September 2026 Newsletter
Image from our first day of the Arabic Language Fall Semester
Dear Alif Community,
I thought a lot about the opening that I was asked to write! Should I write about the importance of learning Arabic, or how essential it is to give the new generation a strong sense of identity? No, wait, maybe I should write about what Alif means to me as someone who started here as an Arabic teacher, and how this institute became my second home and a place so dear to my heart.
As an immigrant who came to this country in 1992, I have never felt as connected to my Syrian roots as I feel now. Today, my roots stretch far beyond the Levant, reaching to North Africa and across the entire Arab world. Through Alif I have met incredible people from every corner of the region, including different cities and towns in Syria I had never known. I have discovered so many more writers, artists, films, and culinary traditions. I now see how similar, if not identical, our cultures truly are. I see the Arab world as one, united not only by language, but by a rich, shared history and culture.
All of this comes to life at the Arab Festival. You meet so many people who attend for one primary reason: to feel that deep sense of connection. You taste food from across the region, see traditional attire, hear the music, smell the coffee and spices, and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. For two days, the festival takes you on a journey through our world, a vibrant celebration of colors, sents, and community.
Let's come together to keep this wonderful tradition alive.
With gratitude,
Kinda Hanano
Arabic Language Program Director
Newsletter Sponsors
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Events
The 19th Atlanta Arab Festival is 4 Weeks Away!
“JAHZEEN”? ARE YOU READY?
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.
And of course, none of this
would be possible without our
2026 FESTIVAL SPONSORS:
BUSINESS SPONSORS
Thank you, Special Business Sponsors!
Golf Cart Shuttles & Stops Sponsor
Stage & Kids' Zone Sponsor
Thank you, Silver Sponsors!
Thank you, Bronze Sponsors!
Thank you, Copper Sponsors!
Thank you, Brass Sponsors!
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
Thank you, Patron Sponsors!
- Dr. Rami and Dr. Rasha Arfoosh
- The Hisham and Nawal Araim Foundation
Thank you, Leader Sponsors!
- Dr. Maha El-Sayed
Thank you, Advocate Sponsors!
- The Ayoub/ Shuford Family
- Elizabeth George & Parag ShahIn Memory of Eli George
- The Khaldi Family
Thank you, Friend Sponsors!
- The Arab American Women’s Society of Georgia
- Mr. Khamis Ibrahim
- Ms. Lamia Mansour & Mr. Mostafa Ammar
- In memory of Abdulrahim Turki Ibrahim
Thank you, Supporter Sponsors!
- Ms. Mouna Abdelhamid
- Mr. Tony & Ms. Frances Ayoub
- Mr. Khaldoon & Mrs. Samira Bregeth
- Dr. Imad ElKebbi & Dr. Rana Hajjeh ElKebbi
- Dr. Yazan & Dr. Rima Houssami
- Dr. & Mrs. George Jabren & Family
- Ms. Maysa & Mr. Matt Kantner
- Dr. Shajih & Mrs. Ghada Muhanna
- In Honor of Ms. Farah Aldali
- In Memory of Ms. Nadia Ibrahim
Call to Arab American Artists in Georgia!
Calling all Arab American artists living in Georgia! We are now accepting applications for our upcoming exhibition, Inner Landscapes, opening on November 14. The application deadline is September 10th, so apply today! 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.
Call to all High-schoolers and College Students!
Your identity isn’t something to leave behind when you speak - it can be one of your greatest strengths.
Join us at Alif Institute for Identity-Powered Public Speaking, an interactive five-session course for high school and college students led by 2x TEDx speaker Jad-Évangelo Nasser.
Students will explore how to empower their cultural identities through business communication, public speaking, and illuminating their own stories, through a combination of lectures, activities, and interactive workshops.
One Saturday a month, from 12pm to 2pm, from September to January.
Soccer for a Good Cause!
Join us for Alif Community Day at Atlanta United on Saturday, October 24 as Atlanta United takes on Chicago!
This is more than just a match; it’s a chance for our community to show up together, celebrate Arab culture, and support Alif’s cultural and educational programs.
Two ways to join:
1-Youth Flag Holder Experience $250
Give your child an unforgettable experience! 24 youth, ages 12–16, will have the opportunity to carry flags onto the field before the game. Package includes 2 community tickets + 1 Flag Holder Experience.
2-Community Tickets $65
Sit together with the Alif community in Section 226, Rows 1–7. Only 150 tickets available!
Every ticket supports Alif, so come cheer with us, represent our community, and enjoy a great night of soccer! It’s more than just a match, it’s a community moment!
Programs
Fall / Winter Classes
Sept - Jan
September 11
September 12
September 25
September 26
August Recap
August 8: Ahlan Saturday!
Arabic Language OpenHouse
We started the month of August with our annual Arabic Language Open House. We welcomed both old and new faces, and answered all their questions about learning Arabic at Alif. Most of our Arabic instructors were there to meet and greet prospective students and families, from kids to adults.
Some visitors stayed and enjoyed the a home made lunch, while others took a placement test to find the right level for them. It was a great day of introductions, conversations, and helping learners of all ages take their first step toward Arabic!
