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​​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

Resisting Erasure

By: Samira Rafidi Meghdessian with Joseph Eric Cadora / Arab America Contributing Writers When I first picked up A History of the City of Ramallah (its original Arabic title), it had been on my parents’ bookshelf for years and was known simply as Ammo (Uncle) Joseph’s book. Many years later, I was inspired to translate … Continued

9/11 as a Turning Point in El Rassi’s Memoir

By Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer The tragic events of September 11, 2001, led to a rise in Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism in the U.S. However, it is important to recognize that these attacks were not the beginning but rather one of several turning points in the history of discrimination against Arabs and … Continued

Al-Ma’arri: Medieval Anti-Theist, Vegan, and Anti-Natalist?

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer Al-Ma’arri, a relatively obscure Arab philosopher from the Golden Age of Islam, is perhaps best described as a pessimist. He held several beliefs that were controversial not only in his time but even today. First, while he believed in a God, he was critical of organized religions. … Continued

A Glimpse into 19th-Century Syrian Christian Weddings

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Weddings are more than just ceremonies—they are monumental events in one’s life. Have you ever wondered how Arabs celebrated their weddings in the nineteenth century? In his autobiography, A Far Journey, Abraham Rihbany provides a unique and detailed firsthand account of Syrian Christian weddings in Greater Syria. … Continued

5 Pioneering Arab American Scholars

By Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Arab American studies as a field owes much to the groundbreaking work of many pioneers. We are indebted to numerous professors, but for the scope of this work, we will focus on the lives and legacies of five pioneering Arab American scholars: Alixa Naff, Evelyn Shakir, Jack … Continued

Exploring Gaza Through 5 Compelling Books

By: Ziyan Qutub / Arab America Contributing Writer  Gaza, a land marked by conflict and crisis, has been transformed into a sign of endurance and strength in adversity. The stories from this area, enclosed between the Mediterranean Sea and Palestine, often do not penetrate the broader narrative. But through the pages of literature, writers try … Continued

Reviews by Ghassan Rubeiz on Memoirs Written by Arab Women

By: Ghassan Rubeiz / Contributing Writer Commentary on two books by Arab women: Glass Cedars by Kathy Saad Feghali, N D Press, 2023; Stranger In My Own Land by Fida Jiryis, C Hurst, 2022. This summer I read these two family-oriented books authored by two talented Arab women. The styles differ remarkably; one is a novel, and … Continued

“The Prophet”, by Lebanese-American Poet-Philosopher Kahlil Gibran, Celebrates its 100th Anniversary on September 23, 2023 

Photo Credits: Kindle By: Joanna Sawtari / Arab America Contributing Writer The Profound Impact On September 23, 1923, the world welcomed a literary gem as Gibran Kahlil Gibran, the celebrated Lebanese writer and poet, unleashed “The Prophet” upon readers. This profound masterpiece has left an indelible mark on countless people worldwide, captivating hearts with its … Continued

Escape to Aswan – A Review

By Alison Norquist / Arab America Contributing Writer Following the events over a five-day trip to Cairo, Egypt, Amal Sedky Winter weaves a gripping tale of political intrigue and human emotion that is impossible to put down. Set throughout the country of Egypt in the fall of 2014, the world that surrounds the story is … Continued

Nehal Leheta’s “Authentic Egyptian Cooking”: A Review

By: Alison Norquist / Contributing Writer In this 142-page cookbook by Nehal Leheta, the core of Egyptian cuisine is made accessible to readers with not just recipes but also advice on where to find specialty ingredients, swaps for them, and beautiful color photos of almost every dish. About Abou El Sid Named after the legendary … Continued

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