Dedication Ceremony Planned Saturday For 'Little Palestine Way,' 'Wadea Al-Fayoumi Way'

BRIDGEVIEW, IL—A four-mile stretch of Harlem Avenue will be officially dedicated as Little Palestine Way this Saturday, July 11, at 87th Street and Harlem in Bridgeview. In addition, Bridgeview will also be dedicating 87th Street as Wadea Al-Fayoumi Way. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.

Little Palestine Way recognizes the economic and cultural contributions of Palestinian-Americans, which passes through the towns of Bridgeview, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, Worth and Palos Hills.

The street designation is the result of a years-long effort by activists, civic and business leaders, and allies, who lobbied state lawmakers for passage of HJR0046. State Reps Lisa Davis (32nd District) and Mike Crawford (31st District) and Sen. Don Harmon (39th District) pushed the resolution across the finish line.

“Little Palestine Way will no longer be just a nickname,” said Sabha Abour, who helped spearhead the effort for the official street designation. “Like all cultural hubs, it will be an officially recognized place. It will appear on street signs, on maps, and in Google Maps for millions of people to see.”

Bridgeview officials will also be dedicating a portion of 87th Street as Wadea Al-Fayoumi Way, the 6-year-old Plainfield boy who was stabbed to death in 2023 in what was ruled a hate crime.

“While nothing can undo that unimaginable loss, his name will now live on forever,” Abour said.

Little Palestine Way honors the generations of Palestinian families who built a vibrant community in Bridgeview. Their story, their resilience, and their contributions are now permanently recognized by the State of Illinois.

Pull up at 87th Street and Harlem on Saturday. Entertainment, food, henna and other special surprises are planned.