Arab Immigrants in America: The Forgotten Syrian Americans in Detroit

posted on: Mar 15, 2017

BY: Yara Jouzy/Contributing Writer

The real Syria is forgotten. Our society today has associated the country with war, hatred, and terrorism, as opposed to civilization, poetry, and philosophy. The real Syrian people are human and their efforts to help their communities often go unrecognized due to misconceptions about their homeland, but it’s time to acknowledge their positive contributions to America. There are Syrian Americans everywhere, but Detroit’s community stands out among the most vibrant.

Detroit, Michigan has one of the highest populations of Arab Americans in the United States. Made up of almost half a million people, Arab Americans in Michigan are well-educated doctors, lawyers, engineers, business owners, and more. Recently, more Syrians have entered the Detroit area as refugees. Michigan takes in the second highest amount of Syrian refugees in the U.S., with over 1,400 resettled in the state. With such a large community presence, their contributions are inevitable, particularly at Christ Church Detroit.

Since 1845, Christ Church Detroit, also known as Old Christ Church, has been considered a home to many. It is made up multi-ethnic and multi-racial individuals from all over the world, who help spread the Holy Spirit. Christ Church Detroit is an Episcopal Church and is one of the oldest churches in Detroit. Members were either born into the church, taken in as adults, or are learning about it for the very first time. Everyone is accepted for who they are, whether they are single, married, divorced, gay, lesbian, etc. This church is accepting to all.

Almost 90 years ago, Syrians lived in the Eastern side of Detroit and began building their own community. They used to pray at Saint John’s Syrian Orthodox church, where everything was conducted in Arabic. Many of them spoke very little English, as they were beginning to settle into the American lifestyle. Over the years, the community began to grow and more Americans of Syrian origins joined the church.

Ten years later, one mother of the Syrian community decided that the church service in Arabic was not helpful for her children. She wanted to do something about it and began her search for other churches. Luckily, only half a mile away was Christ Church Detroit, which held mass and Sunday school in English. This mother began a movement when she joined the Episcopal Church, and started bringing her kids there. As the years went by, more Syrians were joining the Church for that same reason. Today, Saint John’s Syrian Orthodox church no longer exists.

The people of Syrian heritage make up a huge part of today’s society in Detroit. Their involvement with community service and church volunteering is exceptional. While their kids were sent to church to learn about religion, the parents were always there to help. Their latest project was with the Syrian congregation families who hosted the homeless in church for one week. They provided them with a shelter, food and warmth during the cold season.

Many of the Syrian families have worked in kitchen services, ushered during mass to collect funds, assisted in overall repair of the church, including painting, and many more activities. Christ Church Detroit was welcoming to all and before they knew it, there were more than 100 people of Syrian decent who prayed there.

Not only did Syrians volunteer, but also they joined the church in leadership positions. Edward Deeb is an Arab American of Syrian origin who joined the vestry in the management of the church. He was the first Syrian to join the vestry and it is his 55^th year running. Deeb is known to be one of the most active Arab Americans in Detroit and continues to promote positivity within the community.

Recent political situations have led to negative stereotypes towards Arabs and Syrian refugees. It’s important to recognize that the Syrians who have been living in the U.S. for many years have impacted society in a progressive manner. This is their home just as much as anyone else and their efforts to help the community proves their willingness to do good and make their home better for their children. Without Syrians, Christ Church Detroit and the city wouldn’t be the way it is today.