جالية فيلادلفيا تسحب موافقتها باستضافة ورعاية دورة اتحاد ساسف الرياضية الثامنة

Quote: Mark Feinman ATTORNEY AT LAW Philadelphia Office Bucks County Office 8171 Castor Avenue 49 Cropwell Lane Philadelphia, PA 19152 Holland, PA 18966 E-mail: [email protected] 215-742-9050 "FAX 215-742-9080 215-504-9626 June 14, 2010 Please be advised that I am writing as a follow-up to your inquiries to me, as General Counsel to the Philadelphia Sudanese-American Community of Greater Philadelphia regarding the planned Philadelphia Area Sudanese Soccer Festival for July, 2010. It is my understanding that this event is being hosted by your organization. Further that the event will be bringing together Sudanese Organizations, members, soccer teams and their families from different regions of the United States to participate in a weekend of community, cultural, sports and other activities. It is my understanding that there has been conflicting information being disseminated regarding the intended activities of the organization and issues involving cash donations and possible violations of the Federal Law. As you are aware, the Philadelphia Sudanese - American Community of Greater Philadelphia received confirmation from the United States Government, Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service confirming that the organization has been identified and qualified as 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Charitable Organization. This means that any and all donations to the organization are tax exempt and would entitle the donor to reflect the charitable donation on their own tax returns. Furthermore, it is further support and confirmation that the organization is and has been recognized by the United States Government as a Non-Profit Organization. As with any donation received, it is important to keep track of the donations, including the donor, the date of the donation, the amount received and, ultimately, how the funds have been used by the organization to support its mission. Another point and concern you raised with the consideration of your organization extending invitations to representatives from the Sudanese Government who are in the United States serving as diplomats. It is my understanding that concern has been raised that your organization, as a Non-Profit Charitable Organization might be encroaching upon activities that may be deemed _political _ by extending an invitation to the diplomats to attend the upcoming community event. I am uncertain who is providing this opinion to your organization or its members, however, I must respectfully disagree. It is abundantly clear that the purpose of the event is within the confines of the mission of the organization and is intended to promote the goals of the organization. By bringing together the members of the Sudanese community from around the country and emphasizing the values and well being of the community, this activity, I believe, is precisely the nature of non-profit charitable activity that the organization has been founded to promote. By extending an invitation to the diplomats from your home country, it is a natural and anticipated type of interaction the diplomats from the Embassy would have and be expected to have with its citizenry here in the United States. The diplomats are in the United States serving their government but also acting as a liaison to the citizens of Sudan who are here in the United States Page Two June 14, 2010 The diplomats often will participate in and attend gatherings of the citizens from their home country with no political agenda or motivations. It is solely for interaction with the members of their community and to service the citizens from their home country. It is my belief and opinion as counsel to the Philadelphia Sudanese-American Community of Greater Philadelphia that this type of activity, as has been described to me and intended by the organization would not be political in nature. Naturally, it would be up to the diplomats to decide whether or not they were able to attend based upon their schedules. Logistically, the diplomats might also consider what if any notices they feel would be appropriate to local authorities. Often the diplomats will contact Federal Authorities to alert them of their activities for security purposes. If they choose not to have the authorities on notice, typically we leave that to their discretion. In private social gatherings of this nature, the time of their appearance is often fluid and imprecise. Consequently, concerns about protests, demonstrations, awareness and actions by outsiders is reduced. Often the diplomatic visit is unannounced yet scheduled. It would not, in my opinion, cause any additional strain on the organizing committee or the event and its attendees. Having attended a number of different community events in the past where diplomatic representatives have appeared without security, I have found that the members of the community for whom the diplomats are there to serve welcome their attendance and the opportunity to interact on an informal basis. I recognize that there is much planning, concern and desire for the upcoming event to be as smooth as possible and, I know, that the organization and its members are working diligently to anticipate and safeguard against any confrontation, expected and/or unexpected. I trust that the information herein assists you in assessing some additional points to address and in having a clear understanding of matters to be considered. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, MARK FEINMAN