Caldwells Resident Hopes To Promote Positive Arab Image With New Documentary Film

West Caldwell, NJ – When you think about the American Dream, think about Arab-Americans.

That’s the motivation behind West Caldwell resident Abe Kasbo’s new documentary, “A Thousand And One Journeys: The Arab Americans.”

According to Kasbo, the film covers almost 200 years of contributions from Middle East, North Africa and Arabian Peninsula immigrants, painting a portrait of the Arab-American immigrant experience through the stories of people who “immigrated in pursuit of the American Dream,” including Senator George Mitchell, Jamie Farr, Ralph Nader, Danny Thomas, General John Abizaid, Anthony Shadid and Helen Thomas.

“At a time when the media tends to paint Arab peoples and culture with the broad brush of terrorism, it is increasingly important to present a positive image of the many people of Middle Eastern, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula who have made America their home, and highlight their American journey as an important part of the larger American experience,” Kasbo told Patch.

“We live in a multi-ethnic multi-religious society and one of the things that makes that work is our ability to know our neighbors and fellow citizens,” Kasbo emphasized.

The issue is one that hits home for the creator, producer and director.

Kasbo immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 from Syria and faced misconceptions and misconceptions as a 10 year-old that he still continues to face today… more than 36 years later.

“It’s my hope the audience walks away from the film with a new sense of perspective on Arab Americans,” Kasbo said.

Learn more about the film here.

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Photos via Coyne Public Relations