1. Arab Americans

2. The Arab World

3. Immigration (1st wave) Lebanese - 1880’s
Steady stream of Arabs until 1924 (quota system)
Most came in search of employment (farmers and blue collar workers)

4. Immigration (2nd wave) Since WWII- mostly Arab Muslims
Since ,000/year
Reason- escaping war in Middle East
Most are white collar workers

5. Population/Location 3 million 90% live in major cities (Dearborn, MI)
MAP

6. Religion Majority are Christians Islam
5 Pillars: declaration of faith, giving alms to the poor, pilgrimage to Mecca, praying 5X day, fasting during Ramadan
Ramadan: 9th month of the lunar calendar
Koran (Quran): holy book
Shiite vs Sunni (most are Sunni)

7. Culture
Central elements- family, food ,festivals (keeping in touch w/ extended family is important)
High value on education
Generally have negative feelings on dating and premarital sex, especially for women
Arranged marriage is common among more recent immigrants

8. Discrimination
US support of Israel (Jews) instead of Palestinians (Muslims) in their fight over the holy land
Tend to live in same communities and therefore viewed as threat (terrorism)
Racial Profiling

9. Honor Killings Amina Said and Sarah Said Sandeela Kanwal Palestina Isa
On New Year's Day, 2008, Yaser Said was accused of killing his daughters Amina (18) and Sarah (17) after finding out they had boyfriends (named Eddie and Eric, respectively). Said remains at large and has been featured on America's Most Wanted.
Sandeela Kanwal
In July 2008, John P. Avlon (of the New York Post) claimed that the death of 25-year-old Sandeela Kanwal (allegedly by Chaudhry Rashid) as an "American Honor Killing.“
Palestina Isa
Zein Isa was a Palestinian immigrant living in St. Louis, who was responsible for the honor killing of his 16-year old daughter Palestina (also known as Tina) in After learning that Palestina had taken a part-time job without her parents' permission, and dated an African American boyfriend, wife Maria held down Palestina, who was then repeatedly stabbed by Zein.