American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Opens New Anaheim Office, Honoring Alex Odeh’s Legacy

RakwaApril 25, 2025

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ADC Chair Dr. Safa Rifka, center, thanks Diane Shammas during the opening of the civil rights group’s new Anaheim office. (James Carbone)

Nearly four decades after the tragic assassination of Palestinian American activist Alex Odeh, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has reestablished its presence in Southern California by opening a new office in Anaheim’s Little Arabia district. This significant move underscores the organization’s enduring commitment to civil rights and community support for Arab Americans.

Alex Odeh, who served as the ADC’s West Coast regional director, was killed on October 11, 1985, when a pipe bomb exploded at the committee’s Santa Ana office. His death remains an unsolved case and a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Arab American activists.

The newly inaugurated Anaheim office aims to serve as a central hub for legal assistance, community outreach, and advocacy. ADC National Executive Director Abed Ayoub emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “We’re reopening in Little Arabia without fear or hesitation, committed more than ever to defending our community’s rights and supporting Arab American businesses. We will not back down, no matter how tough the fight.”

Norma Odeh, left, Alex Odeh’s widow, and Helena Odeh, the daughter of Alex Odeh, pose for a picture at the ADC’s new office. (James Carbone)

Located in the heart of Little Arabia, a neighborhood officially recognized by the city of Anaheim in 2022, the office will provide pro bono or reduced-fee legal consultations on civil rights, immigration matters, and business-related legal guidance. Additionally, the ADC plans to advocate for policy initiatives that secure formal minority business certification for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) businesses, enhancing access to state and federal grants and expanding government contract opportunities for Arab entrepreneurs.

The opening ceremony was attended by community leaders, activists, and members of the Odeh family, including his daughter, Helena Odeh. Reflecting on her father’s legacy, she remarked, “He would be so excited to know that there would be another office. This would be a great day for him.”

As the 40th anniversary of Alex Odeh’s assassination approaches, the ADC continues to honor his memory through annual memorial conferences and ongoing advocacy efforts. The establishment of the Anaheim office marks a renewed chapter in the organization’s mission to combat discrimination and support the Arab American community in Southern California.

For more information about the ADC and its initiatives, visit adc.org.