Elmo and Ramy Youssef celebrate Arab heritage on Sesame Street

'Sesame Street' teaches Elmo Arabic: 'What does salam alaykum mean?'

In between the Cookie Monster explaining his favorite exercise and Elmo pretending to be a DJ with frisbees, "Sesame Street" took time to promote Arabic culture.The formerly beloved children's program put out a video celebrating "Arab-American Heritage Month" letting everyone know the word of the day is "habibi."'Happy Arab-American Heritage Month, habibi.'The word, a common term of affection often translated as "my dear," was not only featured …

Sesame Street Celebrates Arab Heritage

The children’s show, Sesame Street, is celebrating Arab American Heritage Month, teaching kids Arabic phrases. Comedian and actor Ramy Youssef joined the beloved character Elmo for the celebration. “Mr. Ramy, what does salamu alaykum mean?” Elmo asks. Youssef responds, “Well salam means peace and it’s a way to say hello in Arabic.” “Oh cool, Salamu Ayaykum everyone,” Elmo says. Youssef later teaches Elmo what “haibibi” means. “It’s an Arabic wor…

Elmo and Ramy Youssef celebrate Arab heritage on Sesame Street

Egyptian-American actor Ramy Youssef celebrates Arab heritage on Sesame Street, with a clip viewed millions of times online.