Four years ago, members of the Arab-American community revived the tradition of holding an Arab-American Heritage Day in Westchester County. County government agreed and with the help and support of the Mediterranean Political Action Committee, and Arab-Americans in Westchester and Yonkers, the festival began and became a part of the dozen other ethnic heritage festivals that Westchester County holds to celebrate the rich diversity of its residents.
The fourth annual Arab-American Heritage Day took place at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale on July 21. Co-Sponsored by County Executive George Latimer, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Council President Mike Khader, the festival attracted hundreds of attendees from Connecticut, New Jersey, Brooklyn and upstate New York, and many from Yonkers.
The crowd enjoyed musical performances from Arab Idol winner Amir Dandan, and the Legend Fahim Dandan, who performed several of his popular hit songs. The spectators also enjoyed performances by a belly dancer, and the popular Freedom Dabke dance group, who performed a traditional Step dance.
Elected officials in attendance included Westchester District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, County Legislator Christopher Johnson, Congressman Eliot Engel, Yonkers Family Court Judge Mary Anne Scattaretico-Naber, State Supreme Court Judge Lewis Lubell xxxxx, and Ossining Town Judge Nancy Kobo.
MPAC President John Khader thanked all for attending and thanked those who made heritage day a continued success. MPAC, founded in 2015, is a coalition of Yonkers citizens who represent a diverse community from all socio-economic backgrounds.
The goals and objectives of MPAC are specifically designed to inform and educate its members and community at large, allowing them to have a voice that is heard and an opportunity to participate in political and social advancement, as well as making sure their issues are heard and addressed by public awareness and supporting candidates who share MPAC’s mission.
Visit mpacnow.com for more information.