Dear Alif Community,
On January 17, Alif officially turned 20 years old. We reached this huge milestone at a time when our community has never been in more need of the power of arts and culture. Completing 20 years of service has cemented our presence as a reliable resource to understand and appreciate Arab cultures.
Our conviction in the power of the arts in storytelling and cultural education has proven effective in spreading awareness, expanding understanding, and building community. In a time where the definition of humanity has become diluted and selective, we are more committed than ever to provide a safe space at Alif Institute for all to learn more about Arab history and culture, come together as a community for mutual support and respect, and a link to other community organizations and resources.
Our profound belief in the transformative power of art in fostering cultural understanding and unity makes Alif Institute the perfect vehicle to articulate the vital role of the arts in bridging divides and uniting communities, ultimately envisioning a world united through the transformative power of arts and culture. In order to achieve peace and unity, we harness the richness and beauty of Arab heritage while underlining the commonalities of human existence.
Alif Institute is proud to be a nonprofit organization inspired and supported by its community. We thank you for your continued faith and support over the last 20 years. We look forward to what we can achieve as we weave the future together!
It might be only February, but here in Atlanta it already feels like spring. As you will see below, we are announcing some big events for spring and the holiday season coming up.
As always, thanks for reading our newsletter. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you can see upcoming opportunities to learn, process, support, and represent Arab cultures.
— The Alif Team
February Newsletter Sponsors
Thank you, newsletter sponsors!We couldn’t do it without your support!
Upcoming Events & Programs
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024
Reception: 6 PM – 6:45 PM
Gala: 7 PM – 9:30 PM
Location:SANDY SPRINGS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Keynote Speaker: eL Seed
We hope you will join us to celebrate Alif Institute’s 20 years of service fostering the understanding and appreciation of Arab cultures. Alif Institute is proud to be a nonprofit organization inspired and supported by its community. We look forward to what we can achieve as we weave the future together!
We are excited to announce world renowned artist, eL Seed, as our keynote speaker! With his artwork spanning the globe, he persistently endeavors to unite communities and challenge stereotypes. Each stroke of his brush echoes the stories of the diverse communities he encounters, amplifying their voices and fostering understanding.
SATURDAY, March 9, 202412 PM - 6 PM
Connect with community. Find unique Ramadan & Easter gifts.Support local artists, & artisans. Support humanitarian relief efforts.
Help us start off the blessed season of Ramadan & Easter by coming together for a day of community, culture & support for humanitarian relief efforts as well as our local artist and artisan community. In addition to showcasing the talent and creativity of our vendors, we will organize activities that:
- Fundraise to support humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.
- Empower the community with updates about what is happening here and in Palestine and how we can help.
- Talk about the impact of current events on our children’s mental health and how we can support them as well as ourselves.
In the spirit of giving, Alif Institute is donating 50% of vendor table rental fees to support the humanitarian medical work of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). We are also organizing other opportunities to contribute to humanitarian relief programs benefitting Gaza.
Movie Nights & Palestine in Pictures continue! Please visit our Movie Night website for more information on film schedules and menus. If you have questions, please EMAIL us.
Friday, March 8, 20247 pm – Dinner ($15)7:30 pm – Movie is free and open to the public.Dinner (optional) – $15 (reservation required)MENU: Harra Osbao, salad, dessert (chocolate!)
After the bombing of his family’s chocolate factory, Tareq Hadhad, a charming young Syrian refugee, struggles to settle into small-town life in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Based on the internationally recognized true story.
3/2 & 3/7 - Kan ya Makan: Arabic Storytime & Crafts
Saturday, March 2 at 1:15 PMThursday, March 7 at 12 PM
Free & Open to the public
Kan Ya Makan is a monthly program that happens on the first Thursday (11 am) and first Saturday (1:15 pm) of each month. Bring your little ones and enjoy Arabic storytelling and crafts at Alif Institute.
3/9 - Sahtain wa Hana
Saturday, March 9
12 PM - 6 PM
March’s Sahtain wa Hana will take place during our Ramadan & Easter Artists & Artisan Bazaar! In honor of Lent, we will offer a vegetarian menu. Check the website for the menu details and EMAIL us if you have any questions.
