A planned event celebrating Arab American Heritage Month was abruptly “postponed” by Amazon just 48 hours before it was scheduled to take place at its East Coast headquarters (HQ2) in Arlington, Virginia, sparking accusations of discrimination and suppression of Arab American voices.

The event, set for April 9, had been in the works for six months and was organized by the Arab America Foundation (AAF) in collaboration with the Arabs at Amazon employee resource group, which has over 4,000 members globally. The celebration was meant to honor the contributions of Arab Americans through speakers, cultural performances, and more than 300 expected guests.

Last-Minute Cancellation

On April 7, Amazon informed organizers the event would be postponed, citing procedural issues. According to Warren David, AAF co-founder and pioneer of National Arab American Heritage Month, Amazon demanded speaker talking points and other administrative approvals just one week before the event. Despite complying with requests, the event was still canceled.

“It was quite disheartening for us,” David said. “Normally, venues work with you… We felt Amazon was trying to find loopholes to not hold the event.”

Even after the cancellation, Amazon allegedly instructed employees — both Arab and non-Arab — not to attend, compounding concerns.

Scrambling for a New Venue

With flights and accommodations already booked, organizers moved the event to Saint Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Potomac, Maryland — a 50-minute drive from the original site. AAF arranged shuttle buses, but due to the confusion, they estimate they lost around 100 attendees.

“Thank God the church took us in,” David said.

Internal Pressures and Speculation

David indicated that members of Arabs at Amazon were under internal pressure and that Amazon had expressed concern over certain speakers, including Palestinian American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who had been invited. He also said Amazon questioned the presence of individuals and demanded content information late in the process.

Amazon’s Response

Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser denied the company canceled the event:

“Amazon didn’t cancel this event. When employees request to use our spaces… they’re responsible for ensuring it complies with company policy… The organizers failed to fulfill that responsibility.”

Amazon did not provide further details or proof of policy violations when asked for clarification.

A Pattern of Discrimination?

This is not the first time AAF has faced venue issues. In November 2023, its summit at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Orlando was canceled, allegedly over “security concerns.” The U.S. Department of Justice later sued the hotel owner, stating the cancellation was discriminatory and based on national origin. The case was settled after a DOJ investigation.

David emphasized that AAF is non-political and focuses solely on culture, heritage, and identity. Despite that, he says this is the worst climate of discrimination against Arabs and Muslims he’s seen in his lifetime.

“There’s a history of denigrating Arabs and Muslims… but this is probably the worst I’ve ever seen it,” he said. “Worse than after 9/11.”