Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Podcast Info
    • Hanania Podcast intro
    • Live Arab Radio
  • Your Views
  • Submit Press Release
  • Toggle search form
  • The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (American FRRME) helping Christians in Iraq
    New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs Arab World
  • Winter in Bekaa Lebanon January 2015 Photo courtesy of NRC Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
    AHRC Observes World Refugee Day American Arabs
  • Endorsements: Democrats in the Illinois June 28, 2022 Primary election Activism
  • The Arab Daily News candidate endorsements: Cook County, Illinois American Arabs
  • Endorsements: Republicans in the Illinois Republican Primary Election June 28, 2022 Election
  • Joseph Gutman was appointed by Gov. Pritzker to serve as a Member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Gutman was a Partner at BDT & Company from 2017 until retiring in January 2020 where he remains a consultant today.
    Gov Pritzker makes more appointments to state commissions, boards but no Arabs American Arabs
  • World Jewish Congress Chairman Ronald S. Lauder
    WJC President Ronald S. Lauder Receives France’s Top Distinction  Activism
  • Project DYNAMO rescues more than 600 people from Mariupol, Ukraine over the last week Major Mariupol rescue operation conducted by Project DYNAMO, more than 480 people from Mariupol as city under violent siege falling to Russian forces. 
    Project DYNAMO rescues more than 600 people from Mariupol, Ukraine over the last week Human Rights
  • US Congressman Sean Casten, 6th District, Illinois
    Congressman Sean Casten joins Ray Hanania Radio Show American Arabs
  • The U.S.S. Liberty photo courtesy of the USS Liberty Veterans.
    Survivors of Israel’s strike on USS Liberty commemorate 55th year June 6 – 8 American Arabs
  • Imad Hamad Director American Human Rights Council
    AHRC Calls for Moral Consistency on Human Rights, Urges President Biden to Pause His Trip to Israel: American Arabs
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC hosts an open meeting with TSA & community Activism
  • Former City Hall reporter Ray Hanania, ShawnTe Raines-Welch and Nick Kantas, candidates for Judge in the 4th SubCircuit, and Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar.
    Nearly 100 candidates, officials address Arab Democratic Club forum Sunday American Arabs
  • Citgo Gas Station and Quik Mart at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago ordered closed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot because a street gang member with an AK-47 killed someone in front of the store. Only Arab and Muslim stores are being closed by the Mayor
    Arabs and Muslim blast Mayor lightfoot for racist store closings American Arabs
  • Closure notice posted on the doors and windows of Arab American businesses during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's closure of Arab owned stores in June - Sept. 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Chicago aldermen to host “forum” to explore Mayor Lightfoot’s racist crackdown on Arab stores Activism
Salameh Zanayed Arabs of Chicagoland Book. Photo courtesy of Salameh Zanayed

Arab community mourns passing of Salameh Zanayed

Posted on May 20, 2018May 20, 2018 By rayhanania No Comments on Arab community mourns passing of Salameh Zanayed
SHARE ...
202         
 
  
202
Shares

  • Tweet

Arab community mourns passing of Salameh Zanayed

An icon of the Arab American community died on May 13, 2018. Salameh Zanayed was a pillar and pioneer for achievement in Arab activism, Arab media and in empowering Arab Americans in regional government in Chicago and Illinois. He was adept at diplomacy in juggling the many rival and competing interests that plagued Chicagoland’s Arab American community and he kept the community together for nine years, until his retirement.

By Ray Hanania

One of the icons of the Chicagoland Arab American community, Salameh Ibrahim Zanayed, passed away on May 13, 2018.

A Palestinian Arab immigrant from Ramallah in occupied Palestine, Zanayed was a long time activist and one of the community’s first cable TV and radio broadcasters.

Zanayed arrived in Chicago as a student on Sept. 2, 1961 as an engineering student. Salameh married his sweetheart, Nadia, and worked as an accountant with the Brunswick Corporation until 1969 when he opened Amana Certified with his brother, Khalil at 3939 N. Ashland. A year later, he opened Jett Travel.

On Sept. 9, 1991, Salameh became the first Arab American to host an Arab TV show, for five years.

