Paterson officials continue expanding cultural ties with Ramallah, reflecting the city’s status as home to one of the largest Palestinian-American communities in the United States.
Paterson has further cemented its relationship with the Palestinian city of Ramallah through an official sister city agreement that city leaders say recognizes decades of cultural, family, and business connections between residents of New Jersey’s third-largest city and the West Bank.
The partnership, formalized in 2023, links Paterson with Ramallah, a major Palestinian city located in the central West Bank. Ramallah serves as the administrative center of the Palestinian Authority and is widely considered one of the political, cultural, and economic hubs of Palestinian life.
For many families in South Paterson, the connection is personal. Thousands of residents trace their roots to Ramallah and surrounding Palestinian communities, making the city one of the largest Palestinian-American population centers in the nation.
Mayor André Sayegh has frequently highlighted those ties, describing Paterson as the “capital of Palestine in the United States” because of its large Palestinian-American population and cultural influence.
The mayor’s remarks have drawn national attention in recent years as Paterson’s Palestinian community has become increasingly visible through business growth, civic engagement, cultural events, and political advocacy.
South Paterson known as ‘Little Palestine’
South Paterson has long been known by residents and visitors as “Little Palestine” or “Little Ramallah.”
The neighborhood features dozens of Palestinian-owned businesses, restaurants, bakeries, markets, professional offices, and community organizations. The area attracts visitors from throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond who come to shop, dine, and participate in cultural celebrations.
Local leaders estimate the Palestinian-American population in Paterson ranges between 10,000 and 15,000 residents, making it one of the most significant Palestinian communities in the country.
The neighborhood’s influence extends well beyond city limits and has helped establish Paterson as a regional center for Arab-American commerce and culture.
Palestine Way became a symbol of community recognition
One of the most visible acknowledgments of the community came in 2022 when city officials renamed a five-block stretch of Main Street as “Palestine Way.”
The designation created a permanent public recognition of the neighborhood’s Palestinian heritage and quickly became a landmark destination for visitors.
The street renaming was celebrated by community members who viewed it as recognition of the generations of Palestinian families who helped build businesses and institutions throughout South Paterson.
The roadway continues to serve as a focal point for cultural events, community gatherings, and annual celebrations.
Mayor André Sayegh has embraced the city’s Palestinian identity
Sayegh has consistently supported initiatives recognizing Paterson’s Palestinian-American community.
At a Hilal Lighting Ceremony, the mayor remarked that some have referred to Paterson as the “fourth holiest city in the world,” following Jerusalem, Mecca, and Medina. The comment reflected the city’s significance to many Arab-American residents and drew attention far beyond New Jersey.
The mayor has also participated in Palestinian flag-raising ceremonies at City Hall and publicly supported efforts aimed at strengthening ties between Paterson and Palestinian communities abroad.
In addition, Sayegh joined calls for a ceasefire in Gaza during the recent conflict and has frequently spoken about the importance of recognizing the contributions of Palestinian-Americans to the city.
Sayegh’s own background reflects Paterson’s diversity
While often associated with the city’s Arab-American community, Sayegh himself comes from a diverse background.
He is a practicing Roman Catholic and is of Lebanese and Syrian descent. He graduated from DePaul Catholic High School in 1992 before eventually entering public service and politics.
His election as mayor reflected Paterson’s multicultural makeup, with residents representing dozens of ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds.
City officials have often pointed to Paterson’s diversity as one of its defining characteristics, with communities from the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa contributing to the city’s identity.
Sister city agreement expands international ties
The sister city relationship with Ramallah is intended to foster cultural, educational, and civic cooperation between the two municipalities.
Sister city agreements are commonly used by cities around the world to encourage exchanges involving students, cultural organizations, business leaders, and local governments.
Paterson officials have said the Ramallah partnership recognizes existing relationships while creating opportunities for future collaboration.
The agreement also reflects the city’s effort to maintain strong connections with the ancestral homelands of many residents.
A growing cultural and political influence
The Palestinian-American community’s influence in Paterson has continued to grow over the past two decades.
Community leaders have become increasingly active in local government, civic organizations, education, and business development. Cultural events celebrating Palestinian heritage regularly draw large crowds and have become part of the city’s annual calendar.
The Ramallah partnership stands as one of the most significant examples of how those connections have shaped the city’s identity.
As Paterson continues to promote itself as a center of Palestinian-American culture, city leaders say the relationship with Ramallah reflects both the community’s history and its continuing role in shaping the future of New Jersey’s third-largest city.
Key Points
• Paterson signed an official sister city agreement with Ramallah in 2023.
• Ramallah is a major Palestinian city in the West Bank and serves as the administrative center of the Palestinian Authority.
• South Paterson is widely known as “Little Palestine” or “Little Ramallah.”
• Mayor André Sayegh has referred to Paterson as the “capital of Palestine in the United States.”
• The city renamed a section of Main Street as “Palestine Way” in 2022.