A street sign was unveiled Tuesday night in Bridgeview, Illinois, recognizing the area as “Little Palestine,” according to ABC7 Chicago.
The area of 79th Street to 113th Street houses one of the largest Palestinian-American communities in the U.S., according to ABC7 Chicago. The area is also home to more than 200 Arab-owned businesses, according to CBS News Chicago. (RELATED: City Councilman’s Home Allegedly Shot Up After Voting For New Data Center)
Waseem Al-Wawi, co-owner of Milk Cake Bakery, said he is “proud” to be part of the “Little Palestine” community.
“As a Palestinian walking here in the Little Palestine area, seeing all these businesses, all these Palestinian businesses, you can find anything you want,” Al-Wawi told CBS News Chicago.
“There’s a big Palestinian community here, we’re very proud to be part of little Palestine here in Bridgeview,” he said.
Muhammad Baste, a lifelong Bridgeview resident and the owner of the nearby M’dakhan restaurant, offered a similar sentiment.
“It means a lot for me, it means a lot for the community,” Baste told the outlet.
“It’s an honor and a responsibility at the same time. You’re trying to let people know that your culture has good fine dining,” he continued.
In addition, Baste said he hopes the city’s move to designate the area as “Little Palestine” will combat negative depictions of the Arab community.
“My hope for the future is to bring more awareness that, not to judge just off of one person or one group,” he said.
The recognition of the area as “Little Palestine” is the result of two formal resolutions at the state and county levels, including HJR0046, which passed the Illinois House 76 to 33 in November 2025, Patch.com reported. Democratic Illinois State Rep. Lisa Davis, who represents the 32nd District, is among the community leaders who advocated for the bill, according to Patch.com.
The unveiling of the “Little Palestine” sign is part of a larger effort to attract more business and cultural projects, officials said, according to CBS News Chicago. The unveiling took place in April as part of Arab American Heritage Month.