SCR 123 by Sen. Newman Commemorates April as Arab American Heritage Month

Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 123, authored by State Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), was adopted by the California State Senate today with unanimous support. SCR 123 commemorates the month of April as “Arab American Heritage Month” in California and recognizes the important contributions of Arab Americans to our state.

“SCR 123 is part of a broader effort toward creating awareness and paying respect to California’s approximately 800,000 Arab American residents. In addition, SCR 123 celebrates the achievements of Arab American Californians and highlights their commitment and contributions to their communities,” said Senator Newman (D-Fullerton).

In addition to presenting SCR 123 on the Senate Floor today, Senator Newman also welcomed and introduced the following Arab American leaders in their respective regions:

• Rashad Al-Dabbagh, Executive Director, Arab American Civic Council
• Serge Bakalian, Founder and Executive Director, Arab Film and Media Institute
• Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR-Sacramento (Council on American Islamic Relations)
• Mirvette Judeh, Vice Chair, Arab American Civic Council
• Maria Khani, Founder and Director, A Country Called Syria

For well over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society, to include leadership and groundbreaking contributions in medicine, law, business, technology, government, and culture.

Senate District 29, which Newman represents, has the highest concentration of Arab Americans in the state, in a region in Anaheim called “Little Arabia”. The State of California boasts the largest population of Arab Americans in the Country, with a population of approximately 800,000.

Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which includes cities across Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.

Sen. Newman hosts "Falafel Meet & Greet"

[Photo: Lou Delgado]

Senator josh Newman, who was the author of last April Arab American Heritage Month proclamation, held a "Falafel Meet & Greet" at Little Arabia Lebanese Bakery & Cusine this past Sunday.  The Senator is currently campaigning against a recall effort against him. 

On his campaign Facebook page, Sen. Newman wrote the following after the event: 

Food is one of those things that brings us together.

Today, the Arab-American Caucus of the California Democratic Party graciously co-hosted Senator Josh Newman (SD29) and Senator Connie Leyva (SD20). Arab-Americans are a vital part of the social and economic fabric of the Senators' neighboring districts, from Anaheim to San Bernardino.

As members of the Arab-American community shared their hopes and concerns with our Senators over falafel, it became clear that we are at our best when every Californian enjoys the promise of safety, education, and economic opportunity. Josh Newman and Connie Leyva will continue to fight for Arab-Americans and their full inclusion in our shared prosperity.

Many thanks and compliments to Little Arabia Restaurant for the delicious food and welcoming space!

Senator Newman’s Resolution to Honor Arab American Heritage Month in California Passes Senate

Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 42 passed the California State Senate today with unanimous support. SCR 42 commemorates the month of April as “Arab American Heritage Month” in California, and recognizes the important contributions of Arab Americans to our state.

“SCR 42 is part of a broader effort toward creating awareness and paying respect to the approximately 800,000 Arab American Californians, while celebrating their achievements and highlighting their commitment and contributions to a peaceful and diverse society, by recognizing the month of April as Arab American Heritage Month,” said the resolution’s author, Senator Josh Newman.

For well over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society, to include leadership and groundbreaking contributions in medicine, law, business, technology, government, and culture.

Senate District 29, which Newman represents, has the highest concentration of Arab Americans in the state, in a region called “Little Arabia”. The State of California boasts the largest population of Arab Americans in the Country, with a population of approximately 800,000.

Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which includes cities across Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.