“It was called the Voice of the Middle East. It was on Channel 26 and the host was Assyrian leader Klamis Ganji. Later we sold it to Issa Tadros. On May 1, 1985, the two Arabic radio stations closed, including the Voice of Palestine, and one by Tobia Hashem,” Zanayed told me during an interview for my book “Arabs of Chicagoland” published in 2005 by Arcadia Publishing.

Salameh Zanayed Arabs of Chicagoland Book. Photo courtesy of Salameh Zanayed
Salameh Zanayed Arabs of Chicagoland Book. Photo courtesy of Salameh Zanayed

Salameh Zanayed was also the host of the first Arabic language radio program for 15 years.But with the change over of the radio show, Salameh did not lose his interest in launching a professional Arab American television program, and he again launched another TV show called “Good Evening Chicago (Mesall Khair Chicago).

“When the two radio stations closed, I decided to open my own radio program on May 1, 1985 and I kept it through 1994. It was very successful. In 1994, I turned it over to Yousef Shebli who now is the host,” Zanayed told me.

Nationally, Salameh served as the National President of the Ramallah Federation, which is the largest Palestinian American organization in the United States. Salameh Zanayed served as one of two Ramallah representatives to the Palestinian National Council.

He also served as a past president of St. George Church, now located in Cicero and one of the largest Christian Orthodox Arab American churches in Chicagoland. It is headed by Father Nicholas Dahdal. And he was involved as chairman of the board of directors of the Phoenician Club which named him Man of the Year in 1985.

Additionally, he wrote and published three books of Arabic poetry. One of his published books of his poetry is called “The Birth of the Dawn.”

But his most influential position in terms of helping Arab Americans has been his role and involvement in getting Mayor Harold Washington to establish the Arab Advisory Commission. In the 90s his political dream came true with the creation of the Arab Advisory Council under Mayor Harold Washington.

Eventually, working with dozens of other Arab American leaders in Chicago, the Arab Advisory Commission was created and Salameh was selected as its first Executive Director of the Human Relations of Arab Affairs in the City of Chicago, and Community Liaison to the Arab American community. With Salameh’s help, Mayor Daley launched the annual reception each November to honor Chicago’s Arab American community. It is the first time a major elected official has recognized our community and Mayor Daley’s role has opened many doors that have been previously closed.

The Arab Advisory Commission was closed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel following Emanuel’s election as mayor in 2011. Emanuel also ended the annual commemoration of Arab Heritage Month in November of each year that Zanayed helped launch. Currently, there is an effort to designate April as National Arab American Heritage month to sidestep Mayor Emanuel’s rejection of the Arab community.

Salameh Zanayed retired after nine years as director of the Human Relations Commission’s Advisory Council on Arab Affairs on May 16, 2000, and he was succeeded by Sahar H. Mawlawi, who reigned over the commission’s demise. No one could come close to the talent that Salameh Zanayed had in diplomacy and dealing with the various Arab American political organizations and activists. Under his watch, the Arab Advisory Commission was an influential Chicago city department.

To reward his service to the community, former Illinois Governor George Ryan proclaimed March 23, 2000 as Salameh Zanayed day in the state of Illinois. The resolution was presented to Zanayed at a community dinner I helped organize at the Westin Hotel in Chicago where more than 400 community leaders celebrated Zanayed’s achievements and his retirement. Among the officials who recognized Zanayed were Chicago Alderman Edward M.. Burke, Mayor Richard M. Daley and several members of the Illinois Legislature.

Salameh Zanayed is survived by his beloved wife, Nadia of 55 years; Devoted father of Rana (Frank) Shunnarah, Ronnie Zanayed, Roala (Khalid) Baba and Rita (Ramiz) Sweiss; Fond grandfather of Musa, Jacqueline, Alexander, Briana, Eli, Mark, Chloe, Paul and Kayla; Dear brother of Sami, Fadlallah (Rima), Zarifeh (Issa Diab), and sister-in-laws Kamra and Huda. Born in Ramallah, Palestine on September 30, 1936. He came to Chicago in 1961, and married his wife Nadia in 1962. They raised four beautiful children.
Salameh Zanayed was a devoted family man, loving husband and caring father. He was an inspiration to all the lives he touched, and lived a rich life with an unwavering faith in God. He is reunited with his parents, and brothers, Khalil, Issa, Elias and sister-in-law Hanneh and Yusra. Visitation Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1220 S. 60th Ct., Cicero from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Services held Thursday at St. George Church at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held at Elmwood Cemetery.
(Ray Hanania is an award winning columnist, author and former Chicago City Hall political reporter. Reach Hanania at his personal website at www.Hanania.com or by email at rghanania@gmal.com.)