Kan ya Makan: Arabic Storytime and Crafts
Some of those who came for the OpenHouse stayed for the Kan Ya Makan Arabic Storytime with Lara Karam Dempsey.
Stories were read in Arabic with simple English translations to help every child follow along, and they were definitely captivated! Through stories, songs, movement, and crafts, we make Arabic fun, familiar, and something children can fall in love with from a young age.
Sahtain wa Hana: Heart Warming Food
The community came together over a delicious homemade lunch of Shakrieh, tender halal beef in a warm yogurt stew served with rice, and vegetarian Musakaa, an eggplant dish, both served with homemade hummus and salad.
Prepared by the women of our community and served with the help of our wonderful volunteers, the afternoon was about more than food, it was about community, culture, and the love for our future generations. The day ended with a father and son enjoying a game of Tawla (backgammon) together, a simple moment that perfectly captured our mission of passing our culture and traditions from one generation to the next.
August 14 & 28: Movies That Stayed With Us
Our August Movies The United and The Presidents Cake brought our community together for evenings of film, food, conversation, and discovery. Alif’s Movie Nights are about more than watching a film, they’re an opportunity to experience stories from across the Arab world, see life through a different lens, and open our minds to perspectives and experiences beyond our own.
That’s the beauty of film: a chance to step into someone else’s story, reflect, connect, and leave with something new to think about.
August 20: Oud Workshop
Our Oud Workshop welcomed students who were picking up the instrument for the very first time! These introductory workshops with Mr. Suheil Sedran, are designed to give beginners a taste of the oud, learning the basics, discovering its sound, and seeing what it feels like to play.
It’s a great way to try something new without committing to a full course, and for those who fall in love with it, the next step is joining one of our ongoing Oud classes!
August 22: Arabic Mahashi with Rania
Our Arabic Cooking Classes with Rania was a delicious one! Together, we learned how to prepare koosa (zuchinni) and eggplant mahshi, carefully coring and stuffing the vegetables before letting them simmer in a tangy tomato sauce.
And while our masterpieces cooked, we had time for a little something sweet: dates filled with fresh cream (ishta)! A fun afternoon of cooking, learning, and sharing the flavors and traditions of Arab cuisine.
August 28: Connecting Through Culture & Creativity
We had a wonderful morning with CreativeMornings Atlanta, meeting interesting people and connecting with creative, curious people. Our Executive Director, Mouna, was the featured speaker, sharing thoughts and conversation around Arab culture, creativity, and the Nakhla (palm tree).
Accompanied by a beautiful live Oud performance by Suheil Sedran, the morning was all about what we value most; meaningful conversations, new connections, and an open exchange of cultures.
August 28: Chai, Chat & Community
We always seem to find a way to fit more into one day! After a wonderful morning at CreativeMornings, we headed over to represent Alif as a vendor at Chai & Chat.
Organized by Saly of ATL Cozy Cottage and hosted at Eleva Café, the event brought together women and small businesses to connect, support one another, and build community. A full day of creativity, connection, and community!
August 29: A New Semester of Arabic Language Begins!
We were so happy to welcome our kids back for the first day of Arabic Language classes at Alif! Students at both our Chamblee and Roswell locations kicked off the new semester with their teachers and classmates, learning the Arabic Language through engaging lessons, activities, conversation, and cultural connection.
Alif’s Kids & Youth Arabic Language Program brings together written and conversational Arabic in a culturally nurturing environment, helping students strengthen their language skills while building a deeper connection to Arab culture and community.
Arabic Language Orientation and Workshop for Parents
Learning the Arabic Language doesn’t stop when class ends! Parents play an important role in helping children practice, stay motivated, and continue making progress throughout the semester.
Our Parent Orientation & Workshop brought families together to learn more about Alif’s Arabic Language program, understand what their children will be learning, and explore practical ways to support and reinforce Arabic at home. Alif also provides parents with learning resources and tools to help strengthen that connection between the classroom and home.
When teachers, parents, and students work together, the Arabic language becomes part of everyday life, not just a Saturday or Sunday class.
None of these programs and classes are possible without your support and donation.
An easier way to donate: Join the Sanad Team and become a recurring member!
Thank you August Volunteers!
Special thanks to:
Sahtain Wa Hana ladies: Liz, Ghada, Victoria, Helen, Evo, Dara, Reem, Barbra
Playground Mulch Spreading: The Himmo Family, Andrea, Basil, Salah
Library: Andrea, Dyka
Storages: Andrea, Samir, Nora, Basil, Salah
Big Heads project: Aseel, Andrea
More volunteer opportunities coming up!
Help us at the Atlanta Arab Festival! We need all hands on deck, the more volunteers we have, the more we can create at the festival whether it be workshops, performances or panels. What interests you the most?
- How strong are you? We could really use some strong arms! We need help carrying boxes, food, and all sorts of other things!
- Are you a good handy man/ woman? We need people who can help us, and vendors, if needed.
- Do you like telling people where to go? Traffic might be your jam!
- Love kids? You can supervise our inflatables area.
- And much much more..
To volunteer, email us or sign up through our SignUpGenius for the dates and timing!
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.
October 10
English Classes
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.
