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.