AL-BUSTAN NEWS
Covering Philadelphia’s Southwest Asian and North African Communities
How Olive Oil Journeys from Palestinian Groves to Philadelphia Kitchens
By Ragad Ahmad
At the heart of this transnational olive oil network sits one man: Jamal Al-Zaghloul, who has earned the nickname "the FedEx of the West Bank" among Philadelphia-area Palestinian families.
In Photos: Philadelphians Rally Against Genocide in Gaza and Strikes on Iran
By Ben Bennett
On June 28, Philadelphia organizers and demonstrators held a “Not Another War” protest.
Memory as Menu: The Palestinian Baker Making Every Cookie an Act of Resistance
By Ragad Ahmad
For Saif Manna of Manna Bakery, his grandmothers represented contrasting approaches to Palestinian cuisine, and each influenced his food philosophy.
Jiryis Ballan Is Redefining the Borders of his Palestinian Identity through his Music
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.
In the Occupied West Bank, Eid Offers Little to Celebrate
By Haifa Ali
As a child, Shilbae did not have to consider the ethics of celebrating Eid in the midst of widespread violence, loss and destruction.
The St. Maron Lebanese Festival Serves Up Food, Music, Dance and Joy
By Elissa Odeh
Organized by church volunteers, the festival has become a highlight of the year for both the Lebanese American community and Philadelphians interested in Middle Eastern culture.
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