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
    • Submit Press Release
  • 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
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Toggle search form
  • Iowa Arab American Legislator Sami Scheetz
    ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78 American Arabs
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval American Arabs
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez American Arabs
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award Business
  • ADALAH confronts racist laws
    Civil Society Organizations to the Israeli Supreme Court: Cancel the Racist Admissions Committees Law Activism
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist American Arabs
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees American Arabs
  • Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Wikipedia
    Flooding slams Wayne County in Detroit Michigan: Dingell releases statement of support Michigan
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture Arab World
  • The names and faces of the 14 Palestinian engaged in an open hunger strike to demand freedom from administrative detention, imprisonment without charge or trial. Graphic by Samidoun. You can join Samidoun's campaign here and find useful resources.
    Palestinians mount hunger strike campaign against administrative detention Arab World
  • “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights,” McCormick Place, August 14-18, for the largest, worldwide gathering of global, faith-based, and social change leaders. 
    Largest global interfaith gathering coming to Chicago this week Christian & Muslim
  • State rep. Cyril Nichols, Democrat, 32nd Illinois House District
    Relationship between Arab Americans and African Americans needs more balance, Black State Rep says American Arabs
  • Syropotamia Online Magazine logo
    SYROPOTAMIA online magazine launched to Illuminate Arab American Stories American Arabs
  • Detroit’s true freedom fighters, activist, trailblazer, and leader Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson who died on July 10, 2023
    AHRC Mourns the passing of Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Freedom Fighter and Detroit Icon American Arabs
  • Abed Ayoub ADC National Director (Aug. 2022)
    ADC launches Arab American Business Advisory Council American Arabs
Ali Gadelhak

More Arab Americans should run for public office

Posted on October 31, 2018October 31, 2018 By Ali Gadelhak No Comments on More Arab Americans should run for public office
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

Loading

More Arab Americans should run for public office

By Ali Gadelhak

Ali Gadelhak
Ali Gadelhak

There are about 450,000 Arab Americans in the Chicagoland area and about 1.7 million Arab Americans in the United States. Of the 535 seats in Congress, Arab Americans occupy seven of them. America needs more Arab Americans in office – at all levels of government. It’s not an issue of proportionality, but rather the diverse life experiences Arab Americans can bring to the table.

Arab Americans are immigrants. Most Arab Americans in the U.S. are first- or second-generation Americans. A not-so-far cry from Irish immigrants of yesterday who subject to signs on stores bearing the big, red letters “NINA” (standing for No Irish Need Apply). While we’ve come a long way since then and passed human rights laws, the sentiment is still present – especially in a post-9/11 world. In this regard, many Arab Americans can identify with other disenfranchised minorities of America. A Congress-person who has lived through the hardships of their constituents is much more effective than a Congress-person who has knowledge of their hardships.

There’s also another crucial immigration-related issue on the national stage that Arab Americans have a stake in: Trump’s devastating immigration policies. There is yet to be a single issue that has bought the Arab- and Latino-American population closer together. Through Trump’s Muslim ban and family separation policy, the two communities have unified their voice and said, “Although the harm on our communities may appear different, it is coming from the same destructive hand”. An Arab American politician ought to understand the intersectionality in the current immigration issue.

Arab Americans are diverse. The premier Arab American think tank based in D.C., the Arab American Institute, considers Americans having origins in 22 countries to be Arab Americans. Those countries include Egypt, Somalia, Qatar, and Sudan. Countries in both Asia and Africa. Countries that each have their own native dialect and different languages altogether.

Countries that have unique foods, political systems, customs, fashion, and way of life. What’s more, about 65% of Arab American population is Christian – a distinct picture from the one we are used to: that Arab is synonymous with Muslim. If there is one thing Arab Americans are good at, it’s connecting with each other through our similarities and cherishing one another’s differences.

An Arab American elected official would be capable of uniting people based on their similar causes and interests and showing respect when they diverge.
Arab Americans are educated yet often come from humble beginnings. About 89% of Arab American adults have high school diplomas. 45% have bachelor’s degrees, compared to 27% of Americans at large. 18% of Arab Americans have a post-graduate degree, which is nearly twice the American average of 10 percent.

However, the modern education system is broken. Student loan debt has surpassed $1 trillion in the U.S. A bachelor’s degree is no longer a ticket to the American dream. Graduates are being told they “need more experience” despite being ambitious and intelligent. Let’s understand one thing: A college education is priceless. The purpose of education can be found in Ancient Rome where people learned for the sake of increasing their wealth of knowledge – and not necessarily to just get a job. But the U.S. needs more people who understand the value of a good education, yet don’t take it for granted.

Most of the Arab Americans I grew up with and went to college with required some form of financial aid (including myself) because our parents simply couldn’t write a tuition check every semester. A good politician is a true representative of the people. One who understands that quality college education should be available to everyone who so wishes to attend, without being saddled with mountains of debt.

