Biden calls on all Americans to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month

US President Joe Biden on Friday proclaimed April 2023 as Arab American Heritage Month and called upon "all Americans to learn more about the history, culture, and achievements of Arab Americans".

Biden encouraged Americans to observe the month "with appropriate programs and activities".

"Ours is a Nation shaped by the immigrant’s heart, and generations of brave and hopeful people from across all countries, including from the Arab world," the US president said.

The State Department declared April as Arab American Heritage Month for the first time in 2021.

"This Arab American Heritage Month, let us all strive to honor our fundamental values and advance equity and opportunity for all people, affirming once again that diversity is our country’s greatest strength," Biden added.

The president highlighted that Arab American achievements are reflected across various industries including "the arts and sciences; in businesses and faith communities; in classrooms and hospitals; and in police stations, firehouses, and every branch of the military".

He also stated that "Arab Americans are also proudly serving throughout my Administration, bringing a diversity of expertise that helps make this country stronger, more prosperous, and more just".

He added that his administration "is also exploring adding a new data category to the census for Middle Eastern and North African communities as part of our vital work to ensure that Arab Americans are seen, valued, consulted, and properly considered as new policy is made".

The contributions of Arab Americans are as old as America itself. This National Arab American Heritage Month, we celebrate the culture and contributions of Arab Americans to advancing #STEM, business, the arts, and our national security. Our diversity is our strength. #NAAHM pic.twitter.com/kzKmxoYrOc

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 1, 2023

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also labelled Arab American contributions to the country as "as old as America itself" as he payed tribute to the month in a tweet.

While some community members were excited following the news, other Arab activists remarked on social media that Biden voted for the Iraq war, and continues to support Israel while it persecutes Palestinian Arabs.