May 20, 2004
Governor James McGreevy
Trenton, NJ
Re: New Jersey Arab Heritage Commission
Dear Governor McGreevy:
I write to you today to seek your help in establishing a state commission to
promote the cultural heritage of the citizens of New Jersey who trace their
ancestry to the Arab world.
There are 250,000 Arabs in New Jersey, many of whom hold critical positions in
business, public and private institutions. Arab American immigration to New
Jersey began in the late 19th century. To our dismay, our significant
contributions to New Jersey’s rich mosaic has been ignored, or at best
forgotten. This, we believe must change.
We envision the commission to consist of 13 members and to become a permanent
statutory body established in the Department of Education. The duties of the
commission would include giving assistance to public and nonpublic schools on
the positive contributions and achievement of Arabs and Arab-Americans in our
society. They would also encourage recognition of those values, both cultural
and historical, which are deeply rooted in the Arab heritage. The
commission will be charged with the responsibility to develop and implement
educational and awareness programs to educate our citizens to these important
contributions. It is vital that our youth begin to understand the efforts made
by other ethnic and religious groups within our society. Tolerance is born out
of education and through education comes an understanding that the only way to
truly be American is to recognize diversity and the advantages it affords.
Presenting many sides of diversity is imperative to giving our students a
well-rounded and broad understanding of the world outside our borders. It is
only through education and understanding, tolerance and acceptance that we will
be able to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous global world. I
look forward to hearing from you soon.
The Commission, once established, will fulfill a much-desired dream of the Arab
American community in New Jersey. We look forward to discussing this matter with
you in person.
Respectfully,
Aref Assaf, PhD
American Arab Forum of New Jersey, President
P.S. I am a member of the State’s Ethnic Advisory Commission.