Title
Recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Arab Americans in Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, from April 1, 2023, through April 30, 2023, the United States celebrates Arab American Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, for over a century, Arab Americans have made valuable contributions to every aspect of American society, in medicine, law, business, technology, civic engagement, government, and culture; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia was home to the first Arabic-language newspaper ever published in the U.S. in 1898, called Al-Hoda. The fact that Philadelphia is where the first Arabic-language newspaper was founded is emblematic of the rich history of the city's Arab community; and
WHEREAS, Saint Maron Lebanese Church in South Philadelphia was founded by Lebanese immigrants in 1892 establishing an enclave in the neighborhood for the Lebanese diaspora that exists to this day. Kensington also has a strong Arab population, particularly a Palestinian presence; and
WHEREAS, since migrating to the United States, people of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans have brought with them to America their resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed that have added strength to our democracy; and
WHEREAS, writer Ameen Rihani's 1911 masterpiece, "The Book of Khalid", the first Arab American novel, is an important record of Arab immigration to the "Little Syria" community of Lower Manhattan and today is a powerful example of the potential of the United States to strengthen ties with the Arab world; and
WHEREAS, Arab-American poet Kahlil Gibran's masterpiece, "The Prophet", was a transformative piece of literature, with over 100 translations, making it one of the most translated books in history, and discusses topics of the human co...
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