July 2026 Newsletter
Alif Institute Zaytoona Camp Kids Crafts - June 2026
Dear Alif Community,
July always feels like a turning point. The first half of the year is behind us, and the second half opens with a quiet invitation to reflect, reset, and remember what continues to shape us.
For me, so much of that reflection begins with where I come from. I grew up in Lebanon, surrounded by a culture where history, language, food, family, and resilience were not separate parts of life; they were life. My childhood was shaped by the sounds, traditions, and stories of home, but also by movement. I studied in Lebanon, lived in Europe, and experienced different cultures that expanded the way I saw the world while deepening my appreciation for my own.
When I came to the United States, I thought my connection to Lebanon would always remain simple and close. But life had other plans. Being unable to return to Lebanon changed something in me. What once felt naturally within reach suddenly became something I had to protect more intentionally, not only for myself, but for my children.
Like many of us, I found myself building a life between two worlds. I was grateful for the opportunities here, but I also longed for the language, warmth, humor, food, music, and shared understanding that only community can give. As I raised my children, that longing became even more meaningful. I wanted them to know where they come from, to feel pride in their heritage, and to understand that our culture is not only something we remember; it is something we live, share, and pass forward.
That is what Alif represents to me.
Alif is more than an institute. It is a gathering place for memory, identity, culture, and connection. It gives us a way to preserve what we inherited while also creating something new for the next generation. It reminds us that even when we are far from the places that formed us, we can still find home in one another.
As we enter the second half of the year, I hope July becomes an invitation for all of us to reconnect with what grounds us. May we continue to share our stories, teach our children, honor our heritage, and show up for each other with generosity and pride.
I am grateful for this community and for the many ways Alif helps us carry home forward, for ourselves and for our children.
In appreciation,
Nadine Lutz
Board Member
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Events
Johns Creek! Get ready for Arabic Music in the Park!
This summer, experience the joy of Arabic music and folkloric dance under the open sky!
Alif Institute is bringing outdoor evening workshops to Johns Creek, making it easier than ever to learn and connect with Arab culture right in your own community.
Join us to learn:
- Derbakeh (tabla/ drum) 7:00pm to 8:30pm
- Oud 7:00pm to 8:30pm
- Dabkeh (traditional Arab folkloric dance) 8:30pm to 9:30pm
We're coming to you! Newtown Park, Pavilion 1D, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022
Registration is required, and space is limited. Reserve your spot and spend your summer evenings making music, dancing, and celebrating culture with us.
The 19th Atlanta Arab Festival Is Coming! Are You Ready?
The countdown is on!
As excitement builds for the 19th Atlanta Arab Festival, taking place October 3 & 4, 2026, preparations are well underway for Alif Institute's largest annual celebration of Arab culture.
Rooted in our mission to foster understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Arab cultures, the festival brings together thousands of Arab and non-Arab Americans for a vibrant weekend of live music and dance performances, authentic Arab cuisine, a bustling souq, cultural exhibits, hands-on workshops, games, and family-friendly activities.
With attendance now exceeding 8,000 visitors, the Atlanta Arab Festival has become one of the Southeast's premier celebrations of Arab heritage. We look forward to welcoming our community once again for an unforgettable weekend of culture, connection, and celebration.
To our valued sponsors and supporters: your partnership makes this festival possible.
As the festival continues to grow, we invite you to partner with Alif Institute in bringing one of the Southeast's premier celebrations of Arab culture to our community. Your sponsorship helps make every aspect of the festival possible—from engaging cultural and educational programming to live performances and family activities. Above all, it enables us to continue offering free admission, making this celebration accessible to everyone and reinforcing our commitment to building bridges through culture. Please consider sponsoring the 19th Atlanta Arab Festival at a level that is meaningful to you. Together, we can continue building a vibrant celebration that welcomes thousands of visitors each year and showcases the richness and diversity of Arab culture.
We look forward to partnering with you to make this year's festival our best yet!
Thank you 2026 Special Business Sponsors Awad Law Firm and Tabbaa Law
Call to Arab American Artists in Georgia// Art Exhibit// November 14
Calling all Arab American artists living in Georgia! We are now accepting applications for our upcoming exhibition, Inner Landscapes, opening on November 14. This year's theme invites artists to explore the relationship between memory, place, identity, and the human experience - examining how our surroundings, cultures, and lived experiences shape the way we see the world and express ourselves through art. We look forward to showcasing a diverse collection of works that reflect the unique inner landscapes of Arab American artists.
Programs
Fall / Winter Session
July 29
August 14
August 20
August 22
August 28
June Recap
June 2: Derbakeh Workshop
For many participants, the Derbakeh and Daff were instruments they had always wanted to learn but never had the opportunity to try. Led by musician and instructor Matias Hazrum, the workshop got participants playing from the very first class! Students learned a complete traditional rhythm on day one, building confidence while exploring the techniques, history, and cultural significance of both the tabla and the daff. By the end of the workshop, they had not only learned to play together, but had also gained a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions behind these iconic percussion instruments. Through this hands-on experience, the workshop helped preserve Arab musical heritage and inspired a new generation to keep its rhythms alive.
June 4: Oud Workshop
For many, the oud is a treasured instrument that has sat untouched for years. For others, it is an instrument they have always been curious to discover. Our Oud Workshop, led by master musician and instructor Mr. Suheil Sedran, welcomed beginners and aspiring musicians for a hands-on introduction to the Arab world's iconic instrument. Participants explored the oud's history, structure, and playing techniques while experiencing the beauty of its timeless sound. By making this cherished tradition accessible to new audiences, the workshop helped preserve Arab musical heritage and inspire a new generation of oud enthusiasts.
