Paterson renames part of Main Street Palestine Way, defying the erasure of Palestinian identity

Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh and others gather to celebrate the unveiling of the new street sign “Palestine Way" on May 15, 2022. (Juhayna Alkurdi for Public Square Amplified)

Paterson, NJ—On May 15, Paterson officially renamed a part of Main Street "Palestine Way," thanks to Alaa "Al" Abdelaziz, the first Palestinian-American city councilman and council president Maritza Davila who sponsored the renaming resolution. The city council voted 8-1 to approve the renaming on March 29, but "Palestine Way" isn't just another street sign.

For many Palestinians, it signifies how systemic oppression cannot erase or silence them and their pride in their identity, and it is a recognition of how Palestinians have played a massive role in the economic success and cultural richness of South Paterson. Nowhere else in New Jersey can you find a street that represents American Palestinians and their contributions to communities. 

There is a reason Paterson earned its nickname "Little Ramallah." Paterson has the largest community of Palestinians in New Jersey and has been a magnet for Palestinian immigrants since the 1890s. The food, businesses and boutiques are all reflections of Palestinian culture. The Palestinians who traveled to Paterson not only made the city their home but made it more of a home for everyone.

 "This is home and calling it 'Palestine Way' solidifies that for us," said Abire Sabbagh, the community outreach and Palestine education director for the Palestinian American Community Center (PACC). "The richness and diversity this country loves to pride itself on, we're a part of that. Nothing would be here if these families didn't come and build businesses."

Many recall when Paterson had no Palestinian businesses and how it's become far more successful since Palestinian culture embedded itself in the city. Successful Palestinian restaurants such as "Darna," grocery shops such as "Baraka," and essential community organizations have boosted the local economy, livened up the city and brought communities together.

Community members honor the life of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh who was shot and killed by Israeli Forces while covering an Israeli military raid in Jenin, a city in the occupied West Bank. (Juhayna Alkurdi for Public Square Amplified)

To celebrate the renaming, the PACC hosted a street sign unveiling and festival. An estimated 4,000 people gathered near the five-block area of Main Street, where vendors sold Palestinian food, applied henna designs and sold t-shirts designed with the street sign "Palestine Way." 

 A large stage displayed dabka, musicians who sang songs related to Palestine and speeches by important Paterson figures, including Paterson mayor Andre Sayegh and Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour.

"There would be no Paterson without the Palestinian American community and today is history," Sarsour said. "Paterson makes me proud to be Palestinian. I feel fully Palestinian when I am here." 

 May 15 doesn't just mark the historic renaming of a street in Paterson, but 74 years since the Nakba in Palestine, a catastrophic day where occupying forces raided Palestinian towns, expelled over 750,000 individuals and depopulated over 531 cities. The Nakba was not a single event but the beginning of a long and horrid process of ethnic cleansing and erasure of Palestinian civilization and identity that continues today. Palestinians see “Palestine Way” as a way to combat that erasure and keep their identity known and connected.

Thuraya Zeidan, an educator and organizer in the North Jersey district made a unique point about the festival, stating that representation does not equate to liberation. "The concern is that something like this is more on the surface. If these become the focus, these projects and events, these will not be the things that lead to liberation."

 Zeidan is on the member advisory council for the racial equity committee in the North Jersey district. She gives workshops to teachers and community members about racial equality and equity for black students, LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities and immigrant students. 

 For Zeidan, representation is merely one step toward a liberated Palestine. So, while "Palestine Way" is proof that Palestinians can have an immense amount of power when gathered as a community, that power can and should be applied in a multitude of ways to achieve liberation, such as through community organization and intersectionality. 

 "I think systemic change requires organization amongst several Palestinian organizations and making sure we are including Black and Brown voices in those organizations," she continued. "If we brought other marginalized voices, it would be much more powerful."