Although most Americans appear to be closely aligned with European society, the country is far more diverse than one might think. Almost all ethnicities, races and religions exist in Uncle Sam’s country, including those of Palestinian descent. In fact, there is one location in New Jersey, USA, which is known as Little Palestine.
According to Now This News, Little Palestine is an area where the Arab community in the United States lives and gathers. At least 15 thousand Arab citizens live there, and most of them are Palestinian.
What’s the atmosphere like there? How did this village come to be in the first place? Check out the following facts!
A Glimpse into Little Palestine in the US
Little Palestine by AS/Photo: LA Times
Little Palestine, also known as Little Ramallah, refers to the location formerly known as South Paterson. The location itself is in Paterson, New Jersey, which is still part of the New York City metropolitan area. This location is indeed a settlement for Arabs from various countries, with some of them coming from Palestine.
On May 15, 2023, the South Paterson neighborhood renamed its street “Main Street” to “Palestine Way,” as reported by Public Square Amplified. This was proposed by Alaa Al Abdelaziz, who at that time was the first Palestinian-American to serve on the city council. This proposal was also approved by Council President Maritza Davila, with an 8-1 vote in favor of the name change.
The change of name of this road coincides with the commemoration of the Nakba incident, which occurred on May 15, 1948. Although the replacement of the “Palestine Way” road plaque was approved on March 29, 2022, the inauguration was only carried out later as a reminder of the dark history experienced by Palestinians in the past. .
History of Little Palestine
Description of the Nakba Event in 1948/Photo: Reuters
The Arab community here emerged due to waves of Arab immigration to the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of them came looking for new economic opportunities and freedom.
Initially, this location was dominated by Lebanese and Syrian Arabs. However, South Paterson has also been a magnet for Palestinians since the 1890s, where this location has always been the main destination for immigrants.
Since the Nakba tragedy in 1948, more and more expelled Palestinians have moved to this location. The Nakba itself was the moment of the Palestinian exodus, at which time at least 700 thousand residents were forcibly expelled as a result of the Arab-Israeli war. Over time, this community grew and formed areas in various cities in the United States.
The atmosphere of Little Ramallah, Miniature Palestine in the Center of the United States
Life on Palestine Way/Photo: LA Times
Because most of the residents are of Arab descent, especially Palestinians, it is not surprising that the atmosphere here is really similar to the real Middle East region. Shops, restaurants and cultural centers almost all emphasize Arab identity.
Little Palestine has become a business center for the Arab community. There are shops selling typical Middle Eastern products, such as spices, olive oil and traditional clothing. Restaurants and cafes serving authentic Arabic dishes are the main attraction. Falafel, kebabs, and desserts such as baklava can all be found here.
This area is also often a center of cultural activity, so many events and festivals are held that celebrate Arab culture, including musical performances, traditional dances and art exhibitions. It is not surprising that this location has always been “home” for Arab travelers.
Considered One of the Safest Locations in the US
Palestine Way/Foto: X.com
Based on netizens’ comments on Now This News posts on Instagram, most people think that “Little Ramallah” is a fun location to visit. Even with Paterson’s reputation as a crime-prone area, Palestine Way is known to be very safe, with minimal crime, clean and well-maintained.
Not the Only Arab Village in the United States
Little Palestine di Brooklyn, AS/Foto: Getty Images
In fact, Palestine Way in Paterson, New Jersey is not the only location inhabited by an Arab community. Several neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York, are also often nicknamed Little Palestine because of the diversity of the Arab community that lives there. Cobble Hill and Atlantic Avenue are known for having businesses owned by people of Arab descent.
The community is still vulnerable to discrimination
Palestine Way/Photo: LA Times
While Little Palestine offers cultural immediacy and a sense of “hometown” for Arab communities, they can also face challenges, including stereotypes and widespread societal perceptions related to conflict in the Middle East.
Before Palestine Way was inaugurated, most residents seemed to have to hide themselves from the public. However, with this name change, they are bolder in appearing and facing various slanted views about their nation.
Little Palestine is not just the name of an area, but a symbol of the diversity and rich culture that forms an integral part of life in the United States. Behind the walls of shops and the smell of spices, there are stories about the struggles, successes, and daily lives of the Arab communities that make up an important part of the diversity of the United States.
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