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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.

Have a story idea? Let us know at news@albustanseeds.org.

Featured
Video | Ahmad Almallah: Not the Usual English
Video | Ahmad Almallah: Not the Usual English

By Ahmed Hassouna

Palestinian-American poet Ahmad Almallah describes how loss — of his homeland, his language, his mother’s memories — has shaped his life and work.

In Photos: Eid Fashion Dazzles in Philly as Muslims Gather to Celebrate Eid al-Adha
In Photos: Eid Fashion Dazzles in Philly as Muslims Gather to Celebrate Eid al-Adha

By Amna Khalafalla

In North Philly, Muslims from around the world stepped out in style for “Big Eid.”

Art as Resistance | The Risograph Book Offering a Glimpse of Palestinian Survival
Art as Resistance | The Risograph Book Offering a Glimpse of Palestinian Survival

By Lauren Abunassar

“Jadu’i Book,” curated by Philadelphia-based artist Rami George, is a nuanced archive of Palestinian diaspora, advocacy, resistance and grief.

Read all of Al-Bustan News’ recent stories here.

Featured
Video | Ahmad Almallah: Not the Usual English
Video | Ahmad Almallah: Not the Usual English

By Ahmed Hassouna

Palestinian-American poet Ahmad Almallah describes how loss — of his homeland, his language, his mother’s memories — has shaped his life and work.

Art as Resistance | The Risograph Book Offering a Glimpse of Palestinian Survival
Art as Resistance | The Risograph Book Offering a Glimpse of Palestinian Survival

By Lauren Abunassar

“Jadu’i Book,” curated by Philadelphia-based artist Rami George, is a nuanced archive of Palestinian diaspora, advocacy, resistance and grief.

Cinema, Etcetera | Why Does the West Ignore Arab Comedies?
Cinema, Etcetera | Why Does the West Ignore Arab Comedies?

By Joseph Fahim

“Comedy doesn’t translate,” distributors and curators insist; cultural specificity, local pop culture references and the very rhythm and tone of humor are seen as impossible to universalize. Yet this is precisely why comedies are arguably the most authentic expression of their cultures.

ARTS & CULTURE

Read more arts & culture reporting here.

Featured
In Photos: Eid Fashion Dazzles in Philly as Muslims Gather to Celebrate Eid al-Adha
In Photos: Eid Fashion Dazzles in Philly as Muslims Gather to Celebrate Eid al-Adha

By Amna Khalafalla

In North Philly, Muslims from around the world stepped out in style for “Big Eid.”

In Chester County, Arab Women Gather for Turkish Coffee, Emotional Support and Reminders of Home
In Chester County, Arab Women Gather for Turkish Coffee, Emotional Support and Reminders of Home

By Gawhara Abou-eid

Research has found that community belonging reduces isolation and strengthens emotional well-being. And as a physician involved in community health and mental health education, Sakr believes that such gatherings can offer meaningful emotional support.

A Philly Dinner Series Brings Neighbors Together for Conversation and Community
A Philly Dinner Series Brings Neighbors Together for Conversation and Community

By Elissa Odeh

More than 110 people gathered on April 15 for The Welcoming Center’s Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers initiative, a three-part dinner series held in seven Philadelphia neighborhoods, aimed at bringing neighbors together through food.

COMMUNITY

Read more community reporting here.

Featured
From Protest Politics to Party Insider: A Conversation with Marwan Kreidie
From Protest Politics to Party Insider: A Conversation with Marwan Kreidie

By Gawhara Abou-eid

Marwan Kreidie discusses his political evolution, his belief in working “inside” institutions rather than outside them, the backlash he has received, and why he believes Arab American political influence has entered a new era.

Pennsylvania’s Independent Voters May Soon Be Able to Vote in Primary Elections
Pennsylvania’s Independent Voters May Soon Be Able to Vote in Primary Elections

By Gawhara Abou-eid

The proposal, known as House Bill 280, would allow the state’s roughly 1.4 million unaffiliated voters, 147,891 of whom are registered in Philadelphia County, to participate in primary elections by choosing either a Democratic or Republican ballot without formally joining a party.

Student Loan Borrowers Face an Uncertain Future as Courts Rule the End of the SAVE Program
Student Loan Borrowers Face an Uncertain Future as Courts Rule the End of the SAVE Program

By Amna Khalafalla

The March 10 ruling was not the first time lawmakers had tried to eliminate SAVE, a controversial initiative from its inception.

POLITICS

Read more coverage of politics here.