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History

The Order of Assassins: Where the Term “Assassin” Comes From

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer When you think of the term “assassin”, a variety of topics might spring into mind. You might think of all sorts of villains from movies, television shows, books, or anything similar. Or you might think of real-life assassinations, targeting political or military figures like Abraham Lincoln or … 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

History of the Israel-Lebanon Border

By: Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer Like many colonial constructs in the Middle East, the border between Israel and Lebanon is relatively new. Created to separate portions of the British and French mandates, this territory has almost always been a battleground between Israeli forces and guerrilla groups. With tensions between Israel and the … 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

Why Are Arab Americans Classified as White?

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer The history of Arab American racialization is complex. It has changed over the decades to facilitate different agendas. The Arab identity is primarily linguistic and includes people of all skin tones. Early Arab immigrants to the U.S. faced a new classification system that determined their legal status. … Continued

Malcolm X’s Journey to Sunni Islam

By: Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little in 1925, is often remembered as one of the most polarizing and transformative figures of the 20th century. His journey from a troubled youth to one of the most influential voices for Black empowerment was deeply intertwined with his conversion to … 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

The Danish Muslim Who Defended Libya

By: Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Knud Holmboe was a Danish journalist, author, and explorer whose life journey took him from the Lutheran faith of his upbringing to Islam and led him across the deserts of North Africa. His travels, especially his eye-opening experience in Libya during the brutal Italian occupation, became … 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

​​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

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