March 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,
This April will mark 30 years since I came to the United States. As an Arab, shaped by an ancient history, a rich heritage, and an unbreakable connection to the land I come from, I once took that heritage for granted. Our stories and traditions were simply lived, communicated through our actions, values, and conduct, rather than displayed for the world to see.
When I moved to a new country and culture, something shifted. I suddenly felt a profound need to hold tightly to my heritage, to share our stories more openly and to ensure my children understand where they come from and remain connected, to our history, and to the generations before them.
With distance came urgency, even fear, of losing what I had once assumed would always be there. I became more aware of how fragile traditions can feel when removed from their natural surroundings, so I held on tighter, determined to preserve the customs, language, values, and stories that define us. What was once instinctive and unspoken is now intentional.
These years have taught me that identity does not get left behind when we cross borders. It travels with us, evolves with us, and asks to be honored in new ways. I am grateful for the life I have built here, and for the roots that continue to shape me. A story I am sure many of you can relate to.
I feel incredibly lucky to have Alif, a place that brings us together especially at a time when many of us worry about our families, friends, and homeland. Having a space to gather, share our stories, find comfort and solidarity is truly invaluable. Do not hesitate to reach out any time.
I hope you all stay safe and grounded during these challenging and unsettling times.
In appreciation,
Mouna AbdelhamidExecutive Director
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Together, we can keep Arab cultures thriving! In this month of giving, we invite you to invest in the language, arts, and traditions that bring our community together.
At Alif, culture is not just preserved, it is lived and shared. It is heard in our Arabic classrooms, seen in our film screenings and exhibitions, and felt in the gatherings that create connection across generations and traditions. Every program we offer strengthens identity, deepens understanding, and builds belonging.
Together, we are building a space where Arab cultures flourish proudly, visibly, and for generations to come. Please click HERE to become one of the 300!
Upcoming Programs & Events
MARCH 8
MARCH 14
MARCH 22
APRIL 24
MAY 14
On Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:30 pm, Alif Institute will take over Rows 1-7 of Section 226 in Mercedez Benz Stadium!
- More than just a match, it’s a community moment!
- Join us for Alif’s Community Day at Atlanta United for a chance to cheer together, show up together, and celebrate the power of community!
- Alif's Community Day at Atlanta United is a unique opportunity to publicly support Arab cultures! It's also a fun-draiser, so don't wait until the last moment. Reserve your tickets today!
REGISTRATION for all our summer Arabic programs is open! Click the banner above to find out about our in-person, live on-line, and study abroad Arabic Language options starting in June! Questions? EMAIL US and we’ll be happy to help.
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.
Alif’s Winter/Spring 2026 Arabic Music Program Sessions II & III are 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.
VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! Vendors, please click HERE to apply for the 19th Annual Atlanta Arab Festival.
February Recap
FEBRUARY 7 - Kan ya Makan, Alif Institute & Arab American Women’s Society of Georgia (AAWSG) Book Club
At Alif, we love books for all ages! On February 7, author and illustrator Dina Fawakhiri, Alif’s Communications Director, delighted our youngest readers with a special storytime and crafts for our little book lovers. Later that afternoon, Alif and the AAWSG co-hosted a thoughtful discussion of The Bamboo Stalk by Saud Alsanousi, bringing our community together through stories that spark imagination and meaningful conversation.
FEBRUARY 8 - Movie: The Insult
Attendees of our February film screening of The Insult enjoyed unraveling this compelling courtroom drama and exploring its deeper implications within Lebanon’s broader socio-political context. Join us on Sunday, March 22 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.
FEBRUARY 14 - UNRWA Gaza 5K
Board members, staff, family, and friends gathered early on February 14 for a day of action to raise funds to help feed families in Gaza. Hundreds of people came out to support this important cause. We were proud to participate and grateful to stand alongside our community in making a difference together.
Creativity with care: transforming reused materials into art, stories, and cultural expression.
As a nonprofit, we are intentional about where every dollar goes, ensuring it directly supports our mission and our community. In line with our ongoing commitment to repurposing discarded materials, we proudly gave new life to packaging by transforming it into our event décor. When corrugated honeycomb cardboard arrived in triangular forms, we saw possibility: an Arabesque inspired design. By reassembling the pieces, we created a classic Islamic - Arabic eight-pointed star, honoring our heritage in all its diversity. What began as packaging became art, a true team and community effort. We hope you enjoy this creation as much as we enjoyed bringing it to life.
FEBRUARY 21 - Ramadan Iftar & Lent Dinner
Our Ramadan Iftar & Lent Dinner on February 21 was a beautiful evening of shared traditions, culture, and community. Guests gathered around the table to break bread together and reflect on the spirit of generosity and connection that both seasons inspire.
We are deeply grateful to the many volunteers, caterers, performers, and donors who helped make the evening so special. Their generosity and dedication created a warm and memorable celebration for everyone who attended.
School Outreach Program - The Museum School & Mill Creek Academy
February was a busy and joyful month for our school outreach program! We were delighted to spend time with our longtime partners at The Museum School. On February 9, Executive Director Mouna Abdelhamid visited their 7th grade classes and guided students in creating beautiful geometric designs inspired by Arabesque artistic methods. Later in the month, on February 24, the entire grade visited Alif for a day of hands-on learning, including an introduction to Arabic language, a lively tabla/derbakeh session, and a tour of our current exhibits.
We were also thrilled to welcome first-time partners from Mill Springs Academy, whose elementary students joined us on February 12. They had a wonderful time exploring Arab cultures through interactive activities and creative learning.
Special thanks to Nora and Mohammad, whose volunteer support helped make these visits such a success. If you would like to invite us to your school or volunteer for a future outreach visit, please EMAIL US!
Arabic Music Program: Oud, Tabla, and Yalla Nghani
February was a big month for music at Alif. We continued our tabla workshops for adults and started a mini-session for kids! Yalla Nghani, the Ladies Arabic Chorus is beginning to hit their stride and we just started Arabic Singing Lessons for the little ones too!
Oud and Tabla classes and workshops have also started, but you still have time to SIGN UP for the next sessions. Don’t miss out, REGISTER NOW!
Thank you, February Alif Volunteers!
- Sahtain wa Hana: Ghada, Liz, Narjis, and Nora
- Iftar: Suheil, Ayas, Mariem, Teresa, Reem, Andrea, Hassan, and Neveen
- Library: Andrea, Emily, and Fawzi
- Tent design & decoration: Hiyam, Yasmine, Joelle
Want 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:
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.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4/12
APRIL 18
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