June 6: Sahtain wa Hana: Koosa Mahshi!
More than a monthly get together, Sahtain wa Hana is a celebration of community, tradition, and connection. The talented women of our community generously shared a dish of Mahshi: stuffed zucchini and eggplant (and a few bell peppers!), a treasured family recipe passed down through generations. Everyone gathered at Alif to eat, connect, and even play some Backgammon celebrating the start of the summer break. Join us for our next community lunch on August 8th!
June 8: Zaytoona Arabic Immersion Summer Camp: More Than Just a Children's Camp
Zaytoona Camp is about so much more than creating unforgettable summers for children. It is also a place where the next generation of Arab-American leaders discover their voices, develop confidence, and grow into mentors for their communities.
Our young counselors are given the opportunity to to step into meaningful leadership roles, working alongside our staff and instructors to guide younger campers while building valuable life skills.
Through the program, our Alif Youth Counselors:
- Learned how to support younger children.
- Built confidence through hands-on responsibility.
- Strengthened teamwork, problem-solving, communication skills and decision-making abilities.
- Gained experience planning activities and creating a positive camp environment.
- Deepened their connection to Arab language, culture, and community while serving as role models.
The experience wasn't simply about assisting at camp - it was about empowering young people to become compassionate, capable leaders who will continue to strengthen and inspire our community for years to come.
The Zaytoona Camp Program this year:
This year, we expanded Zaytoona Camp with exciting new experiences that combined further creativity, culture, and hands-on learning, such as:
- Egyptian Shadow Puppetry: Campers created puppets, adapted an Arabic story into a script, and performed their own play for the younger campers and their parents.
- Animal Party: An interactive wildlife experience where campers met and learned about a variety of animals.
- Dabkeh: Campers learned the traditional Arab folk dance while building confidence and teamwork.
- The Art of Tatreez: We were so excited to see the 7-11 year old group fully engaged and interested in learning this precious Palestinian art form.
- Music Appreciation Sessions: The campers learned the basics of playing Derbakeh as well as exercises that focused on active listening, rhythm development, and the cultural history of music.
A Special Thank You
Our heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who helped make this camp a success. The Knit & Stitch club ladies, Teresa, Aseel, Matias, Demyana, Nabeel, Ghada, Wafa, Dalia and our amazing counselors and staff for generously sharing their time, passion, and talents with our campers. Your creativity, and dedication helped make this summer an inspiring and transformative experience. See you all in Zaytoona 2027! Registration will open on Januray 1st, 2027.
June 8: Congrats graduates of our Arabic Language Summer Intensive In-person Program!
Our Summer Intensive students spent several weeks immersed in the Arabic language with instructor Mr. Abderrazzak. Not only in the classroom, but throughout the Institute. While learning the language, they were surrounded by the sights, sounds, and flavors of Arab culture. They watched oud lessons next door, met families and children attending Zaytoona Camp, enjoyed fresh manaqeesh prepared by our junior campers, and shared traditional Arab meals throughout the program. Along the way, they connected with Arab Americans from diverse backgrounds, hearing personal stories and experiencing the rich traditions, music, and hospitality that make our community unique. At Alif, learning Arabic is more than studying a language; it's living the culture.
June 13 & 24: Gooooo Moroccoooooo! Our World Cup watch parties were a hit!
Morocco's remarkable World Cup run gave our community every reason to come together! In partnership with OneVita Partners, the Georgia Muslim Chamber of Commerce (GAMCC), Roswell Community Masjid, Masjid Al-Furqan, Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), Ali Events, and One Ummah Project, we hosted two FREE lively World Cup watch parties that welcomed around 150 fans, many visiting our Institute for the very first time. The guests transformed the space with Moroccan decorations, creating an atmosphere that felt just like home. Families and friends gathered to cheer, celebrate, and share unforgettable moments as Morocco inspired millions around the world. The events also showcased Alif Institute as a welcoming community gathering space, highlighting the versatility of our venue for cultural celebrations, community events, and private rentals.
June 26: Growing up, many of us knew Umm Kulthum as the legendary voice of the Arab world - but how many of us knew the woman behind the icon?
Through a screening of El Sett, we explored the remarkable life of the singer who captivated generations, while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges she faced as an Arab woman navigating art, fame, and a rapidly changing world. Her story offered a powerful glimpse into the resilience, determination, and sacrifices that have shaped generations of Arab artists. A global icon whose legacy continues to inspire, Umm Kulthum is a story worth knowing; for Arabs and non-Arabs alike.
Thank you June volunteers!
A big thank you to all the volunteers that lent a helping hand during this busy month of May. Because if your help the work on the library is nearly done. A couple more group volunteers and we should be ready to open the library for public use. You enable us to make bigger impact and reach more people. Thank you ...
- Zaytoona Camp: Jake, Jineen, Mariam
- Sahtain Wa Hana ladies: Ghada, Andrea, Helen, Victoria, Nora, Narjis, Liz
- World cup Watch Parties: Mariam from Egypt & Mariam from MoroccoWant to help with projects like these? We especially need more volunteers to help us set up the library! Please CLICK HERE to join our volunteer list!
Community Announcements
July 11 - 12
July 13
July 15
September 12
October 10
English Classes
Send us your community events and we’ll be happy to post them here!
Our 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.
Copyright (C) 2026 Alif Institute. All rights reserved.
