Al-Hoda

Al-Hoda (Arabic: الهدى, romanized: al-hudā, lit. 'The Guidance') was a daily Arabic-language newspaper in New York City. It was founded in Philadelphia as a bi-weekly by Naoum Anthony Mokarzel, a young Maronite Lebanese man with an interest in journalism.^[1] Its first issue came out on February 22, 1898. The paper's offices moved to New York City in 1902, where it became a daily, beginning on August 25.

Copy of the cover page of the first issue of "Al-Hoda"

This was one of the first Arabic language newspapers in the United States.^[2] It was the first Arabic language newspaper to use Arabic character linotype rather than hand-setting.^[3] Mokarzel remained the paper's owner and chief editor until his death in 1932. The editorship was then assumed by Naoum's brother Salloum, who held it until 1952.^[1] Salloum Mokarzel also founded The Syrian World—a journal that published articles on the history and culture of Syria.

The newspaper closed in September 1972.^[3]

See also

• Afifa Karam, Al-Hoda journalist