HJ0046 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0046 LRB104 16002 ECR 29252 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois General Assembly wish to recognize the contributions of the Palestinian-American community to the State of Illinois and the vitality of its neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, For decades, Palestinian immigrants and their descendants have established homes, businesses, and civic institutions in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, with Harlem Avenue between 79th Street and 111th Street becoming the heart of Little Palestine and a central gathering place for culture, commerce, and community life; and

WHEREAS, The Palestinian-American community has enriched Illinois through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, cultural preservation, and civic engagement, strengthening the fabric of our State while maintaining a deep commitment to family and tradition; and

WHEREAS, Generations of entrepreneurs and community members have built successful businesses, organizations, and cultural institutions that have anchored the Palestinian-American community and provided opportunities for growth, development, and civic life; and

WHEREAS, Palestinian-American leaders, families, and community organizations have played vital roles in the redevelopment and beautification of Harlem Avenue, helping to shape neighborhoods and commercial districts that today define the community's presence in the area; and

WHEREAS, Palestinian-American educational, cultural, and faith-based institutions have further enriched community life, providing spaces for learning, gathering, and preserving cultural heritage while instilling civic and cultural values in future generations; and

WHEREAS, Community organizations have played a foundational role in ensuring that Palestinian-Americans have permanent places of worship, gathering, and cultural celebration, thereby sustaining Little Palestine as a cornerstone of identity and belonging; and

WHEREAS, A new generation of Palestinian-Americans, through businesses, cultural initiatives, civic engagement, and community organizing continues to sustain and grow Little Palestine, transforming it into a vibrant, welcoming, and magical space that reflects both the heritage and the future of the community; and

WHEREAS, The countless Palestinian-American community leaders, advocates, families, and institutions deserve recognition for their collective vision, advocacy, and service that have strengthened and sustained Little Palestine; and

WHEREAS, While it is impossible to name every individual, family, or institution that has contributed to Little Palestine, it is fitting that all generations of Palestinian-Americans be recognized for their enduring contributions to Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate Harlem Avenue in Chicago from 79th Street to 111th Street as Little Palestine Way in honor of the countless contributions of the Palestinian-American community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name "Little Palestine Way"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend both past and present generations of Palestinian-American leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, cultural organizers, women's organizations, faith leaders, and families for ensuring that Harlem Avenue remains a thriving hub of Palestinian-American life, identity, and contribution in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Mayor of the City of Burbank, the Mayor of the Village of Bridgeview, the Mayor of the City of Palos Hills, the Mayor of the Village of Chicago Ridge, and the Village President of the Village of Worth.