were presented with various images & stories of an Iraq that was not being shown or written about in the American Press. Articles were published that educated & showcased Iraq’s rich history, such as; “Did you know that Iraq was actually a Kingdom, ruled by a beloved King & Queen and their Royal Family? Did you know that archaeologists & philosophers alike have determined that the ‘Garden of Eden’ is located in the beautiful magical city of Baghdad? Did you know that Iraq, this country that is in the news now for all the wrong reasons, once was an important premier where civilization left its imprints in the form of wisdom, & culture throughout the Arab region?)

Over the course of 15 years, the Publication grew from a Statewide News Source into a Nationally distributed and Internationally recognized Publication (with both print and online availability). Accredited by the Washington DC Press Office, The Al-Sahafa Newspaper USA is also registered with The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), meaning that the monthly Issues are available in the National Archives to all researchers.

It is with immense humility and thankfulness to God, that Ms. Salaheddine continually dedicates a part of her Career’s Success Story, to two Lebanese Giants, that offered her immeasurable support, generosity in their time, & wisdom in their words & advice. The first, being the Former Lebanese Prime Minister; Mr. Rafik El Hariri (also known as the ‘Ultimate Symbol of Success’). Mr. Hariri’s ‘Midas Touch’ ensured a gravitas status that is eternally treasured & immortalized in the fabric of her DNA. And the second, being Mr. Gebran Tueni (the esteemed Publisher of Lebanon’s An-Nahar Newspaper). Mr. Tueni’s support came in the form of Mentorship & presented Ms. Salaheddine with a doctorate in authenticity & legitimacy in the field of Journalism.

There is a precise quote that comes to mind, in describing the essence of what Mr. Rafik El Hariri & Mr. Gebran Tueni bestowed upon Ms. Salaheddine;

You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can

never repay you. ― John Bunyan

It is in gratitude that Ms. Salaheddine’s honorable mentions and feature interviews are noted: Included in the most prestigious Lebanese and Middle Eastern Magazines such as; Forbes Middle East, the Hasnaa Magazine (Lebanese Magazine), Women in Business (Middle East Magazine published in the Kingdom of Bahrain), Hia Magazine (the Middle East version of "Elle Magazine", published in the United Arab Emirates). As well as featured and covered in mainstream International Media distributed throughout Europe and the Middle East including; La Stampa (Italian Newspaper), Le Figaro (French Newspaper), and Sharq Magazine (London's Arab Lifestyle Magazine). In 2007, the International Arabic Radio & Television Channel (ART International) featured an interview with Ms. Salaheddine on a popular show named; Min America (translates to "From America"), which broadcast to millions of viewers across the world. Impressively, Salaheddine's interview captured the highest rated episode, since the show's inception. In 2010, The FUTURE TV in Beirut Lebanon, showcased a conversational interview with Fatina Salaheddine on a program called: Sireh Wan Fatahet, with well-established Host; Zaven, followed by a 2^nd Feature Interview in the September 2010 Issue of the Hasnaa Magazine (Lebanese Magazine). In February of 2012, Fatina Salaheddine was invited by CEO of Murr Television; Mr. Jihad Al Murr to be a guest on MTV Lebanon's most popular Entertainment show, called 'Hadees Al Balad' (Talk of the Town) in Beirut, Lebanon. The show is Hosted by Ms. Mona Abu Hamza who discussed the popularity and important role that 'The Al-Sahafa Newspaper USA' presents to the American readership & the influence it provides within the American Press.

Al-Sahafa Newspaper USA www.al-sahafanewspaperusa.com

Although the Newspaper is no longer being Published & Printed – all the PAST ISSUES can be found & read on the Official Website.

*For Readers & Researchers please note: The Al-Sahafa Newspaper USA (in hard print publication) can be found in our Nation's Capital, at The Library of Congress. This is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. The library preserves and provides access to a rich, diverse and enduring source of knowledge to inform, inspire and engage you in your intellectual and creative endeavors. Whether you are new to the Library of Congress or an experienced researcher, we encourage you to visit the Library of Congress in person in Washington, D.C., or explore the library online from wherever you are in the world. https://loc.gov/

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*PRESENTLY;

Ms. Salaheddine has expanded her Career Path, in establishing; Silk Road M.E. (which translates in Arabic; 'Tareek Al-Harir' Middle East). It is a Middle East Consulting Agency, that works primarily with Washington DC's Embassies, the U.S. State Department, the United Nations NY, and Diplomatic Organizations throughout the United States.

Ms. Salaheddine is also the Founder, of what will be her ‘Gift that keeps on Giving’ to Lebanon & her Lebanese Roots; The B.F. H. Foundation. A Foundation dedicated to empowering & globally promoting the achievements, forte & legacy of the Lebanese.

Ms. Salaheddine has also maintained her first Corporation she established as a teenager; Nonabel (which is ‘Lebanon’ spelled backwards). Turning what once was a very successful Arabic Concert, Event & Wedding Planning Company - into what is now, a Creative-Arts Company for conceptualizing original ideas for Arabic Series in the form of ‘Script-Writing.’ As well as producing/writing ‘Story Boards’ for Arabic Music Videos. Coordinating exclusively with Middle Eastern Musical Composers, Singers and multi-talented Artists.

*(Stay Tuned… the next time you are viewing & captivated by the story of an Arabic Music Video Clip, you just might see the name ‘Nonabel’ in the Credits Section on the screen of the Music Video)!