How We Got Here: Critical Reflections on Racism, Deportation, and Transphobia
2025-04-11 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Kane Hall – University of Washington, 4069 Spokane Ln 98105, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States
A teach-in featuring University of Washington faculty from American Ethnic Studies, American Indian Studies, Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Middle East Studies, Political Science, and the Law School to frame the current moment and to organize out of it.

walker-ames hall room 225

Social Justice Film Festival: Threads of a Revolution
2025-04-11 15:00 - 17:00 | University Heights Center, 5031 University Way, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States
When Janet Biehl edited her late partner Murray Bookchin’s approach to participatory politics in the 1970s, she could never have imagined that this work would one day take her half-way across the globe. In this film, Janet explores how Murray’s political theories were adapted to ignite a women-led revolution and bring about remarkable societal transformations in North East Syria. Just as civil war erupted in 2011, imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan recognised a unique opportunity for Syria’s Kurdish community: inspired by Murray’s theories, Ocalan’s followers were to establish self-governance within Syria, rather than fighting for an independent Kurdish state. The autonomous region of Rojava was created and Janet felt compelled to explore first-hand the impact-potential of Murray’s ideas, which, once ahead of their time, finally found a place to be put into practice. Against the ruins of war, Janet meets the women leading this revolution as they come to terms with life after ISIS. She visits academies that promote gender equality, teach feminist theories, and empower women from traditionally conservative communities to build a truly egalitarian society. Murray believed that true democracy could only be achieved by replacing existing political structures with a new participatory style of decision-making, grounded in the community. Janet learns that cities once destroyed by war now indeed host thriving neighbourhood assemblies and communes: direct democracy has replaced the dictatorship of President Bashar Al Assad. However, threats loom as Turkey’s President Erdogan invades parts of Rojava. Janet discovers the importance of armed self-protection groups in defending the new-gained freedom – and the cost to do the same.

Ya Hala Copy
2025-04-11 17:00 - 21:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States
Remember, Ya Hala’s café and retail space is open to all on weekends this April, Fridays 5-9p, Saturdays and Sundays 10a-1p.
📣 IMPORTANT: Some events will require registration/RSVP so you can save a spot!
Take a look ahead at the calendar and then keep an eye out for links to sign up for specific events. You won’t want to miss out.
More details about each weekend’s events will drop on the Monday before. 👀

Dr. Mimi Syed: Her Work In Gaza
2025-04-11 19:00 - 21:00 | the United Churches of Olympia, 110 11th Ave SE Ste 210, Olympia, WA, 98501-2253
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Mimi Syed in honor of Rachel Corrie’s birthday. Dr. Syed is an emergency physician working in our community and will share her experience treating children in Gaza this past year.

Of Us: featuring choreographers and movement artists Jenna Eady and Tariq Mitri
2025-04-11 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-04-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Cherry Street Village, 720 25th Avenue, Seattle, WA, United States
Dunya Productions and CO- present the work of choreographers and movement artists Jenna Eady and Tariq Mitri to the stage at Dunya Productions. Woven from personal and shared histories, and expressed through movement and abstracted storytelling, “Of Us” testifies to Palestinian resilience and reflects the longstanding connection between its creators. CO- PRESENTS is a residency + performance platform that supports the work of two artists featured at one of CO- Seattle‘s past shows. The program grants each artist with a 40-hour creative residency and two fully produced performances. DETAILS Date: April 11 + 12

Time: 7:30 – 9:00 pm PDT

Event category: Dance/Theater Website: https://www.dunyaproductions.org
Cherry Street Village, 720 25th Ave, Seattle 98122

Movie: The Teacher
2025-04-12 | Rio Theater on Broadway, 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
In this gripping drama by Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning director Farah Nabulsi (The Present), Palestinian schoolteacher Basem (Saleh Bakri) faces personal turmoil after a tragic incident involving his son. He finds solace in a deep bond with his student Adam and British social worker Lisa (Imogen Poots). Meanwhile, an American attorney and his wife push for the return of their son, an Israeli soldier held by a Palestinian resistance group, leading to tensions over a potential prisoner exchange. The intertwining stories highlight themes of empathy and conflict, culminating in a powerful narrative marked by unexpected twists.

Opens 4/12

From Seattle to Sudan: A Global Forum on the Sudanese Civil War
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 | UW – HUB, 4001 E Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
In April 2023, civil war erupted in Sudan. To mark the second anniversary of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, “From Sudan to Seattle” will provide space for local Sudanese to share their stories of survival and migration, acknowledge the conflict’s connections to local African and Sudanese populations, and offer insights on the current state of US-Sudan relations.
About the speakers
Mubarak Elamin is a Sudanese community organizer and member of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound.
Dr. Ushari Khalil is a human rights advocate who focuses on the rights of internally displaced populations and children affected by armed conflict in Sudan. A former Visiting Scholar at the University of Washington School of Law, Dr. Khalil has worked with UNICEF and is the recipient of a Human Rights Watch Monitor Award.
Dr. Khidir Haroun is a former Sudanese Ambassador to the United States. Dr. Haroun currently serves as a Dean of Faculty at the International University of Africa.
Dr. Christopher Tounsel is an associate professor of History and Director of the African Studies Program at the University of Washington. Dr. Tounsel has written two books on Sudan (Chosen Peoples and Bounds of Blackness) and has provided commentary on Sudanese affairs for Al Jazeera, BBC, and NPR.
Dr. Mehari Worku is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at the University of Washington. Dr. Worku’s research focuses on Christianity in Egypt, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Yasir Zaidan is a PhD Candidate in the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. His research focuses on the Middle East’s growing influence in the Horn of Africa, and his commentaries have appeared in Foreign Policy, African Arguments, and World Politics Review.
Samira Mohamed is a Sudanese pharmacy student and mother who escaped from Khartoum to Port Sudan when the war began in April 2023.
HUB Room 250

