February 2026 Newsletter
OUR MISSION:To foster the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Arabic cultures.
OUR VISION: One world, united through the power of Arts & Culture.
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 AM - 5 PM, not including other programs and events. You can always reach us via email at info@alifinstitute.org.
Dear Alif community,
When I was a student at the University of Georgia, I chose to major in Arabic because I felt certain that there was more to the Arab world than I was seeing on CNN. That curiosity led me to a fateful study abroad trip to Yemen, the place where I met my husband, Hesham.
Years later, as we began raising our family here in Atlanta, I realized that if I wasn't intentional, my children would miss out on the language and the cultural roots that define so much of who they are. That desire for my children to know their roots led us to Alif.
Over the past few years, Alif has become so much more than a school for my children; it is where we have met our closest friends, where my kids have played soccer, and where we have both found and offered support. Alif has shaped every member of my family for the better. We are stronger together, and we truly need one another. I invite you to join in and become a part of the Alif family. You are all welcome here!
In appreciation,
Frannie FabianVice Chair, Board of Executive Directors & Alif parent
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Upcoming Programs & Events
FEBRUARY 3
FEBRUARY 7
FEBRUARY 8
FEBRUARY 7 & 14
FEBRUARY 14
FEBRUARY 17
Registration extended due to recent inclement weather! Click the banner above to find out about all our Arabic Language classes for KIDS and ADULTS starting in February! Questions? EMAIL US and we’ll be happy to help.
Alif’s Winter/Spring 2026 Arabic Music Program is open for registration! Offerings include oud and tabla/derbakeh classes and workshops, Yalla Nghani Ladies Arabic Chorus and Children’s Arabic Chorus, and Arabic Music Jam Sessions. Click HERE or EMAIL US for more details.
February 7 - Alif’s Youth Group is planning a fun evening of trivia competition open to everyone from ages 13 to 100! Don’t delay! Grab some team members and sign up before tables are gone. Sponsorship opportunities are also available! Space is very limited and the last day to register is Thursday, February 5 at 11:59 PM. Click HERE or EMAIL US for more information.
February 14 - Join Alif’s Team for the Gaza 5K!On the morning of Saturday, February 14, Alif board, staff, and community will participate in a 5K fundraising race benefitting relief efforts in Gaza. Whether you are a runner or a walker, everyone is welcome! Click HERE to join our team!
- Saturday, February 14, 2026, 8:00 AM 12:00 PM
- Westside Park Playground, Shirley Clarke Franklin Park1660 Johnson Road NorthwestAtlanta, GA, 30318
Alif is ready once again to bring community together to celebrate our shared traditions! TICKETS and SPONSORSHIPS are available for our Ramadan Iftar & Lent Dinner. As we will probably be inside, space will be limited again this year. Last year we sadly had to close registration, so please make plans to attend ASAP!…Click HERE or EMAIL US for more information.
Announcing our Summer 2026 Zaytoona Arabic Cultural Immersion Camp for children! REGISTRATION is now open. Last year was a huge success and the word is spreading fast! Space is very limited, so don’t wait until the last minute…Click HERE or EMAIL US for more information.
January Recap
JANUARY 10 - Ahlan Saturday: Open House, SWH, KYM
January 10 was Opening Day for 2026. As we do for each first Saturday of a new semester, we held our Arabic Language Program Open House, Sahtain wa Hana, and Kan ya Makan Arabic Storytime and Crafts. Instructors and staff welcomed new and returning Arabic language students and everyone enjoyed the delicious food prepared with love by our Sahtain wa Hana ladies. Then, families gathered in the library to hear stories, dance, sing, and get crafty with their little ones. Thanks to everyone who participated for a truly lovely day! Join us every first Saturday for culture, community, and connection.
JANUARY 10 - Annual Alif Crew Meeting
We continued to set the tone for the year with our annual Crew Meeting. Each year, Alif brings together our crew of staff, instructors, and board members to start the year with connection and purpose. This annual gathering sets the tone for the months ahead and reminds us that great things happen when creative minds come together. It is always an inspiring and productive meeting, filled with meaningful conversations, shared perspectives, and deeper brainstorming that helps shape Alif’s work and vision for the year ahead. We are excited to share this year’s goals with our community and the plans we have in place to bring them to life.
JANUARY 11 - Movie Night: All That’s Left of You
Alif’s 2026 film screening program opened with a new release from Watermelon Pictures, All That Is Left of You. A captivated audience gathered to watch this acclaimed Palestinian film, which also marks the final film appearance of renowned actor and director Mohammad Bakri who passed away in December, 2025. Following the screening, many attendees stayed for a thoughtful discussion of this moving and beautifully crafted film. Join us on Sunday, February 8 for our next film screening: The Voice of Hind Rajab, a gripping true story drama about the attempted rescue of a Palestinian child in Gaza.
Arabic Music Program: Oud, Tabla, and Yalla Nghani
We are beginning 2026 with renewed energy and an exciting new chapter for our Ladies’ Arabic Chorus. We are delighted to welcome Dimyana, a respected local talent with decades of experience leading and training choruses, as our new vocal director. Accompanied by Mr. Suheil Sedran on oud, participants will enjoy a rich and authentic musical experience rooted in Arabic vocal tradition.
This weekly chorus is open to women of all levels. No prior singing experience is required, but participants should come ready to actively engage their voices and grow together as an ensemble. Practice takes place every Saturday at Alif Institute. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, REGISTRATION for 2026 will be open until February 14. We look forward to singing together and building community through music.
Oud and Tabla classes and workshops have also started, but you still have time to SIGN UP. Don’t miss out, REGISTER NOW!
Alif Youth GroupAlif’s Youth Group has been meeting regularly and using their creativity to plan Trivia Night (February 7), a fun community evening open to everyone 13 to 100 years old. Projects like these teach teamwork, leadership, public speaking, and fundraising skills all while making friendships.
Come support our youth and enjoy a friendly (but competitive!) evening with friends and family. Meet new people, brush up on your trivia skills, and enjoy snacks, raffles, and prizes. It’s a great chance to make memories and have some laughs along the way!
Thank you, January Alif Volunteers!
- Sahtain wa Hana: Angela, Liz, and Reem
- Library: Andrea and Dyka
Want to help with projects like these? CLICK HERE to join our volunteer list!
Community Announcements:
Send us your community events and we’ll be happy to post them here!
As a service to the community, we offer this space as a bulletin board to announce events in the community. The following events are not planned, endorsed, or verified by Alif Institute. Please click on the images and reach out directly to the event organizers for more information.
SUMMER INTERNSHIP DEADLINE: 2/15
FEBRUARY 15
FEBRUARY 28
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4/12
APRIL 18
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