Arab Americans have become an integral part of American society. As with other negative things in life, the bigotry and misunderstanding directed at our population shall too pass with time, as I often remind those closest to me. But to not have more Arab Americans run for public office would do an extreme disservice to the great people of this country. We are in a unique position where we can relate to the issues facing our brothers and sisters across the country.

The time to bring our life experiences to the table was yesterday.

(Ali Gadelhak is an Illinois Assistant Attorney General in Lisa Madigan’s Special Prosecutions Bureau where he prosecutes white-collar crimes. He is a life-long resident of Chicago’s northside. Email him at gadelhak.ali@gmail.com.)

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ali Gadelhak
Ali Gadelhak
Ali Gadelhak
Latest posts by Ali Gadelhak (see all)
  • More Arab Americans should run for public office - October 31, 2018

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
Ali Gadelhak, American Arabs, Bloggers, Commentary, Election, mainstream, Opinion, Politics Tags:Ali Gadelhak, Arab American candidates, candidates, election, elections, Government, public office, public service, run for office, voting

Post navigation

Previous Post: Arab themes dominate 32nd Annual Israeli Film Festival in Los Angeles
Next Post: Waves Burst from Time to Time

Related Posts

  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promised to ensure that Arabs and Muslims will be included in his administration during a visit he made to celebrate the Eid Al Adha with Chicagoland's Muslim community.
    Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promises to support Arabs and Muslims Activism
  • Defending American lives, only when it’s politically convenient American Arabs
  • Gulf Nations right in demanding Al-Jazeera be closed Arab News
  • Neo-Secularists, Neo-Islamists and coup in Turkey Abdennour Toumi
  • World Jewish Congress Chairman Ronald S. Lauder
    World Jewish Congress leader Ronald Lauder predicts peace will spread to Palestinians Arab News
  • Trump’s Wall, Today’s Military, and a 9/11 Reflection Arab World

More Related Articles

Congress courtesy of Wikipedia Arab American presence in U.S. Congress at risk American Arabs
FEAR, September 11, TREASON, Media, and Mordechai Vanunu Arab World
Ilhan Omar and The Progressives Arab World
Daesh: Social Media War on ISIS and BS American Arabs
Jerusalem Post columnist twists the facts Arab World
Everyday Items reflect stereotypes of “Them”  American Arabs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
    September 27, 2023
  • Ali Mohamed Ahmed Osman Charge d’Affaires Embassy Sudan Tokyo
    The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
    September 23, 2023
  • Windows at many American Arab owned stores were broken the day after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 14 Americans who "looked' Middle Eastern were murdered in the six months after the terrorism by Americans, most of whom were never prosecuted. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims
    September 11, 2023
  • Magdi A. Mofadal is the ambassador of Sudan to Austria
    Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan
    August 28, 2023
  • grab634.jpg
  • Ziyad-300x300FIndStore.jpg
  • NEWS
  • Iowa Arab American Legislator Sami Scheetz
    ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78
    September 27, 2023
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
    September 27, 2023
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
    September 27, 2023
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
    September 22, 2023
  • NEWSWIRE
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
    September 27, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist
    September 19, 2023
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees
    September 18, 2023
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture
    August 18, 2023

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.

Events

  • Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    16 Sep 23
  • Huna al Quds exhibit opens at Museum of the Palestinian People
    Huna al Quds exhibit opens at Museum of the Palestinian People
    29 Sep 23
    Washington D.C.
  • Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    30 Sep 23
  • US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    15 Oct 23
    Oak Brook
  • Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    1 Nov 23
    Bolingbrook

POPULAR POSTS

  • AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) is pleased to announce its ... posted on September 18, 2023
  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics The RSF mutiny's resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics By Ali Mohamed Ahmed ... posted on September 23, 2023
  • Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims ... posted on September 11, 2023
  • Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan By Magdi A. Mofadal Sudan’s partners are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating ... posted on August 28, 2023
  • Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Salem Furrha and his eight children @theFurrhaFamily on TikTok and Instagram represent ... posted on February 6, 2021
  • Regional and International Stakes in Sudan’s Stability Regional and International Stakes in Sudan’s Stability By Magdi A. Mofadal Sudan has been grappling with the gravest catastrophe in ... posted on July 14, 2023

Recent Posts

  • ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78
  • American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
  • Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Glory to God int he Lowest by Author Rev. Donald Wagner
    Book Review: Glory to God in the Lowest: journeys to an unholy land
    February 18, 2023
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Comedian Ahmed Ahmed at The Comedy Bar in Chicago June 9 - 11, 2023
    Comedian Ahmed Ahmed performs in Chicago June 9-11, 2023 at The Comedy Bar
    June 9, 2023
  • Ziyad Food item
    Essential recipes and ingredients during Ramadan 
    April 4, 2023
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
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 © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme