November 2025 Newsletter
OUR MISSION:To foster the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Arabic cultures.
OUR VISION: One world, united through the power of Arts & Culture.
Dear Alif community,
On a recent trip to the Arab world, I was faced on multiple occasions with the question “where are you from?” by fellow travelers, officials, and airport and airline staff alike. My answers varied from “Palestine” – where my family is from, “Lebanon” – where I was born and raised, and “Atlanta” or “the USA” - where I have spent most of my adult life.
This made me reflect on the words of the renowned Palestinian poet and author Mahmoud Darwish (1941 – 2008):
أَنَا مَنْ هُنَاكْ...أَنَا مَنْ هُنَا
وَلَسْتُ هُنَاكَ، وَلَسْتُ هُنَا
لِي اسْمَانِ يَلْتَقِيَانِ وَيَفْتَرِقَانِ
وَلِي لغتانِ، نَسِيَتُ بأيّهما كُنْتُ أَحُلْمُ
I am from there... I am from here
And I am not there, nor here.
I have got two names that meet and depart.
I have got two languages - I’ve forgotten in which I used to dream.
As I boarded my flight back “home” to Atlanta, trying to make sense of where we truly belong, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the second home we have in Atlanta – our one-of-a-kind Alif Institute, Atlanta’s Arab Cultural Center.
Look below for a collection of past and upcoming events. I invite you to join and explore the rich cultures of the Arab world through the year-long programs organized by Alif Institute.
In appreciation,
Mustafa SaadiMember, Board of Executive Directors
2015 - 2021, 2023 - present
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Upcoming Programs & Events
NOVEMBER 7
NOVEMBER 11
NOVEMBER 18
NOVEMBER 21
NOVEMBER 22
DECEMBER 5
DECEMBER 6
DECEMBER 13
FEBRUARY 7
Click the banner above to find out about all our Arabic Language classes for KIDS and ADULTS starting in January! Questions? EMAIL US and we’ll be happy to help.
Click the banner above to find out about this year’s Christmas Bazaar! VENDOR APPLICATIONS are now open. Click the link or EMAIL US for more information.
Taking your work team out for the holidays? Bring your team to Alif Institute for an unforgettable Holiday Outing - where culture, rhythm, and flavor come together! Cook and connect over Maqloubeh, the famous “upside-down” rice and eggplant dish that’s as fun to make as it is to share. Then choose one of the 3 add-ons to complete your experience: Knafeh (dessert), Tabla (drum), or Dabkeh (dance). Great for colleagues or groups of any kind!
Click HERE for more information or EMAIL US to create an experience they won’t forget.
Have questions about any of our programs? EMAIL US or call 770-936-8770!
October Recap
10/4/25 & 10/5/25 - 18th Annual Atlanta Arab Festival
Each year, the Atlanta Arab Festival grows bigger and better — and it’s all thanks to the incredible cooperation, energy, and resources that our community brings together. Despite the rain on Sunday, we welcomed over 6,500 attendees who came to celebrate Arab culture, food, art, and community.
Looking forward to NEXT YEAR’S 19th Annual AAF on October 3 & 4, 2026. Save the date!
Please click HERE and HERE to see this year’s photos from the festival!
For a small summary of this incredible event , please CLICK HERE.
10/10/25 (Capernaum) & 10/24/25 (Wajib) - Movie Nights
In October, our films took us into the worlds of orphaned refugees in Lebanon and Palestinian families living under occupation. Thank you to everyone who came out and shared in the thoughtful discussions afterward. We can’t wait to see you again for our next films on November 7 and 21!
10/16/25 - Tire Clean-Up
Last year, we launched a fundraising effort to address the illegal tire dumping on our property. Thanks to the Georgia Environmental Protection Department for accepting us into their remediation program and cleaning up the site! We’re also deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to our tire clean-up fund; your generosity helped cover legal fees during the clean-up process. Finally, special thanks to our neighbors at PREP Kitchens for partnering with Alif Institute to finance the construction of a 12 foot fence that will help prevent future dumping.
10/18 - Children’s Arabic Language Program Celebrates Fall
Our Saturday children’s program embraced the fall spirit with pumpkin decorating and festive costumes! Students showed off their creativity and enthusiasm, while parents and teachers loved seeing their joy and imagination come to life.
10/19 - Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic in the Park
What a lovely day to celebrate our amazing Alif volunteers! On Sunday, October 19, we gathered at Don White Park for a picnic, a small token of appreciation for the countless hours our volunteers contributed throughout 2025. Their dedication and passion make everything we do possible. We look forward to another inspiring year together as we continue to foster the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Arab cultures! Want to join our volunteer list? CLICK HERE to sign up!
Thanks to our OCTOBER VOLUNTEERS!
October was a huge month for volunteers! They helped with so many projects, events, and programs, including:
- The 18th Annual Atlanta Arab Festival
- Packaging our thank you gifts for Arab Festival Sponsors
- Transporting two huge donated outdoor heaters
- Creating and implementing software for our new library system
- Creating an inventory of our library books
- Leading October’s Kan ya Makan Arabic Storytime & Crafts
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.
DECEMBER 14
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