Loading ...Thanksgiving in Arab America
By Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer
Thanksgiving is a cherished time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. For Arab Americans, it offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the values of family and hospitality while blending cultural traditions from both sides of the Atlantic. This year, however, as we gather around tables filled with abundance, we must also turn our thoughts to those who cannot celebrate in the same way.
In Gaza and Lebanon, countless families are enduring unimaginable hardship—living without access to basic necessities, struggling for survival amid economic collapse or the devastation of war, and facing an uncertain future. While we enjoy the comforts of peace and security, they confront daily challenges of displacement, poverty, and violence.
This Thanksgiving, let us not only be grateful for our own blessings but also mindful of the resilience of our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Lebanon. Their strength in the face of such adversity is a reminder of the human capacity to endure. It is also a call to action. As we give thanks, let us use the moment to support those in need and turn our gratitude into meaningful impact.
Gratitude in the Midst of Conflict
For many in Palestine and Lebanon, gratitude takes on a profound meaning. It is not found in material abundance or the comfort of stability but in the small victories of daily life: a child’s smile, a moment of peace, the unbroken bond of family.
In Gaza, the situation has reached catastrophic levels. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, hospitals are overwhelmed, and essential resources such as food, water, and electricity are scarce. Blockades have strangled the flow of humanitarian aid, leaving families to grapple with hunger and uncertainty. Children, who should be playing and learning, are instead growing up surrounded by destruction and loss.
In Lebanon, a severe economic collapse has plunged millions into poverty. The currency has lost nearly all its value, and families are unable to afford even basic necessities. Fuel shortages and electricity cuts make daily life a constant struggle, while political instability adds to the chaos. Yet, even amid this turmoil, the Lebanese people continue to come together, showing remarkable strength and solidarity.
As Arab Americans, we are fortunate to be far removed from these daily struggles. While we enjoy the warmth of family and the comforts of Thanksgiving traditions, let us also reflect on the resilience of those who fight to maintain their dignity and hope under such dire circumstances.
The Resilience of Our People
The resilience displayed by Palestinians and Lebanese people is nothing short of extraordinary. In the face of relentless hardship, they continue to adapt, rebuild, and hold onto their culture and identity.
In Gaza, resilience means more than just surviving—it means finding ways to thrive against all odds. Artists paint amid the rubble, teachers hold classes in makeshift spaces, and families celebrate weddings and births as acts of defiance against despair. This ability to find joy and meaning, even in the bleakest moments, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Palestinian people.
Similarly, in Lebanon, communities have come together in incredible ways. Grassroots organizations distribute food and supplies, neighbors support one another through shared resources, and young people step up to lead initiatives that address pressing needs. This resilience is a source of inspiration, reminding us of the power of unity and collective action.
As we reflect on their strength, let us be thankful not only for our own blessings but also for the resilience of our fellow Arabs. Their courage in the face of unimaginable challenges is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and perseverance.
Turning Gratitude into Action During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is not just about giving thanks—it is also about giving back. As Arab Americans, we have both the privilege and the responsibility to support those in need. This year, let us transform our gratitude into tangible action that uplifts those suffering in Gaza and Lebanon.
1. Support Humanitarian Aid Efforts
Numerous organizations are working tirelessly to provide life-saving aid in Gaza and Lebanon. Groups such as UNRWA, Islamic Relief, and the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund are delivering food, medical supplies, and other essential resources to those most in need. Donating to these organizations is a direct way to make a difference. Arab American entrepreneurs are also taking initiative by providing products and services that funnel all revenue to these causes. One great example is Katherine Hage, a young Lebanese-American whose online campaign is donating all merchandise revenue to Solidarity Lebanon.
2. Raise Awareness
In a world where narratives about Palestine and Lebanon are often misrepresented, raising awareness is a powerful tool. Use your voice to share stories, educate your community, and advocate for the rights of those living in conflict zones. Social media, community events, and conversations with friends can all help shine a light on the realities faced by these communities. Thanksgiving dinners can also serve as fundraisers or awareness-building events. Invite your friends and neighbors to contribute to relief efforts, or use the occasion to share stories of resilience and hope from Gaza and Lebanon.
3. Advocate for Policy Change
Engaging with policymakers is crucial in driving systemic change. Contact your elected officials and urge them to support humanitarian aid, condemn human rights violations, and push for sustainable solutions to the crises in Gaza and Lebanon. Advocacy is a way to amplify the voices of those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Finding Meaning in Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, at its heart, is about reflection and gratitude. But it is also a moment to think about the broader meaning of community and responsibility. As we sit at our tables surrounded by loved ones, let us remember those who are without homes, without security, and without peace.
For Palestinians and Lebanese families, resilience is a daily act of resistance against despair. Their strength inspires us to act—not out of guilt but out of gratitude for the stability and resources we enjoy. By supporting them, we honor the spirit of Thanksgiving and the values it represents.
This Thanksgiving, let us make space in our hearts for those who cannot celebrate. Let us be thankful for the resilience of our fellow Arabs and use these emotions to fuel action that uplifts and supports them. May our gratitude lead us to generosity, our generosity to solidarity, and our solidarity to justice.
As we share our meals, let us also share hope. Together, we can ensure that the spirit of Thanksgiving reaches beyond our tables and into the lives of those who need it most.
Check out our blog here!
