Arab American Heritage Month APRIL

This month, we recognize National Arab American Heritage Month and honor the contributions of this diverse community to America. Immigrants with origins from the Arab world have been arriving to the United States since before our country’s independence and have contributed to our nation’s advancements in science, business, technology, foreign policy, and national security. The litany is long and includes Private Nathan Badeen, a Syrian immigrant who fought and gave his life during the American Revolution. At the State Department, we recognize tremendous diplomats such as Ambassador Philip Habib, former Under Secretary for Political Affairs, who played a prominent role in the Vietnam peace talks resulting in the 1973 Paris Peace Accords and later successfully pursued a ceasefire in Lebanon. We also recognize Ambassador Selwa “Lucky” Roosevelt, who served the President and Secretary of State as the Chief of Protocol of the United States from 1982-1989, nearly 7 years and longer than anyone else prior. The Department is fortunate to have had these and so many other talented Arab American colleagues, who strive every day to protect and promote the interests and values of the American people, while representing the United States to the world.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holiday for Muslim (MUHZ-luhm) people. Muslims live in countries all over the world. They follow a religion called Islam (ISS-luhm). Ramadan lasts for a whole month. In fact, Ramadan is a month for Muslim people. On the Muslim calendar, the ninth month is called Ramadan. Ramadan is a special time for Muslims. It is a time for prayers. Many Muslims pray five times a day. This Muslim family is saying prayers in their home. These people are saying prayers in a mosque (MOSK). A mosque is a Muslim temple. Ramadan is a time for friendship.

Some people travel a long way to be with their friends and family. Ramadan is also a time for thinking. People think about how good their lives are. They think of ways to help people who are sick, poor, or hungry. Many Muslims fast every day during Ramadan. When people fast, they do not eat. Muslims do not eat or drink from the time the Sun rises to the time the Sun sets each day. Families wake up before the Sun rises. They eat a big breakfast to get them through the day. After sunset, they gather for a big supper. Not everyone fasts during Ramadan. Very old people, young children, and sick people usually do not fast. Fasting all day is not easy. Part of Ramadan is making promises to yourself. Do you think you could promise to fast? Some children might promise to try harder at school. Others might promise to get along with their brothers and sisters. When the fast ends, Muslims have a three-day celebration. People wear new clothes. They give gifts, pray, and eat a big feast. Best of all, they enjoy being with their family and friends.

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