Senate Resolution No. 1846

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2022, as Arab American Heritage Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is appropriate and right to celebrate a diversity of
cultures and heritages, and such celebration serves as a reminder that
despite our differing backgrounds, everyone in New York is bound by a
common hope for a better and more inclusive future for our children; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention
to those months that are set aside to serve to enhance the cultural
enrichment of the State of New York and preserve the heritage of Arab
Americans; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2022, as Arab American Heritage
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Arab American Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, The Arab American community has a long and integral history
in the United States; and

WHEREAS, For centuries, Arab Americans have been making valuable
contributions to virtually every aspect of American society, including
medicine, law, business, technology, government, and culture; and

WHEREAS, Since migrating to America, men and women of Arab descent
have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and
friends, while setting fine examples of model citizens and public
servants; and

WHEREAS, Arab Americans' resilient family values, strong work ethic,
dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed have truly
added strength to our great democracy; and

WHEREAS, Arab Americans have also enriched our society by sharing in
the entrepreneurial American spirit that makes our Nation free and
prosperous; and

WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of Arab Americans have served during
World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, the Iraq War,
and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are approximately 500,000 people
of Arab American descent living in New York; and

WHEREAS, Men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich
culture, strong work ethic, and dedication to education while embracing
the American spirit of opportunity and helping us build a better nation
and State for all; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, the history of Arab Americans in the United
States may often be neglected or defaced by misconceptions, bigotry, and
anti-Arab hate in the forms of crimes and speech; and

WHEREAS, We recognize and celebrate the contributions to cultural
diversity, economic growth, and the overall development of our State and
nation made by the Arab American community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2022, as Arab
American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.