These are truly harrowing times, when human suffering feels relentless. Now more than ever, we must lean on our communities for strength, comfort, and connection that can help us endure. I'm deeply grateful to those creating organic spaces where emotions can be shared, held, and honored. Our hearts, minds, and prayers are with our Persian brothers and sisters and with everyone across the Middle East and here at home—as we continue to hope for peace and safety for all.
COMMUNITY
Khooneh: Daily Coffee Gatherings Tue July 1st, 6:30-9:30pm
Once Upon A Time, Williamsburg Khooneh means home in Persian. The intention behind this initiative is to provide a small “khooneh” a warm easy going space where emotions have room to breathe and strangers become friends. These much needed gatherings run weekly (available dates in June too). | |
WORKSHOP
The Art Of Tasting Olive Oil By Soraya Hosni Tue July 1st, 6:30-9:30pm
Once Upon A Time, Williamsburg Ever wondered what “extra virgin” really means? Does color matter? Where to store it, and which brand to trust? Join Soraya Hosni, an anthropologist, cultural entrepreneur, and certified olive oil sommelier, for a guided tasting that will change how you buy (and use) olive oil forever. Paired with a soulful Syrian dinner & drinks by Lammeh. I’m sooo going! | |
BOAT PARTY
Egyptian Vibes Sunset House PartySat July 5th, 5-9 pm
Pier 36 What to expect? Scenic 3-hour cruise of the NYC harbor with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the Freedom Tower. Live DJs playing house music. Two levels of music: An open-air outdoor deck and heated indoor dance floors. Fully stocked bar: Order drinks directly to your table or mingle at the bar. VIP bottle service and reserved sections. | |
BOAT PARTY
Arab Latin Boat NightSat July 5th from 10:30pm
East river Another boat party on the 5th, with music, dancing and fun! Summer is definitely here! | |
CONCERT
Felukah & Neena Roe Mon July 7th at 7pm
Public Records, Boerum Hill From Cairo’s rhythm to New York’s pulse, Falukah weaves identity into every beat.
With Nile roots and a global voice, she blends genres and stories in unexpected ways. | |
CONVERSATION
Why Tatreez Matters: Memory, Grief, and Liberation Sat July 12th, 3-6pm
The People Forum, Midtown Join Lina Barkawi and Amanne Sharif from Tatreez Talk for a live discussion on Palestinian embroidery. Along with fellow Palestinian Tatreez artists Samar Dahleh, Sam Sundos, Zaynab Alsharif, and Nada Esmaeel, they’ll discuss ‘Why Tatreez Matters’ where they’ll dive into the depths of why Tatreez is a lifeline for Palestinians. | |
COOKING CLASS
A Palestinian Brunch Experience by Sitti's House Sun July 13th, 2-4pm
Bat Haus, Williamsburg Inspired by the cozy chaos of Palestinian weekend mornings growing up — where everyone had a job in the kitchen and the table was the heart of the home — this class is all about cooking together, sharing stories, and ending with a beautiful communal meal. | |
ART COURSE
Classical & Neo Indo-Persian Miniature PaintingSun July 13-Aug 24, 12-2pm
Galerie Shibumi, Chinatown Dive into the East most refined art, a 7 week course that offers a glimpse into world of courtly ateliers from the 15th century. The course is led by Hoor Imad Sherpao, an artist, researcher and educator trained directly by a descendant of a Mughal courtly painter. | |
CONVERSATION
At the Crossroads: Immigration TodayTue July 15, 7-9pm
Online A timely and urgent conversation for many communities. As legal battles unfold and policies continue to shift, the speakers delve into the real-life impact on migrants, families, and futures—while highlighting the resilience and courage rising in response. Though not exclusively focused on the SWANA region, this event remains deeply relevant to our community. | |
WORKSHOP
LGBTQ Community Support Group By Tarab NYThur July 17 AT 6:30pm
Chelsea A peer support group in which LGBTQ people from the SWANA region can process experiences in a safe space. | |
PARTY
House Of Us: Fatin, Narr Jess, Nour JamilThur July 17 AT 11pm
The Turk’s Inn, Buschwick A new event series and digital platform born in NYC - created to spotlight underrepresented artists and global sounds, with a focus on intimacy, identity, and connection. | |
LECTURE
New Secrets Of Ancient Egypt By Dr Zahi HawassSat July 19 at 6pm
Javits Center, Midtown West An evening lecture by renowed archeologist Dr Zahi Hawass to unveil ancient mysteries that have been buried beneath the sands of Egypt for millennia. | |
VR EXPERIENCE
Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive VR Expedition to Ancient EgyptEnd of June-throughout August
Midtown West This revolutionary virtual reality immersive experience takes you back to the golden age of ancient Egypt, allowing you to explore the depths of the iconic pyramids, decipher hieroglyphs, relive the reign of King Khufu, and more! Sounds like a great event for adults and kids alike. | |
PODCAST
The Great Pyramid Scheme SeriesI'm so excited about this! a wildly inaccurate, historically inspired, pro-union comedy that reimagines the building of the Great Pyramid like you've never heard it before. Created by Laila Abdo, this NSFW audioplay podcast channels Adult Swim-style humor to follow Pharaoh Khufu as he tries to construct the greatest pyramid of all time—while battling feuding queens, labor strikes, and total chaos. Will he ever finish? | |
MOVIE STREAMING
Nine Parts By Mike MosallamSet in Michigan at the height of the pandemic, an Iraqi American torn by her father’s death – and by a divided nation – attempts to grieve at the site of the oldest Iraqi church in North America. What starts in isolation becomes communal as Iraqi women come to and through her with personal stories of love and resilience. | |
THINK TANK
MEI's Virtual Briefing SeriesAnother timely resource that Im eager to share with you especially right now. MEI is a non-partisan think tank and cultural center based in D.C., focused on MENA. It promotes understanding through research, education, and arts programming. They offer a Bi-weekly, in-depth briefings on the region’s most pressing issues. To learn more about the series and receive invitations to join the live Q&A with MEI’s experts, please contact Thomas Halvorsen, Associate Director of Corporate Relations, at [email protected]. | |
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