HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-15 - Palestinian Cultural DayProclamation
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Lydia Kou
Mayor
PALESTINIAN CULTURAL DAY
May 15, 2023
WHEREAS, for over a century, the Palestinian American community, which accounts for a portion of the Arab
American community, has been making valuable contributions to many aspects of American society; and
WHEREAS, Palestinians can trace their roots back to the Canaanites, who inhabited the land west of the Jordan
River and the Dead Sea; and
WHEREAS, on May 15th every year, Palestinians commemorate al-Nakba, which refers to the uprooting and
permanent displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians in 1948; and
WHEREAS, this year marks the 75th anniversary of al-Nakba; and
WHEREAS, Palestinians living in Santa Clara County will hold the 21st annual Palestinian Cultural Day that honors
the local Palestinian community and its civic contributions in the fields of business, engineering, law, and medicine, as
well as cultural contributions in the areas of poetry, literature, dance, and music; and
WHEREAS, there is opportunity for better understanding of the history of Palestinians in the U.S. in order to combat
Islamophobia, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate-crimes and speech; and
WHEREAS, Palestinian American concerns, such as civil rights abuses, harmful misconceptions and stereotypes,
and bullying must be addressed especially through education, awareness, and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the Palestinian American community, including those
who live, work and play in City of Palo Alto, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto shares an obligation to condemn and combat anti-Palestinian hate and prejudice
wherever it exists, to include Palestinian Americans in civic life, and to support local education about our Palestinian
community.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Palo Alto hereby proclaims May 15, 2023 as Palestinian
Cultural Day in celebration of, and appreciation for, the achievements and contributions made by members of our
Palestinian community.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Palo Alto will continue efforts to confront all
forms of hate impacting the Palestinian community and stands with the Palestinian community against bigotry and
injustice in our city and country.
PRESENTED: May 15, 2023