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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
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.

In South Philly, a Barbershop Offers a ‘Third Space’ and a Sympathetic Ear
In South Philly, a Barbershop Offers a ‘Third Space’ and a Sympathetic Ear

By Gawhara Abou-eid

Ali Srour never planned to become a professional barber, but the Arab American regulars at Ali’s Barbershop on South Street are glad he did.

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.

Featured
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.

Art as Resistance | Philadelphia Potters Carry Palestinian History and Heritage Through Ceramics
Art as Resistance | Philadelphia Potters Carry Palestinian History and Heritage Through Ceramics

By Lauren Abunassar

Historically, traditional Palestinian ceramics have been especially well suited for the cultural archive, given their role as both ornament and instruments for daily life — bowls for eating, jars for storing, tiles for cooling homes, vessels shaped by and for use.

ARTS & CULTURE

Featured
In South Philly, a Barbershop Offers a ‘Third Space’ and a Sympathetic Ear
In South Philly, a Barbershop Offers a ‘Third Space’ and a Sympathetic Ear

By Gawhara Abou-eid

Ali Srour never planned to become a professional barber, but the Arab American regulars at Ali’s Barbershop on South Street are glad he did.

As the Crisis in Sudan Continues, Film Screening Raises Funds and Awareness  
As the Crisis in Sudan Continues, Film Screening Raises Funds and Awareness  

By Kenza Bousseloub

The Jan. 24 event featured local and Sudanese vendors and a screening of “Sudan, Remember Us.”

An Area Couple Celebrates their Engagement with Iraqi Traditions — and Some New Ones (Video)
An Area Couple Celebrates their Engagement with Iraqi Traditions — and Some New Ones (Video)

By Kenza Bousseloub

On December 19, Amani's and Lucio's families and friends came together for a one–of–a–kind North Philly engagement party. 

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, Philly Iranians Question Silence from International Community
As Crackdown in Iran Intensifies, Philly Iranians Question 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