Label
RIA: Cheaib for Vistula Nbhrhd Leadership
Councilwoman Jones
Title
Recognizing Hassan Muhammad Jaber Cheaib for his leadership and dedication to the Vistula Neighborhood
Summary
WHEREAS, Hassan Muhammad Jaber Cheaib, affectionately known as "Abu Roos," was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1934 to Dibe Cheaib and Muhammad Jaber Cheaib, as one of eight children; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cheaib immigrated to the United States in 1961 as a member of the Lebanese National Wrestling Team to compete in the 1962 Amateur World Wrestling Championships held at the University of Toledo Field House; and
WHEREAS, upon settling in Toledo's North End, Mr. Cheaib became a cornerstone of the Vistula neighborhood, helping to bring and establish families such as Cheaib, Awada, Tawil, Dia, Chammander, Rahal, and later the Hawili family, fostering a vibrant Lebanese and Syrian community alongside other ethnic groups; and
WHEREAS, throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mr. Cheaib assisted newcomers in finding work-whether at Jeep, in local businesses, or through his own connections with Ringling Brothers Circus and Disney on Ice tours while also encouraging entrepreneurship and community stability; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cheaib demonstrated unwavering dedication to the North End, residing in Vistula from 1961 until his passing, investing in local housing, maintaining affordable rents, and opening Cheaib Carry-Out in 1992, a business that reflected his values by excluding lottery and alcohol sales to preserve neighborhood integrity; and
WHEREAS, he was widely respected as "Mr. Cheaib" or "Pops," treating all people with kindness and fairness regardless of race or background, and continually working to uplift his community through employment opportunities and neighborhood improvements; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cheaib remained committed to the North End's revival, cherishing its rich cultural history and holding steadfast hope for its future.
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Council of the City of ...
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