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Arameans

New Jersey Recognition

“Now, therefore, I, Brendan Byrne, Governor of the State of New Jersey, do hereby recognize the Syriac-Aramean citizens of our state on April 30, 1977, on the occasion of the dedication of the First Syrian Orthodox Education and Cultural Center.”

A 1977 proclamation of the Executive Department of the State of New Jersey, issued by Governor Brendan Byrne, formally recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of Syriac-Aramean citizens to New Jersey. It notes that Syriac-Aramean culture has long contributed to world civilization, that immigrants began arriving in New Jersey in 1895 seeking freedom and opportunity, and that their descendants have helped build a “better New Jersey.” It records the community’s efforts since 1974 to establish a center where they could preserve their culture and strengthen their role as Americans, and it marks the dedication of the First Syriac Orthodox Education and Cultural Center in Hasbrouck Heights, representing over seven hundred Syriac-Aramean families. The document is dated April 27, 1977, and filed May 26, 1977.