Alif Institutes September 2025 Newsletter

September 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,

When I first moved to the United States—my very first time living outside the Arab world—I was both excited and intimidated. Everything felt new and unfamiliar, until I found Alif and the Atlanta Arab Festival. Only nine months after arriving in Atlanta, I attended the Festival for the first time, and it was more than just an event—it was a homecoming. I saw people not only from Atlanta but from neighboring states, all gathering to celebrate our shared culture. The music, the food, the laughter, and the familiar scents in the air made me feel like I belonged.

From volunteer to employee, my journey with Alif has been one of growth, connection, and pride. Now, one year later, I am honored to join the Alif team and to help carry forward this beautiful tradition. With the 18th Annual Atlanta Arab Festival just around the corner, I am excited to experience it again—this time from the inside—and to share it with all of you. Festivals like this remind us why preserving our language, arts, and culture is so essential: they bring us together, strengthen our identity, and create memories that last a lifetime.

With fresh eyes and a grateful heart, I look forward to supporting the amazing team already in place and adding more hands on deck as we work together to bring Alif’s vision to life, celebrate alongside you, and continue building an even stronger community.

In appreciation,

Dina FawakhiriMarketing Director

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The Atlanta Arab Festival is almost here! Join us for one of Atlanta’s most vibrant cultural celebrations filled with food, music, art, and community. This is your chance to not only enjoy the festivities but also be part of what makes it all possible. By volunteering, you’ll show your community spirit, make new friends, and set a great example for future generations—all while having a wonderful time. Sign up today and help us bring the 2025 Atlanta Arab Festival to life!

THANK YOU, AAF SPONSORS!Please help us thank our generous sponsors. They enable us to offer free admission and make improvements to this popular community event!

CORPORATE SPONSORS -

COMMUNITY SPONSORS -

Upcoming Programs & Events

OCTOBER 10

OCTOBER 14

OCTOBER 18

OCTOBER 24

NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 15

NOVEMBER 11

NOVEMBER 18

Mark your calendars! The first Saturday of each month are AHLAN SATURDAYS! Come to Alif Institute to celebrate Arab cultures with the following programs:

Sahtain wa Hana, Homemade Community Lunch (11:30 am - 2:30 pm)
Kan ya Makan Arabic Storytime & Crafts (1:15 pm)
Arabic Music Jam (1:30 pm - 3 pm)

See below for more info or EMAIL US with your questions.

Have questions about any of our programs? EMAIL US or call 770-936-8770!

September Recap

9/6/25 - Ahlan Saturday (Sahtain wa Hana, Kan ya Makan, Music Jam)

We had perfect weather this month for Ahlan Saturday, so we moved Sahtain wa Hana outdoors! Alif families and friends enjoyed delicious musakhan and mujadara while the kids played on the lawn. After Arabic classes, everyone gathered for a very well-attended Kan Ya Makan Arabic Storytime & Crafts. We ended the day on a high note with Music Jam—a new tabla player joined in, and Mohammad made a new friend through music! These programs are open to the public so please invite your friends and join us for our next Ahlan Saturday on November 1!

9/12 (Goodbye Julia) & 9/26 (3 short movies) - Movie Nights

This month we tried something different; a wonderful Sudanese movie and some short films! Don’t miss our next films on October 10 and 24!

9/13/25 - Arab American Women's Society of Georgia & Alif Institute Book Club: The View from the Cliffs

Our recent Book Club gathering was a memorable one! We enjoyed a rich discussion of The View from the Cliffs, joined virtually by bestselling author Dr. Yasmine Ali. It was a rare and exciting opportunity to explore the characters and themes directly with the author herself, making the afternoon especially engaging and inspiring.

9/16/25 - Dabke Workshop with Samir Hasan of Al Fursan

Several lucky participants learned the basics of dabke with veteran performer, Samir Hasan of Al Fursan. If you want to learn too, join us for the next dabke workshop on Tuesday, November 11. For more information, EMAIL US!

Thanks to our September Alif Volunteers!

Landscaping & maintenance - Sohel Elias & Atlanta Scapes
Amazing Alif Institute Parents!
Kan ya Makan - Lara K. D.
Sahtain wa Hana - Ghada, Deema, Dyka, and Reem
Mohammad - video editing
Ghassan & Imane - organizing
Malik - library
Margaret - Bake sale
Call for Volunteers: Atlanta Arab Festival - In-person, October 4 & 5!

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.

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