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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
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.

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.

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.

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

Featured
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.

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.”

ARTS & CULTURE

Read more arts & culture reporting here.

Featured
As the U.S.–Israel War with Iran Engulfs Lebanon, Diasporic Lebanese Feel the Limits of Resilience
As the U.S.–Israel War with Iran Engulfs Lebanon, Diasporic Lebanese Feel the Limits of Resilience

By Lauren Abunassar

“I’ve watched my mother go from relatively happy …to just watching nothing but the news. Sometimes it’s a bit unbearable. And you get a little mad, like: ‘Why do we have to constantly worry about our people?’” 

Ayat, NYC’s Growing Palestinian Restaurant Chain, Prepares for its Philly Debut
Ayat, NYC’s Growing Palestinian Restaurant Chain, Prepares for its Philly Debut

By Gawhara Abou-eid

Along with business considerations, Elenani said he hopes the Philadelphia location deepens awareness of Palestinian cuisine in a way that feels “joyful and human.”

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.

COMMUNITY

Read more community reporting here.

Featured
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.

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.

POLITICS

Read more coverage of politics here.