Concerned with the perception and treatment of Arab-Americans around the time of the First World War, Kalil A Bishara addresses the racial heritage of this people. With a review of the history of Near Eastern demographics Bishara asserts, in both English and Arabic, that the Arab-American is a Caucasian American. Bishara’s pastoral passion is sensed in his petition to the American people to see that the “Syrian immigrant is in no position or mood to apply for any “favor”: all he wants and does insist upon is ‘Fair Judgment and Just Treatment.’” An insightful peek into Arab-American self-identity around the turn of the 20th century, Bishara’s essay is of interest to ethnographer and historian alike.

Kalil A Bishara served the Bedford, MD Presbyterian Church from 1914-1918.