Brooklyn’s Arab, Muslim communities uneasy about Syria
As leaders of both parties in Congress endorsed President Obama’s call for action against Syrian President Bashar Assad, leaders of Brooklyn’s Arab and Muslim communities commented on the tense situation.
The Arab community in Brooklyn is centered in Bay Ridge and Sunset Park, with many others living in Bensonhurst and nearby areas. Cobble Hill, known for its Arabic restaurants and stores such as Sahadi’s, is also a commercial center for the Arabic community.
Bay Ridge alone, according to the Brooklyn Arab-American Friendship Center, has an Arab-American population of 200,000 people from many countries. Contrary to stereotypes, not all Arab-Americans are Muslim – many, especially Lebanese, are Christian. Bay Ridge has the Salam Arabic Lutheran Church, while Brooklyn Heights has the Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral.