Historic Celebration of Arab American Heritage Month in New York City

Maher Abdelqader, President, PAC

ماهر عبدالقادر ، الكونغرس الفلسطيني الأمريكي

The NYC Public NYC Schools Board of Education hosted a momentous celebration for Arab American Heritage Month on April 11, 2024, at the iconic Tweed Courthouse in New York City

The event brought together key city and community leaders, as well as members of the media, to honor, recognize, and educate the internal staff of NYC Public School on the contributions of the Arab American community to the city and nation

Chancellor David Banks of the NYC Board of Education opened the event by highlighting the significance of Arab American Heritage Month and commending the Arab community for their positive impact on society. Chancellor Banks announced the inauguration of the first bilingual Arabic-English public school in Brooklyn, marking a significant milestone in supporting the Arab American community

During the event, individuals such as Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, Captain Filastine Srour, Maher Abdelqader, Mony Lotfi, and Noura Ismail were honored for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of the celebration. Captain Filastine Srour, the highest-ranking Palestinian Arab woman in the NYPD, delivered a moving speech in which she proudly showcased her Palestinian heritage by wearing a traditional Palestinian dress called a thobe. She used her name, which translates to Palestine in Arabic, as a platform to educate others about Arab culture and history

In her speech, Captain Filastine Srour drew attention to the tragic events in Gaza, emphasizing the devastating loss of innocent lives and calling for an end to the violence. Her impassioned plea for peace was met with resounding applause from the audience

Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, representing Yonkers, New York, and of Jordanian descent, acknowledged the progress made in honoring and celebrating Arab Americans in the United States. He highlighted the innovative contributions of Arab Americans to American society and emphasized their integral role in the diverse fabric of American culture

The event, organized with the support of the Arab America Foundation National and local team, featured a program showcasing Arabic food, music, and handmade art that represented the rich Arab culture. Over 300 Attendees were impressed by the event and expressed their desire to share the experience with other schools and institutions in New York and beyond

The celebration of Arab American Heritage Month in New York City is part of a national movement to recognize and honor the contributions of Arab Americans to American society. In 2017, a national movement was initiated to revive Arab American Heritage and have the month of April recognized as National Arab Heritage Month. This movement was led by Arab American volunteers across the nation, with the leadership guidance of the National Arab America Foundation. These volunteers worked tirelessly to knock on officials’ doors and secure proclamations to recognize this important month. Thanks to their efforts, over 25 proclamations were obtained across New York and New Jersey, and the Arab American community can now proudly see the fruits of their labor. Also, 47 governors issued proclamations honoring Arab Americans contribution and declaring April as Arab American month

Our community is a vital part of the diverse mosaic of America and New York City, and their contributions should be celebrated and recognized. Together, in unity, we stand strong

The Arab American community continues to play a vital role in shaping the diverse mosaic of America