California: Governor Newsom proclaims Arab American Heritage Month
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Apr 17, 2026

Governor Newsom proclaims Arab American Heritage Month

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month.

The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

PROCLAMATION

The Arab American community, comprising over 20 nationalities and numerous religious groups, is inextricably woven into the fabric of this state – and this month, California joins the nation in celebrating Arab American Heritage Month by highlighting the profound and wide-ranging contributions of the vibrant communities in all facets of our society.

California is fortunate to have the largest Arab American population in the country, with thriving communities across the state that trace their heritage across the Middle East and North Africa. From labor rights movements to art to science, Arab Americans have long played significant roles in California history. Last year, UC Berkeley Professor Omar Yaghi – who immigrated to the United States at age 15 from Jordan, where his Palestinian family lived as refugees – received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his revolutionary work in molecular architecture, alongside Richard Robson and Susumu Kitagawa. Yaghi has continued to build on this work, proving that drinking water can be harvested from desert air. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said this work "may contribute to solving some of humankind's greatest challenges."

As we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of the Arab American community, we must also recognize the pervasive discrimination and xenophobia they continue to face – with many suffering in silence, fearing to speak out. This is unacceptable. Our state is leading the charge to protect those under attack for who they are, how they look, or what they believe.

This urgent work is ongoing with partners throughout the state, including efforts to bolster security at places of worship and cultural centers, make available community-based services to support victims of hate, provide anonymous reporting options for victims and witnesses of hate acts, and other resources to further safety and inclusion for all Californians.

Whether they've called America home for many generations or arrived more recently, Arab Americans have enriched communities across the country and made an indelible impact. During Arab American Heritage Month, we honor the past, present, and future of this community in our California story and rededicate ourselves to ensuring the safety and belonging of Arab Americans across our state.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 2026, as "Arab American Heritage Month."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 11th day of April 2026.

GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California

ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State

Press releases, Proclamations, Recent news

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Apr 17, 2026

Governor Newsom proclaims Arab American Heritage Month

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 2026 as "Arab American Heritage Month."

The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

PROCLAMATION

The Arab American community, comprising over 20 nationalities and numerous religious groups, is inextricably woven into the fabric of this state – and this month, California joins the nation in celebrating Arab American Heritage Month by highlighting the profound and wide-ranging contributions of the vibrant communities in all facets of our society.

California is fortunate to have the largest Arab American population in the country, with thriving communities across the state that trace their heritage across the Middle East and North Africa. From labor rights movements to art to science, Arab Americans have long played significant roles in California history. Last year, UC Berkeley Professor Omar Yaghi – who immigrated to the United States at age 15 from Jordan, where his Palestinian family lived as refugees – received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his revolutionary work in molecular architecture, alongside Richard Robson and Susumu Kitagawa. Yaghi has continued to build on this work, proving that drinking water can be harvested from desert air. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said this work "may contribute to solving some of humankind's greatest challenges."

As we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of the Arab American community, we must also recognize the pervasive discrimination and xenophobia they continue to face – with many suffering in silence, fearing to speak out. This is unacceptable. Our state is leading the charge to protect those under attack for who they are, how they look, or what they believe.

This urgent work is ongoing with partners throughout the state, including efforts to bolster security at places of worship and cultural centers, make available community-based services to support victims of hate, provide anonymous reporting options for victims and witnesses of hate acts, and other resources to further safety and inclusion for all Californians.

More on The Californer
Whether they've called America home for many generations or arrived more recently, Arab Americans have enriched communities across the country and made an indelible impact. During Arab American Heritage Month, we honor the past, present, and future of this community in our California story and rededicate ourselves to ensuring the safety and belonging of Arab Americans across our state.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 2026, as "Arab American Heritage Month."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 11th day of April 2026.

GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California

ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State

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News As part of California's commitment to affordability, utility bill credits are being shifted to deliver maximum relief What you need to know: California Climate Credits will be added to utility bills this month, putting $520 million back in Californians' pockets....

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