The Little Arabia district in Anaheim celebrated its third anniversary as an officially recognized ethnic enclave on August 23, 2025, according to an article from Voice of OC. This occasion marks a significant milestone for a community with a rich history and strong cultural identity.

The celebration featured notable figures, including Anaheim’s Director of Economic Development, Sergio Ramirez; City Councilmember Carlos Leon; Mayor Ashleigh Aitken; and Rashad Al-Dabbagh, Executive Director of the Arab American Civic Council. The event highlighted the unveiling of freeway signs for Little Arabia, an initiative that took place on September 19, 2024.

Little Arabia serves as a cultural hub for Orange County’s Arab-American community, often referred to as “Little Gaza,” a name reflecting its earlier identity as the “Gaza Strip.” This reference traces back to the area known as Garza Island, composed of various unincorporated neighborhoods east of Anaheim, established between the 1910s and 1960s. The region is bordered by Anaheim to the north, east, and west, with Stanton to the southwest, and Garden Grove to the south. The Orange County Board of Supervisors previously labeled these unincorporated areas collectively as “Anaheim Island,” while the Anaheim City Planning Commission refers to it as “Garza Island.”

Historically, this area has undergone substantial changes. According to a 2012 article in OC Weekly, “Rising from agricultural fields in the 1950s post-World War II building boom, the Gaza Strip hosted a collection of dive bars, restaurants, and mom-and-pop stores.” However, the demographic shifts of the 1980s led to disinvestment and a subsequent decline in the neighborhoods, resulting in the loss of many local businesses.

According to the history on the Little Arabia District website, the 1990s witnessed a resurgence of growth as immigrants from the Arab world began to settle in the district, predominantly from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. Local business leaders spearheaded revitalization efforts, purchasing distressed properties to make way for new ventures. A pivotal moment occurred in 1996 when the Arab World Newspaper began its publication from Brookhurst Plaza, embedding itself in the community by creating a dedicated map of local Arab businesses.

The push for official recognition gained traction in 2010 when local Arab American organizations launched a social media campaign to promote the designation of “Little Arabia.” Their advocacy efforts garnered considerable public interest and media coverage from outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and Al Jazeera America. Former Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait urged community members to explore the diverse culinary offerings within Little Arabia during his 2014 State of the City address.

After years of advocacy, the Anaheim City Council formally designated a section of the Brookhurst Corridor from Broadway to Ball as Little Arabia on July 12, 2022, led by Councilman Dr. Jose Moreno. Councilwoman Gloria Ma’ae proposed an external consultant to assess the district’s needs and suggest funding opportunities, reinforcing the city’s commitment to the area’s enhancement.

Following the designation, an extensive study of the Brookhurst Corridor was commissioned by the city, with findings presented on December 12, 2023. In January 2024, the Anaheim City Council voted 5-1 to collaborate with CalTrans to erect four freeway signs, aimed at promoting and celebrating Little Arabia as a significant cultural destination.

As Little Arabia continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the resilience and contributions of the Arab American community in Anaheim, weaving a rich tapestry of history, culture, and identity that resonates well beyond its borders.

https://www.littlearabiadistrict.com/history

https://voiceofoc.org/2025/08/anaheims-little-arabia-celebrates-third-anniversary/