NEW YORK – The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York has called on New York City to officially recognize the Steinway-Ditmars neighborhood of Astoria as ‘Little Hellas’ as part of the city’s Immigrant Enclaves initiative. The request was made in a letter sent to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
In its letter, the Federation states that while it welcomes the city’s effort to highlight the immigrant communities that helped shape New York, it considers the omission of Astoria’s historic Greek-American community from the official map to be a significant oversight.
“We commend Mayor Mamdani and his administration for recognizing the extraordinary contributions of the immigrant communities that shaped our city. It is therefore with sincere respect that we point out the absence of one of New York’s most historic and internationally recognized immigrant communities – the Greek-American community of Astoria,” the letter states.
The Federation notes that it was founded in 1938 by Greek immigrants and today represents nearly 100 Greek societies and communities, making it the largest organized Greek-American umbrella organization. It also highlights its long-standing service to the Greek-American community, particularly through the annual Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue, which brings together more than 300 organizations each year.
The letter places special emphasis on Astoria’s historic role as the symbolic heart of the Greek diaspora.
“For generations, Astoria has been synonymous with Greek America. Beginning in the decades following World War II, tens of thousands of Greek immigrants settled in the neighborhood, establishing homes, businesses, churches, schools, restaurants, newspapers, and cultural organizations. Astoria became widely recognized as the largest Greek community outside Greece.”
The Federation further stresses that the contributions of Greek-Americans have extended far beyond Astoria, with significant achievements in business, education, medicine, science, public service, philanthropy, and the arts. It also makes special mention of the many Greek-owned restaurants and diners that have become an integral part of New York City’s culture.
The letter also recalls the longstanding historical ties between Greece and the United States, noting that the democratic principles born in ancient Greece influenced America’s Founding Fathers, while the American Revolution, in turn, inspired the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
As part of its proposal, the Federation asks the city to officially designate the Steinway-Ditmars area as ‘Little Hellas’ and to install honorary gateway signs at the neighborhood’s main entrances reading: “Welcome to Little Hellas” and “Thank You for Visiting Little Hellas” in both English and Greek.
“Recognizing New York’s historic Greek enclave would not simply honor one community – it would preserve an important chapter in our city’s immigration history. It would acknowledge the enduring contributions of countless Greek-American families who helped build this great city,” the letter states.
The Federation concludes by expressing its hope for cooperation with the city administration, emphasizing that the request is submitted “not only on behalf of today’s Greek Americans, but also in honor of the generations of immigrants whose hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication helped shape New York City.” It also thanks the mayor and his administration for considering the proposal.