3/23 - The Art of Arabic Cuisine
Mamoul / معمول
Saturday, March 23, 20242 PM - 4:30 PM
In honor of the upcoming holiday season (Ramadan & Lent/Easter), we are teaching how to make mamoul, a special date or nut filled cookie associated with holiday celebrations across the Arab world. Guest Chef Widad Saad (local educator and former Alif parent and board member) will welcome you into this tradition, teaching you how to make these delicious treats. Questions? EMAIL us!
Arab American Heritage Month
April is nationally designated as Arab American Heritage Month! If you would like for Alif to present to your school or organization or provide a fun and informative cultural activity, please EMAIL.
January & February Recap
1/6 - Arabic Language Program & Open House
On January 6, we held our first Open House of 2024 and welcomed new and returning students. Classes started back up at the end of the month and it felt like we’d never left: parents, youth, and adults enjoyed re-connecting and building. What an amazing way to start off our year of Arabic language learning!
Rolling Enrollment for 3 & 4 year olds!Both our Chamblee and Roswell locations are accepting 3 and 4 year old students on a continuous basis. Please EMAIL US if you are interested to start your child on their Arabic learning journey, help them make friends, and build community!
1/13 & 2/3 - Sahtain wa Hana
Each month, more and more people are looking forward to the homemade culinary creations by the Sahtain wa Hana ladies! Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to pass a few hours savoring delicious Arabic cuisine and making friends. Yallah!
1/12, 1/20 1/26, 2/9, 2/23 - Movie Nights & Palestine in Pictures
Alif’s Movie Nights program continues in 2024, showing thought-provoking and entertaining films along with great Arabic dinners. So far, we’ve shown five adult movies and one for youth. Adult movies are preceded by an optional dinner and followed by great conversation.
2/8 - The Museum School field trip to Alif Institute
We are so happy to welcome back the 7th grade students from The Museum School! 75 7th grade students spent the morning learning about Arab cultures through exhibits and hands-on workshops! We really love how curious and creative the Museum School students are. Special thanks go to our instructors:Tabla: Mr. Matias Hazrum; Hummus: Liz Talamas, Narjis Abuakel, Nora Farra, Mary Umlauf; Calligraphy: Mr. Haitham Haddad, Ghada SuidanIf you would like to invite your school or organization to do a cultural workshop, please send us an EMAIL!
2/16 - The Art of Arabic Cooking: Maqlouba, Cream-Stuffed Dates
Our first cooking class of 2024 was led by the amazing Rania Renno, who taught us how to make maqlouba. The incredible scent of spices perfumed the room as our group enjoyed learning about this dish, comparing different family recipes, and getting to know each other. While the maqlouba was cooking, we made delicious cream-stuffed dates. Impressive!
Don’t miss our next class on mamoul on Saturday, April 23 and EMAIL us if you have questions!
Community Announcements
TWO SCHOLARSHIPS FROM ADC:
- The Dr. Jack G. Shaheen Media Scholarship - Deadline to apply is April 12th, 2024.
- Senator James Abourezk Public Affairs Scholarship
Palestine Children’s Relief FundAtlanta Chapter Iftar
Sunday, March 15 at 7 PM
Jaffa Restaurant: 10684 Alpharetta Highway, STE 500
ROSWELL, GA30076
SAVE THE DATE:Heal Palestine Benefit Iftar
Saturday, March 14
Mazaj Restaurant
3312 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Duluth, Georgia 30096
Rev. Fahed Abuakel’s Birthday Dinner BenefittingThe Laurice Khoury Foundation
Saturday, April 6 at Alif InstituteProgram starts at 6:30, Dinner at sunset (Iftar)
RSVP to: 404.441.2702 or fabuakel@gmail.com.
- Minimum tax-deductible donation - $100
- The LK Foundation funds scholarships for disabled Palestinian students who are studying in the West Bank & East Jerusalem.
Copyright (C) 2024 Alif Institute. All rights reserved.
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