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AL-BUSTAN NEWS

Al-Bustan News is an independent, hyperlocal journalism platform dedicated to unearthing stories that matter to Philadelphia-area Arab and SWANA communities. In addition to reported news and features by the emerging professionals in the Al-Bustan Journalism Fellowship program, we also publish stories by columnists and freelancers covering SWANA arts, education, civic life and the local impact of national and global politics.

As an independent platform, Al-Bustan News is committed to debunking prevailing stereotypes and shining a light on the broad spectrum of perspectives and beliefs among and within SWANA communities. The personal opinions expressed by sources in news stories or the authors of opinion pieces do not constitute an endorsement by Al-Bustan News, our contributors or Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture.

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Featured
Art as Resistance | For Philly’s Iranian Americans, Nowruz Offers Both Joy and Mourning
Art as Resistance | For Philly’s Iranian Americans, Nowruz Offers Both Joy and Mourning

By Lauren Abunassar

As the U.S. and Israel have escalated strikes on Iran and the death toll has risen, many in the Iranian diaspora are grappling with how, or if, one should embrace celebratory rituals in the face of such collective grief and uncertainty.

Cinema, Etcetera | The Oscars and Berlinale Show the Limits on Political Speeches at Awards Ceremonies
Cinema, Etcetera | The Oscars and Berlinale Show the Limits on Political Speeches at Awards Ceremonies

By Joseph Fahim

Film, however politically explicit, can rarely match the immediacy of a speech. Unlike cinema, which, no matter how direct, remains open to interpretation, a speech is an unambiguous articulation of an artist’s political stance, delivered in real time on a global stage.

City Public Schools Expanded Accommodations for Muslim Students During Ramadan, District DEI Chief Says
City Public Schools Expanded Accommodations for Muslim Students During Ramadan, District DEI Chief Says

By Gawhara Abou-eid

“Over the past four years, through information and resource sharing, schools are better equipped to be responsive to the needs of their community.”

Featured
Cinema, Etcetera | The Oscars and Berlinale Show the Limits on Political Speeches at Awards Ceremonies
Cinema, Etcetera | The Oscars and Berlinale Show the Limits on Political Speeches at Awards Ceremonies

By Joseph Fahim

Film, however politically explicit, can rarely match the immediacy of a speech. Unlike cinema, which, no matter how direct, remains open to interpretation, a speech is an unambiguous articulation of an artist’s political stance, delivered in real time on a global stage.

The Comics Behind Next Month’s Eid Comedy Jam Believe in the Power of ‘Halal Humor’
The Comics Behind Next Month’s Eid Comedy Jam Believe in the Power of ‘Halal Humor’

By Lauren Abunassar

“When I'm on stage, I do feel a huge sense of obligation to make sure that the comedy that I'm doing and the environment that I curate for people is in line with what my ideals are. I’m a representation of something bigger than me.”

Cinema, Etcetera | Why Iranian Audiences Rejected Jafar Panahi’s Latest Film — and Why It Matters
Cinema, Etcetera | Why Iranian Audiences Rejected Jafar Panahi’s Latest Film — and Why It Matters

By Joseph Fahim

For those who have experienced dictatorship and political oppression firsthand, it is difficult to digest one-dimensional characterization and an uncomplicated worldview.

ARTS & CULTURE

Featured
Art as Resistance | For Philly’s Iranian Americans, Nowruz Offers Both Joy and Mourning
Art as Resistance | For Philly’s Iranian Americans, Nowruz Offers Both Joy and Mourning

By Lauren Abunassar

As the U.S. and Israel have escalated strikes on Iran and the death toll has risen, many in the Iranian diaspora are grappling with how, or if, one should embrace celebratory rituals in the face of such collective grief and uncertainty.

City Public Schools Expanded Accommodations for Muslim Students During Ramadan, District DEI Chief Says
City Public Schools Expanded Accommodations for Muslim Students During Ramadan, District DEI Chief Says

By Gawhara Abou-eid

“Over the past four years, through information and resource sharing, schools are better equipped to be responsive to the needs of their community.”

A Certain Grit
A Certain Grit

By Kenza Bousseloub

In this documentary short, two families — Sudanese and Lebanese — share their stories, reflecting on the sacrifices immigrant parents make, the debt their children feel they owe, and how each generation envisions a fulfilling life.

COMMUNITY

Featured
Protesters March in Center City Against the U.S.–Israel Attacks on Iran and Lebanon
Protesters March in Center City Against the U.S.–Israel Attacks on Iran and Lebanon

By Amna Khalafalla

"I am here today because my country, which gave my grandparents refuge, is now bombing every place in the world where people need safety, for profit,” said one protester.

For These Darfuri Activists in Philadelphia, Advocacy is a Family Tradition
For These Darfuri Activists in Philadelphia, Advocacy is a Family Tradition

By Amna Khalafalla

Fatima Haroun, who has advocated against the Darfur genocide as a member of the Philadelphia-based Darfur Alert Coalition, recalls that at one time, there was a sense of racial harmony in South Darfur, when Arab and African ethnic groups lived peacefully alongside each other.

As Crackdown in Iran Intensifies, Advocacy Group ‘Philly Iranians’ Questions Silence from International Community
As Crackdown in Iran Intensifies, Advocacy Group ‘Philly Iranians’ Questions Silence from International Community

By Gawhara Abou-eid

According to Porya Parsa, Philly Iranians has seen a contrast between global mobilization over other crises, in Palestine and Sudan for example, and what they view as a lack of attention to events in Iran.

POLITICS