By Elissa Odeh

Ballan believes that Palestinians need to be able to express a larger narrative about who they are—one that reflects their presence not only in politics, but in art, music, filmmaking, academia and more.

By Ragad Ahmad

After years of American individualism, where success is measured by self-sufficiency and connections often feel transactional, the interdependence I found in Palestine felt like rediscovering a language I had forgotten I knew.

By Ragad Ahmad

For many Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) women across Philadelphia, cultural garments serve not merely as clothing, but as living threads connecting them to their ancestral heritage.

By Ragad Ahmad

For some MENA students, studying abroad offers experiences that are not available to them in the U.S.—along with some unexpected rewards.

By Elissa Odeh

Holy Week activities at Arab American churches throughout the Philadelphia area provided opportunities for congregants to continue centuries-old traditions while observing the holiest days in their faith.

By Elissa Odeh

With spring’s arrival last Friday, 400 people came out to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, during a colorful night filled with Iranian music, food, and dance at Ruba Club in Northern Liberties. Iranian Philadelphians Neema Kashi, 32, of South Philadelphia, and Amanda Etemad, 27, of Washington Square West, hosted the Nowruz party, hoping to grow Philadelphia’s Iranian community and introduce the city’s non-Iranians to their traditions and culture.