AL-BUSTAN NEWS
Covering Philadelphia’s Southwest Asian and North African Communities
Art as Resistance | The Risograph Book Offering a Glimpse of Palestinian Survival
By Lauren Abunassar
“Jadu’i Book,” curated by Philadelphia-based artist Rami George, is a nuanced archive of Palestinian diaspora, advocacy, resistance and grief.
From Protest Politics to Party Insider: A Conversation with Marwan Kreidie
By Gawhara Abou-eid
Marwan Kreidie discusses his political evolution, his belief in working “inside” institutions rather than outside them, the backlash he has received, and why he believes Arab American political influence has entered a new era.
In Chester County, Arab Women Gather for Turkish Coffee, Emotional Support and Reminders of Home
By Gawhara Abou-eid
Research has found that community belonging reduces isolation and strengthens emotional well-being. And as a physician involved in community health and mental health education, Sakr believes that such gatherings can offer meaningful emotional support.
A Philly Dinner Series Brings Neighbors Together for Conversation and Community
By Elissa Odeh
More than 110 people gathered on April 15 for The Welcoming Center’s Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers initiative, a three-part dinner series held in seven Philadelphia neighborhoods, aimed at bringing neighbors together through food.
Hundreds Gather to Celebrate the Dedication of the Armenian Heritage Walk
By Amna Khalafalla
The Walk offers a scenic pathway around the “Young Meher” statue, which was completed in 1976 by artist Khoren Der Harootian (1909–1991) and dedicated that same year in commemoration of the 61st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
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.
Al-Bustan News Team
Editor
Nisa Qazi
Current Journalism Fellows
Gawhara Abou-eid
Amna Khalafalla
Columnists
Lauren Abunassar
Joseph Fahim