Advertisement Close

Books

Pain, Perseverance, and Prizes

By: Barbara Nimri Aziz / Arab America Contributing Writer We must continue to celebrate while we praise our martyrs; we must struggle to maintain and fortify our budding artistic community while we assist needy families overseas; we must reaffirm our cultural values and noble heritage while being presented with horrifying headlines; we must stand strong … Continued

The Ultimate Guide: 46 Children’s Books that Celebrate Arab Heritage

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Are you searching for the perfect gift for the young readers in your life? This curated list of children’s books celebrates Arab heritage and identity, offering stories that highlight the richness of Arab cultures and traditions. Whether you want to educate, inspire, or simply share a meaningful … Continued

The Middle East and the Foundations of Algebra

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer Many Westerners mistakenly believe that ancient Greeks and thinkers like Descartes were the first to use algebra, but few know that the word “algebra” itself is Arabic. During the Islamic Golden Age (8th–14th centuries), mathematicians from the Middle East laid the groundwork for algebra by developing the … Continued

Rizk’s Enduring Message: Lessons from 1943 for the 2024 Election

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer As the 2024 presidential election draws near, it’s more important than ever for the Arab American community to make their voices heard. The message of Salom Rizk, a mid-20th-century Arab American author, remains strikingly relevant today—particularly in discussions around immigration and civic duty. In his 1943 autobiography, … Continued

How to Leave Your Country in the Middle of War

By: Lina AbiRafeh / Arab America Contributing Writer A few weeks ago, in the unusually empty halls of Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, I could hear the same conversations, spoken in whispers: What now? What next? What should we do? What will they do? Expecting to return in two weeks, I left all my … Continued

Irshoof: A Taste of Jordan’s Winter Traditions

Yara Marei/Arab America contributing writer. On a cold winter evening inside a small, cozy kitchen, a family gathers around a simmering pot of Irshoof, eager to share a meal passed down through generations. Like many others in Jordan, this dish tells a story of tradition, community, and resourcefulness. With each bite, you taste the rich … Continued

The Power of Palestinian Representation in Children’s Literature

By: Amanda Najib / Arab America Contributing Writer Amanda Najib is an educator turned scholar, passionate about integrating Arab and Palestinian history into educational curricula. She is the author of Lana Makes Purple Pizza: A Palestinian Food Tale and focuses on the transformative power of narrative and representation in education. Picture books have an incredible … Continued

Adonis: A Beacon of Syrian Poetry

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer There is a well-known Syrian poet, essayist, and critic who goes by the name Adonis. His real name is Ali Ahmad Said Esber. His original writing style and examination of topics such as love, sorrow, exile, and the human condition have made him a notable character in … Continued

Abraham Rihbany in New York’s Syrian Colony

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Abraham Rihbany arrived in New York on October 6, 1891, and quickly found refuge within the Syrian colony. Fellow Syrians promptly came to his aid, lending him the necessary funds to survive. Beyond financial support, the colony helped him secure shelter, employment, and a sense of community, … Continued

The Value of Traditional Arabic Music in the U.S.

By: Sami Abu Shumays / Arab America Contributing Writer I’ll never forget a conversation I had around 15 or 16 years ago when flying cross-country to perform. A chatty middle-aged white woman sat next to me on the first leg of my flight, engaging me in small talk.  Eventually she asked what I did for … Continued

​​Salom Rizk’s Syrian Yankee: A Misfit in Arab American Literature?

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Salom Rizk’s Syrian Yankee (1943) has largely been avoided in Arab American literary discussions, not only due to its assimilationist rhetoric but also because of its promotion of problematic views, such as anti-Arab racism and Islamophobic tropes. However, understanding Rizk’s personal history and the historical context in … Continued

44 Results (Page 1 of 4)