Arab Community Events in Brooklyn, NY

Based in Brooklyn, New York, the Arab American Bar Association represents a vital community resource addressing a significant gap in the legal profession. Despite New York being home to one of the largest concentrations of Arabs in the United States, the presence and participation of individuals of Arab descent in the legal profession remains limited. AABA was founded to change this reality by cultivating interest in law among Arab American youth and ensuring their success from law school through professional practice. The organization serves as a gathering place where Arab American attorneys, legal professionals, and community members can connect, share experiences, and work toward common goals. AABA's mission centers on empowering underrepresented and marginalized members of society by making the law more accessible and advocating for their rights. The association actively supports social justice initiatives and public interest work that benefit disempowered communities. Through mentorship programs, educational events, and professional networking opportunities, AABA helps build a more inclusive legal profession. The organization also champions proper legislation and legal reforms while promoting human rights and humanitarian activities. By creating a platform that celebrates Arab American achievements and addresses community needs, AABA strengthens both the legal profession and the broader Brooklyn community it serves.

For over 30 years, the Arab-American Family Support Center has been a trusted anchor in the Brooklyn, NY community, founded by and for Arab-Americans while remaining open and welcoming to all. AAFSC's mission centers on creating a just and inclusive society where every immigrant has the opportunity to thrive and fully participate in American life. The organization recognizes families as the foundation of community strength, offering holistic, multigenerational support that honors the cultural nuances, traditions, customs, and religious practices of those served. What sets AAFSC apart is its deep commitment to cultural competency and representation. Leadership and staff reflect the communities they serve, bringing authentic understanding and lived experience to their work. This community-centered approach means that support extends far beyond basic services—AAFSC helps families navigate government benefits, secure affordable housing, prepare for citizenship, access mental health counseling, and strengthen family bonds through parenting workshops and youth programs that provide safe spaces for young people to share experiences and succeed academically. As an explicitly anti-racist organization, AAFSC stands against all forms of oppression including racism, colorism, classism, homophobia, xenophobia, sexism, and ableism. The organization actively joins solidarity movements with the Black Lives Matter movement, LGBTQIA+ communities, and all those experiencing marginalization. Operating across Brooklyn and New York, AAFSC demonstrates that culturally specific, community-led organizations can provide transformative support while advancing racial, gender, restorative, and immigrant justice for vulnerable populations.

Founded in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, the Arab American Association of New York emerged from the vision of prominent Arab immigrants and Arab Americans who recognized both the growing needs and heightened vulnerabilities of their community in Brooklyn, NY. Witnessing the fear and discrimination directed at Arab Americans following 2001, the organization's founders felt compelled to take immediate action, officially opening AAANY's doors as a not-for-profit in December 2001. Over nearly two decades, AAANY has evolved into a trusted community institution that understands the unique challenges facing Arab American families—from language barriers to cultural adjustment to systemic discrimination. The organization is deeply rooted in the Bay Ridge and surrounding Brooklyn neighborhoods, where it has built authentic relationships with families and community members. AAANY's approach is grounded in the belief that families deserve access to services that honor their cultural background while supporting their journey toward self-sufficiency and full participation in society. The organization's commitment extends beyond service provision to active advocacy and community education, working to build bridges of understanding between Arab communities and the broader New York public. For families navigating immigration, employment, education, and integration challenges, AAANY represents a sanctuary of culturally competent support and unwavering advocacy.