SR0191 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0191 LRB104 12787 MST 24090 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In the early 20th century, many Arab families began migrating to southwestern Cook County seeking a better life and the opportunity to build a supportive community in the United States; these families have contributed to the rich cultural landscape of Little Palestine, transforming it into a beacon of hope and resilience; and

WHEREAS, Little Palestine, located in the southwestern region of Cook County, is home to the largest Palestinian community in the nation and the fourth largest Arab American population in the country, spanning a five-mile stretch from 79th and Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview to Harlem Avenue and College Drive in Palos Heights; and

WHEREAS, Little Palestine features over 200 Arab-owned businesses and community-serving institutions, including a community college, a hospital, three high schools, and more than 20 organizations and institutions; and

WHEREAS, Historic disinvestment in the Arab American community, coupled with being targeted for discrimination and hate crimes, threatens the sustainability and growth of this area, with over 70% of Arab-owned businesses in Little Palestine having under 10 employees and driving the economy in this region; and

WHEREAS, There has historically been no means to distinguish Arab American populations, economic activity, health, or any other indicators of Arab Americans on data registers at local, state, or national levels; recent efforts to include Arab Americans in data counts, achieved through decades of mobilization within Arab American communities, remain limited and often specific to certain locales; these omissions hinder the ability to document critical issues such as displacement and the impacts of COVID-19 and are an impediment to ensuring that resources can be sought to help revitalize the economic landscape of Little Palestine to ensure sustainable growth and development; and

WHEREAS, The Arab American Business and Professional Association, along with a coalition of organizations, is advocating for the official recognition of Little Palestine Day on the 7th day of April each year to help build cultural awareness, increase tourism, and boost economic vitality in this region; and

WHEREAS, Recognition of Little Palestine Day will help serve as a celebration of the community's rich heritage, promote solidarity among residents, and encourage support for local businesses and cultural initiatives; and

WHEREAS, The heart and soul of the Arab community lies in its people, individuals who embody ambitions, creativity, and aspirations that surpass the ordinary; their contributions continue to reshape the narrative of the area, making it a testament to hope, resilience, and cultural pride; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 7, 2025 and April 7, 2026 as "Little Palestine Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge Illinoisans to celebrate Little Palestine Day by supporting businesses and cultural initiatives in Little Palestine and attending or hosting events showcasing the contributions of the Arab American community to the United States; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge local schools and educational institutions to incorporate lessons about the history and contributions of the Arab American community into their curricula, promoting inclusivity and understanding; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be provided to the Arab American Business and Professional Association as a symbol of our respect and esteem.