The Walgreens parking lot transformed into a lively festival setting. Hundreds gathered to enjoy food and music as the Palestine Youth Ensemble performed “Mawtini,” a widely recognized Palestinian anthem. Palestinian flags waved high.
Last weekend in Bridgeview, attendees celebrated the introduction of a new honorary street sign, “Little Palestine Way.” The sign acknowledges the noteworthy contributions of Palestinian Americans in this southwestern suburb. Over the years, Harlem Avenue has become a central hub for Palestinian business and culture. Bridgeview has been a cultural and economic stronghold for this community for decades.
However, there was a significant issue. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) failed to install the new street sign in time for the scheduled July 11 event. Despite this, with over $13,000 already allocated for the celebration, organizers decided to proceed.
“One thing about us is that we’re used to every obstacle coming at us, especially regarding Palestine, and we don’t let that stop us,” stated Jinan Chehade, an event organizer. “If anything, it motivates us and it brings the community even closer together.”
Sabha Abour, a community organizer instrumental in obtaining the sign, reported that IDOT officials informed her, less than 48 hours before the event, that the sign installation would be delayed due to scheduling conflicts with local lawmakers. A spokesperson from IDOT confirmed the delay, citing scheduling issues.
“IDOT never once told us that we had to coordinate with the legislators,” Abour said. “For them to tell us in the eleventh hour, less than 24 hours before the sign was meant to be installed, that we have to invite all the legislators, that they all have to be there, that’s unheard of.”
In the absence of the official IDOT “Little Palestine Way” sign, Bridgeview authorities stepped in. They produced a temporary sign installed at the intersection of 87th Street and South Harlem Avenue. Additionally, there was an honorary sign for Wadea Al-Fayoume, a boy who died in 2023. The duration for which the temporary sign will remain is unknown as Mayor Steven Landek and other Bridgeview officials did not respond to inquiries.
The Chicago area hosts the largest Palestinian American community in the U.S., with over 85,000 individuals of Palestinian descent. This factor has spurred movements to formally recognize Palestinians’ numerous contributions to the village. In October 2025, State Representative Lisa Davis proposed a resolution to designate Harlem Avenue from 79th Street to 111th Street as “Little Palestine Way.” This resolution passed with bipartisan support and became official in June, with State Senator Willie Preston’s backing.
Davis, who attended the July 11 celebration, expressed surprise over the postponement. “It’s the bureaucratic norm for them to make the sign and install it. So the fact that they are trying to coordinate schedules now is baffling to me,” she said.
Preston did not address what caused his absence from the original event. Nevertheless, he expressed anticipation for attending future celebrations. “I appreciate the Illinois Department of Transportation’s ongoing cooperation and dedication to ensuring this historic milestone receives the recognition it deserves,” he noted.
Chehade mentioned there are no immediate plans for another celebration upon IDOT’s installation of the official sign. The timeframe for this is still uncertain. “We are not at the mercy of whoever is telling us when we can celebrate,” Chehade emphasized. “We decide when we celebrate us and when our community can come together.”
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