Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month with Ali Assaad

Arab American Heritage Month with Ali Assaad

In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, Ali Assaad, a Tier-2 Agent who joined Velocity in 2020, volunteered to share his story.

Ali, tell us a little about yourself. Salam Alaykoum (suh LAAM a-LAY-kum), Velocity team (greetings, everyone)! My name is Ali Assaad, and I am a proud Lebanese American. I moved to the United States nine years ago. Growing up in Oman, nestled in the Arab Gulf, I cherish my Arabic roots. Despite being the youngest of two brothers and two sisters, I’ve embraced opportunities for growth, including relocating to Lebanon for two years before pursuing my education in the U.S.

I moved to the U.S. in 2014 and lived with my brother, who returned to Lebanon in 2019 with his family. Coming from Arabic-speaking Lebanon and Oman, I attended the American Language Institute, an intensive English program at The University of Toledo. After completing the language program, I began my associate degree at Owens Community College, then transferred to The University of Toledo to complete my bachelor’s degree. In the Summer of 2023, I graduated with a degree in communication studies. While I experienced minor culture shock, I learned to navigate it by respecting other cultures, even when their customs seemed unfamiliar. I believe in mutual respect and the exchange of perspectives, which is essential for fostering understanding across cultural boundaries.

What is your most important/favorite (or most celebrated) holiday/tradition? Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a holy month marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Businesses and institutions have different operating hours during Ramadan, so families can come together to break the fast after sunset, fostering stronger bonds through communal gatherings. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, obligatory for all adult Muslims, except for those who are ill, pregnant, and some other exceptions.

The fasting period begins at dawn and ends at sunset, with Muslims abstaining from food, drink (of any kind, even water), smoking, and marital relations during daylight hours. Ramadan is a time for increased devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual growth, with Muslims engaging in extra prayers, reading the Quran, and performing acts of charity.

Fasting during Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it’s also about adhering to ethical standards. Honesty, integrity, family, and community are important principles of Islam, especially during Ramadan. Therefore, being truthful and upright in one’s actions and words is essential during this sacred time.

Ramadan is a beautiful time for my family, filled with cherished traditions. One of our favorite traditions is gathering for iftar (IF-taar), the meal to break our fast at sunset. We prepare a spread of traditional foods, including dates, lentil soup, samosas, and sweet treats like baklava and qatayef (KUH-tah-yef), a sweet-filled dumpling. Sharing these meals strengthens our bonds and reminds us of the importance of family and community during this holy month. We also have a tradition of giving back to those in need by participating in charity events and volunteering at local organizations. These rituals make Ramadan a deeply meaningful and joyful time for us.

The month concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr (EED al-fit-tur), a joyous festival that marks the end of Ramadan. It is a time for feasting, giving gifts, quality time with loved ones, and expressing gratitude for the blessings received during the holy month.

Can you share an experience illustrating the positive intersections between Arab and American cultures? I’ve found people to be respectful and supportive. This support has been invaluable throughout my education, and since joining Velocity, I’ve been fortunate to receive guidance and assistance from everyone, fostering my growth within the company.

What do you wish others understood better about your culture or story? Unfortunately, some individuals may judge others based on what they hear about others’ backgrounds without getting to know them. As the famous saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover,” which emphasizes the importance of looking beyond superficial impressions.

Have you experienced a cultural stereotype, challenge, or bias? Can you share your experience(s)? Introducing my culture to others in the U.S. has been a smooth journey without any challenges. Instead, I’ve found people eager to learn more about my cultural background and have been incredibly accepting of it.

How can Velocity or the local community continue doing or start doing to be more inclusive and/or raise awareness of Arab American Heritage in the U.S.? It would be fun to organize an event during Arab American Heritage Month at Velocity. It could also greatly enhance awareness of the many diverse cultures that identify themselves as Arab Americans. Such an event would allow people to expand their understanding and knowledge.

Thank you, Ali, for sharing your touching story with us. We’re extremely proud of all our team members. We are dedicated to ensuring that Velocity is a place of inclusiveness and an environment where all our team members feel comfortable being themselves and supported. Let’s continue celebrating, educating, and sharing the history of Arab Americans.

Interviewed by Sarah Sandoval Chambers, Corporate Communications Manager