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
rayhanania
rayhanania
Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster at The Arab Daily News
RAY HANANIA — Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster

Ray Hanania is an award winning political and humor columnist who analyzes American and Middle East politics, and life in general. He is an author of several books.

Hanania covered Chicago Politics and Chicago City Hall from 1976 through 1992 at the Daily Southtown and the Chicago Sun-Times. He began writing in 1975 publishing The Middle Eastern Voice newspaper in Chicago (1975-1977). He later published “The National Arab American Times” newspaper (2004-2007).

Hanania writes weekly columns on Middle East and American Arab issues as Special US Correspondent for the Arab News ArabNews.com, at TheArabDailyNews.com, and at SuburbanChicagoland.com. He has published weekly columns in the Jerusalem Post newspaper, YNetNews.com, Newsday, the Orlando Sentinel, Houston Chronical, and Arlington Heights Daily Herald.

Hanania is the recipient of four (4) Chicago Headline Club “Peter Lisagor Awards” for Column writing. In November 2006, he was named “Best Ethnic American Columnist” by the New American Media. In 2009, Hanania received the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award for Writing from the Society of Professional Journalists. He is the recipient of the MT Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award. He was honored for his writing skills with two (2) Chicago Stick-o-Type awards from the Chicago Newspaper Guild. In 1990, Hanania was nominated by the Chicago Sun-Times editors for a Pulitzer Prize for his four-part series on the Palestinian Intifada.

His writings have also been honored by two national Awards from ADC for his writing, and from the National Arab American Journalists Association.

Hanania is the US Special Correspondent for the Arab News Newspaper, covering Middle East and Arab American issues. He writes for the Southwest News newspaper group writing on mainstream American issues.

Click here to send Ray Hanania email.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
rayhanania
Latest posts by rayhanania (see all)
  • New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs - June 20, 2022
  • AHRC Observes World Refugee Day - June 20, 2022
  • Gov Pritzker makes more appointments to state commissions, boards but no Arabs - June 17, 2022

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
202         
 
  
202
Shares
 
203
Shares
202    1    
 
 Tweet 
American Arabs, Arab American History, Journalism, mainstream, News, Obits, Palestine & Jordan, Television, US Arab Politics Tags:Advisory Commission on Arab Affairs, Arab American activism, Mayor Harold Washington, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Obit, Obituary, Palestinian, Ramallah, Salameh Zanayed

Post navigation

Previous Post: If Bob Dylan Were Palestinian “Blowin’ in the Wind” Would Blow the Doors off Israel’s Occupation
Next Post: Cody O’Rourke a Good Dad from the Holy Land Telling the Truth: Florida and Michigan May-June 2018

Related Posts

  • Teen killings in Chicago parallel killings in Palestine American Arabs
  • Girl Fighters, new book on Yemen Book Cune Press
    New Book: Girl Fighters: Break Tradition in Yemen  Arab World
  • Republicans, Democrats ignore Arab rights American Arabs
  • ZOA hypocrite Klein blasts Lufthansa for bias American Arabs
  • Solidarity Hunger Strikes Continue in Tampa, FL for Khader Adnan Arab World
  • Alexey Navalny, photo courtesy of Wikipedia. Creative Commons license
    Russia: UN experts say Navalny poisoning sends clear, sinister warning to critics Europe

