This month we honor and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans to our communities and our country. From science and literature to music, art, and public service, Arab Americans have shaped and enriched the American story in countless ways.
As homeschool families, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore new perspectives and highlight voices that reflect the diversity of our nation. Whether through books, films, food, or history, we encourage you to take time to learn and celebrate together.
Here are a few family-friendly resources to get you started.
On Location with the Arab American Museum – a PBS video about Arabs living in America
Book List: Arab American Book Award Winners – Recognizing outstanding books by and about Arab Americans
Lesson Plan Ideas: Arab American Resources from Arab American National Musuem
PBS Kids Feature: Arab American Heritage Month Collection – Short videos and stories for younger learners
Podcast for Teens: Kerning Cultures – A podcast network sharing stories from the Middle East and North Africa. Parents are encouraged to preview episodes to choose content that aligns with their family’s values and interests.
Ahlaam Huwieh,
Arab American Ambassador
“Asalam! Peace to you and your family,” is how Arabs usually introduce themselves to others. As Arab Americans, my family and I focus deeply on maintaining our heritage, culture, and Palestinian roots. It is the essence of our identity. Palestine is located in Asia and is home to the biggest and most beautiful landmark/shrine for Arabs around the world; The Dome Of The Rock in Jerusalem. Although both my husband’s and my parents’ were born and raised in Palestine, we were born in the United States. We raise our kids here too, making an effort to visit Palestine each summer. If you met us in person, you would think we lived in Palestine all of our lives. My family and I often dress up in Palestinian attire on special occasions. It contains beautiful Tatreez. Tatreez is intricate embroidery. The pattern often differs depending on which village you are from. We speak Arabic at home as much as we can and we get our olive oil shipped straight from our family’s olive orchards in Palestine, every year!
Arabs are known for their love of olive oil. To the average Arab, olive trees hold extreme sentimental value. Our abundance of olive trees have been producing olives for hundreds of years! Palestinian Arab Americans often cook Middle Eastern meals at home. Each dish starts with our village-made olive oil. A popular arab dish is Maklouba. Maklouba is a dish made with either chicken or beef. A pot lined with meat, rice and fried vegetables. Maklooba translates to “upside down.” This is because when the dish is ready, it is flipped upside down onto a large platter before serving. Another dish my kids absolutely love is stuffed grape leaves, called Warik Enib. It is stuffed with seasoned rice and beef, cooked to perfection and then served hot with a side of Kebbeh or lentil soup. Most Arabs are either Christian, Catholics, or Muslims. All three religions live harmoniously together in Arab countries all over the world. One fact most people do not know is that an Arab is a person, and Arabic is the language.
Next time you meet an Arab, greet them with “Salam” and you will see their face light up with joy.