April 8, 2026
ABPA Announces the Little Palestine Business District in the Village of Bridgeview
The Arab-American Business and Professional Association proudly announces the official recognition of the Little Palestine Business District in the Village of Bridgeview, marking a historic milestone for a community that has been built over generations.
“This is more than just a sign. It’s the recognition of what our community has built over the last 40 years, a thriving Little Palestine Business District. What once lived through our businesses, our families, and our culture is now being seen,” said ABPA President Rush Darwish.
Little Palestine has existed through its people, its businesses, and its culture. Today, that identity is no longer just known. It is now formally recognized as a defined business district.
This recognition builds upon the official designation of April 7 as Little Palestine Day, as recognized by the State of Illinois in Springfield and by Cook County, further affirming the cultural and economic significance of this community.
Bridgeview alone is home to nearly 100 Arab owned businesses, contributing to a broader corridor of more than 200 businesses throughout the Southwest region of Cook County. Together, they represent one of the most vibrant and concentrated Arab business communities in the country.
This recognition is the result of the Little Palestine project initiated by ABPA in 2023, which has included the Little Palestine Business Verification Campaign, the Signs for Little Palestine initiative featuring three Welcome to Little Palestine signs, two in Bridgeview and one in Worth, as well as the official branding and media platforms for Little Palestine, including its logo and digital presence through visitlittlepalestine.com.
Emerging Leader Class of 2025
Do you see yourself as a future community leader and believe you have what it takes to turn an idea into action? If so, the ABPA Emerging Leader Class of 2025 is your opportunity to make a real impact.
This year, our focus is a transformative Beautification Project in Little Palestine, offering a unique chance for emerging leaders to shape and improve their community.
As an Emerging Leader, you will have the chance to:
- Develop innovative concepts for beautification
- Identify the ideal location(s) for project implementation
- Determine the best path to project completion
- Secure permits and navigate necessary approvals
- Seek funding or resources to support your vision
The program begins on July 7th and aims to conclude with the project’s completion by September 30th. Selected Emerging Leaders will also be eligible for financial compensation, recognizing your leadership and contribution.
The deadline to apply is June 15th, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to lead positive change in Little Palestine and showcase your leadership skills.
Get ready, Illinois! The Arab Sharks Pitch Competition is making waves this July in Chicago
The Arab Sharks Pitch Competition – Illinois 2025 is a bold, high-energy event crafted to empower Illinois-based entrepreneurs by connecting them with top Arab Sharks investors, venture capitalists, and business leaders from across the country. Modeled after the iconic Shark Tank experience, this dynamic competition will offer startups a platform to pitch innovative ideas, attract funding, and access invaluable mentorship.
Welcome to the Board David Haddad
David Haddad is a technology enthusiast and optimist committed to making technology and data more secure and resilient.
David serves as an Assistant Director in EY’s Technology Risk Management practice, focusing on helping EY member firms comply with internal and external security, data, and regulatory requirements. In this role, David supports firms in enhancing technology governance and oversight through technical reviews, consultations, and assessments. Additionally, David contributes to global AI governance, risk, and control initiatives, ensuring AI products and services align with the firm’s strategic technology risk management processes.
David is in the fourth year of doctoral studies at Purdue University, specializing in AI and information security. David’s experience includes various technology and cybersecurity roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and other organizations. David also served as an adjunct instructor and lecturer, teaching undergraduate courses at Purdue University Northwest.
A strong advocate for continuous learning, David actively pursues professional growth in cybersecurity and IT through academic degrees, certifications, and speaking engagements worldwide. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Management Information Systems from Purdue University and multiple industry-recognized certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
The Little Palestine Day Resolution
We are pleased to share that the Arab-American Business and Professional Association, along with over 40 local and national organizations, is advocating for a Little Palestine Day Resolution dedicated to honoring the rich cultural heritage of the Little Palestine community.
We have made significant progress across various levels of government, and I want to highlight our key accomplishments thus far.
Statewide Initiatives
State Representatives Lisa Davis and Michael Crawford have sponsored the Little Palestine Day Resolution, which is currently filed and under review in the rules committee. We are eagerly awaiting feedback on the next steps.
Additionally, our committee is collaborating with State Senator Bill Cunningham, who has pledged to assist in creating a joint resolution. We look forward to sharing further details soon.
Cook County Leadership
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller is championing the Little Palestine Day Resolution. We are currently awaiting a vote from the Board of Commissioners and will keep you updated as we receive more information.
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)
Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda has filed the resolution with the MWRD, which is now under review by their legal team.
Municipal Engagement
The Little Palestine District spans seven cities, and we are in the early stages of submitting proclamations to each mayor. Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek has committed to collaborating with our committee to advocate for the mayors to sign the Little Palestine Day Proclamation. Our goal is to secure official recognition of Little Palestine Day on April 7th.
We are making significant strides toward recognizing Little Palestine Day, and the support we have received at multiple governmental levels is truly encouraging. Thank you for your continued support as we work to bring this vital initiative to fruition.
ABPA Designated as Neighborhood Business Development Center in Chicago
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) has officially designated ABPA as one of its Neighborhood Business Development Centers, aimed at supporting small business owners.
In collaboration with ABPA’s subsidiary, the Community Retail Association, the initiative will focus on serving as a Place-Based Business Specialist. This role will assist small business owners and entrepreneurs in designated community areas and priority corridors throughout Chicago.
ABPA President Rush Darwish expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity, stating, “This is our chance to finally address the longstanding communication gaps between neighborhood retailers. Many have faced significant challenges in maintaining compliance with city codes. Our proactive approach will focus on consulting with business owners to keep their stores safe, open, and effectively serving Chicago residents.”
In November 2024, ABPA announced the opening of its new location in the Bronzeville neighborhood at 4131 S. State Street. This strategic location provides direct access to approximately 2,000 retail owners in hyper-local neighborhoods. ABPA also partners with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as an SBA host center in Palos Heights, and serves as a preferred partner with Cook County’s Small Business Source.
For inquiries about free business consulting, please contact us at info@abpaillinois.com.
