This issue of The Arab American News brings us to the close of 24 years of publishing. As we have for the past few years, we have combined the final two issues of the year to give our staff a much-needed break and to facilitate the observance of all the year-end holidays of 2008.

We very much look forward to the coming year, to crafting weekly issues that have ever greater impact on our readers’ lives and are ever more representative of the community, its issues, its weaknesses, its strengths.

The coming year will be an important transition in our national leadership and that will certainly be a major focus. But we also plan greater focus on health and wellness, on entertainment and culture and on highlighting the Arab Americans who are making a difference in all our lives by the work they do.

Look for style and format upgrades too.

We at The Arab American News wish all of our readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

In September, The Arab American News will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Stay tuned for news regarding that event.

As always, we welcome your input.

And we fervently wish for peace on earth.