Bridgeview, Illinois, has declared itself to be “Little Palestine,” according to reports. A sign now recognizes a portion of Harlem Avenue as “Little Palestine.” The area is home to one of the largest Palestinian populations in the U.S.
“As a Palestinian walking here in the Little Palestine area, seeing all these businesses, all these Palestinian businesses, you can find anything you want,” Al-Wawi told CBS News Chicago. He said, “There’s a big Palestinian community here, we’re very proud to be part of little Palestine here in Bridgeview.”
A restaurant owner told the outlet that the sign “means a lot for me, it means a lot for the community.” The resident added, “It’s an honor and a responsibility at the same time. You’re trying to let people know that your culture has good fine dining,” and further stated, “My hope for the future is to bring more awareness that, not to judge just off of one person or one group.”
The sign is the result of HJR0046, which designates “Harlem Avenue in Chicago from 79th Street to 111th Street as Little Palestine Way in honor of the countless contributions of the Palestinian-American community.” It commends “both past and present generations of Palestinian-American leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, cultural organizers, women’s organizations, faith leaders, and families for ensuring that Harlem Avenue remains a thriving hub of Palestinian-American life, identity, and contribution in Illinois.
The sign’s unveiling occurred as part of Arab American Heritage Month and aims to assist visitors in adopting what CBS News called a “deeper understanding of the people and culture.”
