Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon
Welcome!
We are delighted you are visiting! Please read through the many sections of Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon’s Web site, to learn of upcoming events, opportunities to participate and membership benefits!AACCO is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the heritage of Oregon's diverse Arab American community. For more information, visit our “Contact Us” page, and e-mail us questions you have and ideas for future events.
Thank you!
Best regards,
Board of Directors
Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon
Arab Mothers Day
The idea of celebrating Mother's Day in the Arab world was first introduced in Egypt by journalist Mustafa Amin in his 1943 book, "Smiling America." By 1956, the idea of a holiday for mothers in Egypt was accepted and first celebrated that year on March 21, before spreading to other countries in the region. Despite attempts over time to change the day's name, it held its own and continues to be celebrated on March 21, with classic songs focused on mothers remaining famous to this day.But here in Portland, AACCO will host its first official celebration of Arab Mother's Day on Saturday, March 23 to coincide with the weekend. Food (mezza, lamb shank and chicken), live music, dancing and more -- all are part of the party at Oasis Lebanese Restaurant in Hillsboro (22293 NW Imbrie Drive, Hillsboro, 97124)!
The celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased on site. For more information, contact Hadi Nouredine at (503) 730-6994.
Letter from the President
Dear AACCO supporter,
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers of the world! Mother's Day is a traditional celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March, April or May.
The holiday in most Arab countries falls on March 21, the first day of spring. However, this year, here in Portland, the Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon is celebrating all mothers on Saturday, March 23 at Oasis Lebanese Restaurant in Hillsboro -- and we hope you can join us! Details are highlighted in the adjacent article.
In the meantime, I have a sweet story about one of my sons that I want to share as it ties in nicely with the holiday. My 5-year-old son, Samir, left a note on my bedroom nightstand that read, "I love my Dad. But I love my Mom more, because Al Janna (heaven) is underneath her feet and I came from my mom's belly." By a very young age children know -- and appreciate -- the strength and love of their mothers. So do the rest of us -- and for all that they've given us and continue to do for us, we will celebrate them this year at Oasis.
On another note, I will continue to encourage you to submit story ideas for our newsletter. We want to cast the spotlight on work being done by our local Arab-American community within future editions of this newsletter, under the "Community News" headline. If you have a potential story idea about local Arab-Americans and their contributions to the community at large or their accomplishments, send it our way by the 1st of the month and we'll add your idea to the list of stories for consideration. Send the idea to aacconews@gmail.com, and please include your contact information (name, phone, e-mail) so that we can be in touch to ask questions.
Take care, and I look forward to seeing you at the Oasis on March 23!
Sincerely,
Hadi Nouredine, DMD
President, Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon