Arab-American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant cultures, traditions, and invaluable contributions of Arab communities worldwide. As we reflect on the diverse Arab experiences and communities, we also acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by many, including the difficult realities in Gaza and the systemic bias and discriminatory policies experienced in the United States.
This month reminds us of the importance of unity, respect, and solidarity, and provides an opportunity to uplift and support Arab and Palestinian voices while celebrating their enduring legacy.
CJS is proud to recognize the contributions of our distinguished alumni and faculty who shape the world of journalism.
Aida Alami, '09 M.S., James Madison Visiting Professor on First Amendment Issues, is a Moroccan journalist contributing to The New York Times since 2011. Her teaching focuses on global journalism, free speech, and press freedom.
Laila Al-Arian, '06 M.S., is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Palestinian journalist and executive producer of Al Jazeera English's “Fault Lines.” Her impactful investigative work on global conflict and human rights fosters greater awareness and understanding of the complexities surrounding these issues.
Adjunct Professor Sara Aridi, ‘15 M.S., works as a journalism education editor at The New York Times, focusing on teaching journalism fundamentals and ethics to high school students through The School of The New York Times. She has also written about Middle Eastern culture, the arts and travel for several desks.
Nada Bakri, ‘09 M.S., is a Lebanese American journalist who spent over a decade reporting on the Middle East for outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Daily Star. Based in Beirut and Baghdad, she covered major regional events such as the 2006 Lebanon War, the Iraq conflict, and the Arab Spring.
Karen Zraick, '09 M.S., reports for The New York Times’ Climate Desk, focusing on environmental law. While at Columbia, Zraick joined the Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association (AMEJA) and recently concluded a three-year term on its board.
