[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 77 (Thursday, May 9, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E569-E570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2019

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I want to take a moment to recognize April 
as National Arab American Heritage Month, a time to honor all of the 
incredible achievements the Arab American community has made here in 
America.
  For over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable 
contributions to virtually every aspect of American society: in 
medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military 
service, and culture. Since migrating to America, men and women of Arab 
descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors 
and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens and 
public servants. They brought with them their resilient family values, 
strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and 
creed that have added strength to our great democracy. Arab Americans 
have also enriched our society by sharing in the entrepreneurial 
American spirit that makes our nation free and prosperous.
  Unfortunately, the history of Arab Americans in the U.S. has been 
marred by misconceptions, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate speech and 
violence. As such, Arab American concerns, such as civil rights 
violations, harmful stereotyping, and bullying must be combatted 
through education, awareness, and, if necessary our criminal justice 
system. We must all join together to see a peaceful and diverse

[[Page E570]]

society, where every individual is treated equally and feels safe.
  Madam Speaker, the substantial contributions and rich cultural 
heritage of Arab Americans have helped us build a better, stronger 
nation for everyone. As someone who represents a significant Arab 
American population in my district, I am honored to help celebrate and 
recognize National Arab American Heritage Month here in Congress.

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