More Related Articles

Obama, Kerry mourn murdered journalist James Foley News
Speaker addresses gathering at the annual MAS/ICNA Convention. Photo courtesy of MAS Muslim Charity to Distribute 20,000 Pounds of Meat and 2,000 Backpacks & School Supplies  American Arabs
Israeli soldiers abuse civil rights of Palestinians everyday. Photo courtesy of the Good Shepherd Collective Good Shepherd Collective needs your help to fight Annexation, Demolitions, and more Arab World
Clinton panders on Middle East, Sanders offers solutions American Arabs
New One-State Foundation launched in Netherlands Arab World
Syrian refugee invents system to irrigate drought American Arabs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Nearly four years in office, Pritzker fails to deliver on promises to Arab Americans
    June 12, 2022
  • Palestinian refugees forced to flee their homes at gunpoint by Jewish terrorist groups operating in Palestine in the 1930s, 1940s and after Israel was created on May 14, 1948. Photo courtesy of the United Nations
    Unresolved status of Palestinian rights makes UNRWA essential
    May 7, 2022
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • Hollywood Sign
    Will Smith violence takes Oscar protests to dangerous level
    March 31, 2022
  • NEWS
  • The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (American FRRME) helping Christians in Iraq
    New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs
    June 20, 2022
  • Winter in Bekaa Lebanon January 2015 Photo courtesy of NRC Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
    AHRC Observes World Refugee Day
    June 20, 2022
  • Joseph Gutman was appointed by Gov. Pritzker to serve as a Member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Gutman was a Partner at BDT & Company from 2017 until retiring in January 2020 where he remains a consultant today.
    Gov Pritzker makes more appointments to state commissions, boards but no Arabs
    June 17, 2022
  • Endorsements: Republicans in the Illinois Republican Primary Election June 28, 2022
    June 16, 2022
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Imad Hamad Director American Human Rights Council
    AHRC Calls for Moral Consistency on Human Rights, Urges President Biden to Pause His Trip to Israel:
    May 24, 2022
  • The U.S.S. Liberty photo courtesy of the USS Liberty Veterans.
    Survivors of Israel’s strike on USS Liberty commemorate 55th year June 6 – 8
    May 23, 2022
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC hosts an open meeting with TSA & community
    May 19, 2022
  • Closure notice posted on the doors and windows of Arab American businesses during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's closure of Arab owned stores in June - Sept. 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Chicago aldermen to host forum on Arab businesses closed by Mayor Lightfoot
    April 15, 2022

The Tabboun Column

The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
  • Tabboun
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    The Political Grapevine/The Tabboun, Friday Dec. 16, 2021
    December 16, 2021
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    Tabboun: Chicago remains strongest Palestine voice
    September 7, 2016
  • The Tabboun: Israeli human rights violations hit
    June 30, 2016
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    Tabboun: Himes questions troop deployment to Syria
    November 3, 2015
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    The Tabboun: Dearborn removes statue of racist former mayor
    September 29, 2015

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • ZiyadBrandLogo-2016BlackRedBackgrnd.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Ad-Pantry-essentials.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Sices-Ad.jpg
  • HANANIA Arab News Op-Eds
  • Ukraine conflict gives Palestinians chance to redefine their conflict
    March 9, 2022
  • Mishmeshan PHC medical center destroyed in Syrian Government assaults. Photo courtesy of UOSSM Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations
    President Biden’s dyslexic policy in Syria is a mess
    October 20, 2021
  • Annissa Essaibi George and family
    Annissa Essaibi George faces “race hypocrisy” in campaign to be Boston Mayor
    October 20, 2021
  • Jerusalem image of Jews and Arabs walking together. Shutterstock. Courtesy of Arab News Newspaper
    Jewish Michigan lawmaker leads push for Two State Solution
    October 7, 2021
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib, book cover. Photo courtesy of Cune Press
    Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib
    November 1, 2021
  • Girl Fighters, new book on Yemen Book Cune Press
    New Book: Girl Fighters: Break Tradition in Yemen 
    October 25, 2021
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • American Arab CHamber President HassanNijem accepts the Proclamation from Chicago Ald. Roderick Sawyer at the Chamber dinner March 30, 2022
    Chicagoland celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
    March 31, 2022
  • Hollywood Sign
    Will Smith violence takes Oscar protests to dangerous level
    March 31, 2022
  • 03-30-22 Arab Chamber Heritage Month Flyer
    Arab Chamber to host Arab Heritage Month dinner March 30
    March 14, 2022
  • “Rupture”, the psychological thriller produced by MBC STUDIOS, has won Best Saudi Film at the 2021 Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF).
    MBC GROUP’s Rupture wins Best Saudi Film at the inaugural Red Sea International Film Festival
    December 15, 2021
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2022 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme