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Arab American heritage on display at the White House

AAI
Posted on Wednesday December 23, 2009

This year, a celebration of our White House decorates trees as part of their annual Christmas celebration, ornaments representing Arab American heritage will be on display.

AAI participated as part of an effort to involve America’s ethnic communities in creating designs for a White House Christmas tree. Design ideas submitted by AAI members were realized by Eileen and Sarah Zogby and members of the AAI staff. The ornaments portrayed the rich variety of Arab American culture and heritage, and included images of Arabian horses, dabke dancers, Bedouins crossing the desert at night, Egyptian papyrus. The dove of peace was a prominent feature of the designs, as well.

Thanks to all who sent in their ideas and suggestions and made this project such a success.

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Below are photographs of some of the ornaments as they were made, and hanging in the White House.