IL HR0166

Declares April 7, 2025 and April 7, 2026 as "Little Palestine Day" in Illinois

Little Palestine, located in southwestern Cook County from 79th and Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview to Harlem Avenue and College Drive in Palos Heights, is home to the largest Palestinian community in the nation and fourth largest Arab American population in the country

The five-mile area features over 200 Arab-owned businesses, a community college, a hospital, three high schools, and more than 20 community organizations

Invites Illinoisans to celebrate by supporting local businesses and cultural initiatives, and encourages schools to incorporate lessons about Arab American history and contributions into curricula

Over 70% of Arab-owned businesses in Little Palestine have fewer than 10 employees; historic disinvestment and lack of Arab American population data at government levels have hindered resource allocation for the community