Author Archives: Arab America

As a military conflict in Syria seems imminent, Arab-Americans in Dearborn are urging the U.S. to choose peace. More than 60 representatives from area mosques and Arab organizations gathered in Dearborn Wednesday to establish a cohesive response to the what seems to be the U.S.’s intent to attack Syria. A demonstration urging President Baack Obama … Continued

How would you feel if the police considered you suspicious simply because of your religious faith? What would be your reaction if the police viewed your religion as probable cause to monitor where you pray, study, and eat? Would you even attend your place of worship if you knew that someone there is possibly an … Continued

At the intersection of traditional Arab music and the singular Spanish art of Flamenco is Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain once ruled by the Moors – medieval Muslims from the Iberian peninsula, North Africa and other Mediterranean lands. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, the Arab American National Museum presents The Spirit of … Continued

I grew up in a small North Texas town. Back then, it was really the country. We had no mall until I was almost in high school, and the openings of Red Lobster and a Wal Mart set the town abuzz. I graduated with 200 people and knew most of them personally. My Facebook feed … Continued

Earlier, the Associated Press released new documents unveiling the depth of the New York Police Department’s surveillance of Muslims program. In response, the Arab American Association of NY released the following statement: “The latest set of leaked documents from the New York Police Department confirms that for over a decade, Arab and Muslim communities have … Continued

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee calls on the Obama Administration to exercise restraint, and not use military action against Syria. As a civil and human rights organization, ADC condemns the use of chemical weapons by any entity, and agrees that such acts must not be tolerated and must be dealt with accordingly. ADC recognizes the authority … Continued

The Arab American National Museum is growing. The city’s Zoning Board of Appeals voted Thursday to grant several variances that will allow the museum to expand into two closed businesses immediately to its east — the former Zamboni Room sports bar and A to Z Medical Equipment. The museum, open since 2005, is at 13624 … Continued

“I am a Palestinian-Lebanese-American Christian woman, but I grew up as a Jew in New York City. I began my life, however, as a WASP,” writes author and actress Najla Said, whose new memoir, Looking for Palestine: Growing Up Confused in an Arab-American Family (Riverhead), sorts through a bewildering stew of identities with honesty and … Continued

What could be simpler than the Middle East? A well-known Egyptian blogger who writes under the pseudonym The Big Pharaoh put together this chart laying out the region’s rivalries and alliances. He’s kindly granted me permission to post it, so that Americans might better understand the region. The joke is that it’s not a joke; … Continued

Ismael Ahmed was raised in Dearborn among blue-collar immigrants in the shadow of the Ford Rouge complex, an icon of metro Detroit’s manufacturing might. Coming of age in the 1960s and ’70s, his first regular jobs were on the assembly line at Ford and Chrysler, where he became an aggressive advocate for workers and minorities. … Continued

Part of West Federal Street in downtown Youngstown was blocked off Saturday for the Arab American Festival. This was the second year for the event. Visitors enjoyed a taste of some of the best Arab food in the Valley, viewed handmade art, novelties and souvenirs. There was also clowns and games for children to enjoy. … Continued

<center><iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”//www.youtube.com/embed/Nqfzc6DW9EM” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe></center> How many comedians have joked that all TSA agents have to do to keep air travel safe in the United States is prevent guys named Ahmed and Mohammad from boarding planes? It’s a silly, tired and racist joke. But it turns out U.S. authorities have been doing a version … Continued