Author Archives: Arab America

During the first war with Iraq, the Gulf War that started in 1990, President George Bush appeared on TV. He said, “We have no argument with the people of Iraq.” At the time, Iraq was under U.N. sanctions. Meanwhile in Columbia, Missouri, Lamya Najem and her husband, Shakir Hamoodi, had migrated to the U.S. They … Continued

If you have a miniature manger in your home today, or if you’ve heard a piece of music in the mall with “Bethlehem” in it, I — as a Palestinian Christian in whose life Bethlehem has played a big role — have a favor to ask you: Please go to your computer and do a … Continued

Arab Americans have been an integral part of the United States of America since its inception, contributing to our society in myriad ways, including representing and defending American ideals through public service. Long the target of negative stereotypes, Arab Americans even found themselves dubbed “guilty by association” following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. … Continued

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrated Tuesday the first ever World Arabic Language Day in recognition of its role disseminating information across cultures and civilizations. “On 18 December 1973, the United Nations General Assembly included Arabic among its official and working languages. Nearly 40 years later, we are celebrating the power … Continued

His Eminence the Metropolitan Archbishop of Western and Central Europe has been elected Patriarch of the Great City-of-God Antioch and all the East. The Patriarch-elect Youhanna (John) X (Yaziji) was elected by the members of the Holy Synod earlier today, December 17, during a special session held at the Balamand Patriarchal Monastery of the Dormition … Continued

Those were two of the themes that were woven throughout the investiture ceremony Wednesday evening for new 19th District Judge Sam Salamey, who will take office Jan. 2. The pride came through with the crowd of more than 500 people in the Michael A. Guido Theater at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, many … Continued

I started watching “Homeland” because I was bored. All of my favorite shows were coming to a (season’s) end, and I needed something new to watch. I’m drawn to smart scripted dramas, but I was immediately suspicious of the show when I learned that its creators were also the ones behind “24,” the Fox drama … Continued

Whether on TV, in movies, or out of the mouths of many a politician, stereotypes of Arab Muslim men abound: They are angry, violent, fanatical misogynists. The truth, however, is not so simple. While reports of men sexually assaulting women in Tahrir Square and setting them up as human shields in Gaza deserve our attention, … Continued

ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid) is pleased to announce a donation of $1 million from the government of Kuwait to fund ANERA’s work with children in Gaza. Kuwait’s ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah presented the donation to ANERA Board Chair Ambassador Edward Gnehm. “Kuwait has always been a steadfast supporter … Continued

Please join ADC, the Rights Working Group (RWG), and allies in a national day of action to end the 287(g) program. Despite the fact that 287(g) is an immigration program that has been proven to result in racial profiling, instead of discontinuing its use, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering expansion of the … Continued

Ambition, dedication and passion.” These are the top 3 qualities that Alana Duqum describes as the most essential elements in achieving any goal. Duqum is accustomed to admiration for her many accolades and does not plan to ever take a break from her busy life. “Those who do not try, cannot succeed,” she states. Duqum’s … Continued

Remembering Anthony Shadid, Sunday’s moving tribute to the brilliant New York Times correspondent who died reporting from Syria nine months ago, was a moving mix of Arabic music and excerpts from his memoir about Lebanon, read through choked-back tears by his widow, Nada Bakri. Sponsored by Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, a Philadelphia nonprofit devoted to … Continued