Friday, US President Joe Biden issued a statement recognizing April 2023 as Arab American Heritage Month
In a lengthy statement published on the official website of the White House on March 31, Biden formally proclaims the current month as “Arab American Heritage Month,” adding that “the Arab American story is the American story
He praised Arab Americans’ contributions to the US saying: “This month, we join together to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Arab Americans to our Nation and recommit ourselves to the timeless work of making sure that all people have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream
He explained how significant their achievements have been saying: “The achievements of Arab Americans are reflected in the arts and sciences; in businesses and faith communities; in classrooms and hospitals; and in police stations, firehouses, and every branch of the military. Arab Americans are also proudly serving throughout my Administration, bringing a diversity of expertise that helps make this country stronger, more prosperous, and more just
Biden also touched upon the hardships that Arab American continue to face to this day. He said: “Many continue to face prejudice, bigotry, and violence — a stain on our collective conscience
He stressed the need to put an end to hate and stated the steps he took, since becoming president, to end discrimination, bullying, harassment, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. All of which impact and harm the Arab American community in the US
He continued to speak about collaborations with his counterparts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) “to advance a common vision for the world as well as a more peaceful, prosperous, and integrated region
Biden said they are working together to address common issues such as regional security, and climate change, as well as join forces for economic development and cooperate in science, technology, renewable energy, and space
Following the proclamation, Biden called on Americans to educate themselves on the history, culture, and achievements of Arab Americans, as well as engage in the appropriate programs and activities to explore the heritage
– Arab Americans in the US –
According to the Arab American Institute (AAI), estimates show that approximately “3.7 million Americans trace their roots to an Arab country
While they are present in every American state, more than two-thirds of them live in ten states: California, Michigan, New York, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, with one-third residing in Metropolitan Los Angeles, Detroit, and New York, the AAI specified
Most Arab Americans are native-born and more than 80 percent are US citizens, the AAI added
Most Arab Americans living in the US have ancestral ties to Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Iraq, their website said
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