Friday, October 31, 2008
It widely known that New Jersey has long been a gateway
to America, luring people from all over the world in search
of a better life. But even longtime residents may not
realize that the Gar den State has the second-highest
percentage of Americans of Arab ancestry of any state.
The New Jersey Arab-American Heritage Commission recently
created by Gov. Jon Corzine will help remedy that by
educating students and the public about Arab-Americans' many
contributions to the state and nation.
The 25-member commission has a worthy story to tell.
Arab- Americans serve at the highest levels of the military
and the government and hold leading spots in the sciences
and the arts.
New Jersey is one of the most prominent centers of the
Arab- American population in the country. The 70,000
Arab-Americans here make up nearly 1 percent of the Garden
State's population, a percentage that is second only to the
community's presence in Michigan.
Spreading knowledge and information about the state's
numerous ethnic groups is vital. New Jersey is a diverse
place and is getting more diverse. That diversity is one of
our greatest strengths, ensuring the state a steady supply
of new ideas, new energy and fresh perspectives.
The beauty of America has always been that, despite the
challenges it presents, diversity has ultimately enriched
rather than divided us as a people. The state Arab-American
Heritage Commission will contribute to that proud history.
