We hope you enjoy a brief understanding of the many highlights of our American-Syrian, Lebanese, and Arabic Citizens: The Syrian/Lebanese first arrived during the 1870’s and as late as the 1880’s. It is safe to assume that there are at present about 200,000 Syrians foreign-born and born of Syrian parents, in the United States. Immigration to the United States occurred for several reasons. New arrivals in America from Greater Syria ranged from seekers of religious freedom to those who wished to avoid Turkish conscription. However, by far the largest motivator was the American dream of personal success. There are roughly 3 million Americans descending from Lebanese origin that reside in the United States. More than 80 percent are U.S. citizens. Lebanese Americans are living in every state with the majority being native-born. Their first order of business upon arriving was to seek employment. It is estimated that around 20% of the immigrants were skilled workers in their homeland, some were professionals. Unable to speak English; some worked in factories, or took jobs with city governments. The majority took small tradesmen or merchant positions, operating restaurants, dry goods stores, or small kimono factories. The early Lebanese/Syrian immigrants would not be complete without mentioning the "peddler", who would travel from door-to-door, town-to-town, selling laces, dry goods, threads and pins to homemakers across the country. Both men and women would peddle. Sometimes, being gone anywhere from days to even weeks from their homes. Often the peddler was the "traveling" half of a partnership, the other remaining at home to tend to the store or children.

They are diligent, hardworking, and close to their families and churches. Honor and status are important in all Arab societies.