Arab, Palestinian in Argentina
Photo Source:
Levi Meir Clancy - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Bethany World Prayer Center
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| People Name: | Arab, Palestinian |
| Country: | Argentina |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,200 |
| World Population: | 11,592,800 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 32.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 2.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Levant |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
According to tradition, true Arabs are descendants of Abraham and his son Ishmael. Before the 20th century, the word "Arab" was designated to the Bedouin/tribal-based society of the Arabian Desert. Other Arabs are ethnic groups that have existed in their lands of origin for millennia. Arabs are not a singular people; their origins are complex and intermingled with many peoples and genealogical lines. The term Palestine originates with the Philistines, who inhabited the southern coast of the region in Biblical times. This name has stuck. It sets Palestinians apart from other peoples in the Arabic-speaking world. In the case of Argentina, Palestinian Arabs have usually blended in with other Arabic-speaking populations.
The ancestors of the Palestinians in Argentina first arrived in the middle to late 19th century as merchants. A smaller number have arrived in later decades.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Palestinian Arabs in Argentina have good standing. A high percentage of Argentinians favor a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, though not all of them. Much to the delight of the local Palestinian population, Argentines named a road in Santa Clara del Mar “Palestine Street.” Palestinian Arabs are in between being a refugee community and being assimilated into Argentine society. There is a strong element of Palestinians who wish to return to their place of birth.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Palestinians in Argentina are about two-thirds Sunni Muslims with a minority Christian community. Palestinian Christians belong to various Christian sects (Greek Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Nestorians, Syrian Orthodox, Armenians and Copts). In Argentina, they can also be Roman Catholic or Evangelical.
What Are Their Needs?
Palestinian Arabs in Argentina are doing well financially. But spiritually and emotionally they suffer. Thousands cling to the dream of returning to their homeland. Others have put their nationalism or a religious system first in their hearts.
Prayer Points
Pray for Palestinian disciples in Argentina to make more disciples.
Pray for Palestinians to have the spiritual hunger it takes to find Jesus and live with the consequences in their communities.
Pray for entire Palestinian families to study God’s word and embrace the only savior.