AL-BUSTAN NEWS
Covering Philadelphia’s Southwest Asian and North African Communities
Op-Ed | Beyond Ceasefire: What is Next for Palestine Solidarity?
Within the context of organizing, the problem with ceasefires is that they feel like victory. If the problem is defined as "too much killing," then less killing appears to be progress. But the "quiet" periods between military assaults are also a form of violence.
Nasser Al-Rayess’ Philly Stand-Up Show Celebrates Growing up Arab in America
By Elissa Odeh
At his show, Al-Rayess joked about one of the biggest cultural pressures in Arab culture — getting married. “I’m almost 30, so the questions never stop. Back home I would’ve been married to my cousin by now.”
At Norristown Farm Park, a Garden Grows Health, Sustainability and Community
By Gawhara Abou-eid
The farm supports immigrant and refugee families in Norristown, as well as other residents, through hands-on agriculture, nutrition education and culturally relevant crop production.
Cinema, Etcetera | “One Battle After Another” and the Vanishing of Revolutionary Arab Cinema
By Joseph Fahim
“One Battle After Another” is not just about the U.S. — it’s a fable about the failure of the left worldwide. And for the Arab viewer, it’s impossible to watch the film without drawing comparisons to our own failures in the Arab Spring.
‘English at School, Turkish at Home’: How Immigrant Families Balance Language, Culture and Community
By Gawhara Abou-eid
Maintaining heritage language fluency is not only a personal effort but also a community challenge. Limited language programming in schools and mosques means families often bear the burden alone. That’s where Bilingual Counseling Assistants become vital.
Local Rock Climbing Group Promotes Palestine Solidarity to Raise Funds for Gaza
By Ben Bennett
The three organizers of Philly Climbers for Palestine want to continue fundraising and directly support the people in Gaza.
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