I've been writing about the current immigrant (and Arab) experiences in Brooklyn and New York. This piece by Public Radio International highlights the history of the Arab community's experience in the city. Those who are seeking to preserve that legacy of what is called "Little Syria", beneath what is now the Battery Tunnel and the site of the World Trade Center, are fighting to preserve one six story building. I find interesting that the "Save Washington Street" efforts have the power to affect not only immigrants in New York City, but-- as the piece mentions-- can become a shining reinforcement of the American Dream to Arab immigrants in other parts of the country, too.

If you click on the picture or link above, you can go to the article and either read it or listen to the MP3.

I find many people are surprised to discover how far back the Arab American experience goes.
Did you realize the roots go as far back as the 1800's?

By Denise Romano, Aslan Media Columnist