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: Fairuz and Coffee
2025-04-12 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-13 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-20 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

Boycott Chevron!
2025-04-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Chevron Station – Aurora, 15510 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA
Choose one and join us! We would love to meet you and build this movement together. Show up to picket Chevron, raise awareness about their complicity in genocide and apartheid, pressure Safeway to stop purchasing fuel from Chevron, and encourage people to #BoycottChevron gas stations! You can also sign and share the letter at http://bit.ly/boycottchevron

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: Heritage Hour: Create Your Own Tatreez
2025-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

Social Justice Film Festival: Threads of a Revolution (streaming)
2025-04-14 - 2025-04-20 | University Heights Center, 5031 University Way, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States

Arabic-English Language Exchange: Chatting and Games at Teku Tavern
2025-04-17 18:30 - 20:00 | teKu Tavern, 552 Denny Wy, Seattle, WA, 98109
هلا يا جماعه
We’ll meet at Teku Tavern for some chatting in Arabic/English and possibly some games. I’ll bring conversation starters and games but feel free to bring your own!
*Teku Tavern is all ages and has both non-alcoholic, cafe drinks and beer*
Come join us, all dialects welcome!

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space
2025-04-18 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-25 17:00 - 21:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

House of Tarab Concert
2025-04-19 | Cherry Street Village, 720 25th Avenue, Seattle, WA, United States
Dunya Productions hosts a concert with House of Tarab, a Seattle-based Arabic Music Ensemble that performs classic and traditional music of the Golden Era of Egyptian music and film, music of the Levant (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine), and the greater Middle East. Their repertoire includes greats like Oum Kalthoum, Farid El Atrash, Muhammed Abdel Wahab, and Abdel Halim Hafez, as well as original compositions. “Tarab” is an Arabic word not found in the English language that describes a state of emotional transformation and bliss when one is wholly absorbed in music. House of Tarab has played at cultural events, music festivals, parties, belly dance cabarets, belly dance retreats and competitions.
DETAILS Date: April 19

Time: See website

Event category: Music Website: https://www.dunyaproductions.org/
VENUE

Cherry Street Village, 720 25th Ave, Seattle 98122

Global Groove with DJ Whodinii
2025-04-19 21:00 - 2025-04-20 00:30 | The Rendezvous, 2322 2nd Ave, Seattle, Washington, 98121
Four years, countless nights of music, and an unstoppable dance floor, it’s time to celebrate!
Join us on Saturday, April 19th at The Rendezvous for a special anniversary edition featuring live performances and DJ sets
Live Performances:
Terror/Cactus – Psychedelic electro cumbia
Cuervo Cuervo – Hypnotic folk electronica
DJs:
Albina Cabrera – Modern Latin alternative
Whodinii – A journey through SWANA beats & Arab electronic
Rizoma – All-vinyl eclectic global set
Expect a night filled with Psychedelic Electro-Cumbia, Digital Folklore, Modern Latin Alternative, Arabic Sounds, Amapiano, Highlife, Afrobeat, and Afro-Latin rhythms to keep you moving all night long!
⏰ 9PM | 21+
📍 The Rendezvous, Seattle
📅 Saturday, April 19, 2024
🎟 $15 presale | $30 at the door (link in bio)
What started as a DJ residency at LoFi has grown into a thriving home for underground global sounds and diasporic celebration. Let’s make this anniversary one for the books!
Flyer by el maestro @luis.crono
#globalgrooveseattle #anniversary #dj #argentina #palestine#jordan #chile #party

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: Open Mic
2025-04-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

Jerusalem Street Food
2025-04-22 18:00 - 21:30 | the Pantry, 1417 NW 70th Street, Seattle, WA, 98117
Join Nadia Tommalieh on a culinary journey to the bustling markets of the ancient city of Jerusalem, where she’ll show you how to make iconic street foods that have been savored for generations. You’ll learn the rich cultural history behind these beloved recipes as you make freshly baked ka’ak al Quds (Jerusalem Sesame Bread) and qudsiyeh (creamy hummus with fava beans in a zesty citrus sauce). You’ll discover a twist on traditional favorites with falafel mahshi (falafel stuffed with caramelized onions and sumac) paired with tarator sauce; fattet hummus(seasoned chickpea stew with toasted bread and crunchy fried nuts). No Jerusalem street food experience would be complete without a side of traditional salatah Qudsiyeh, a salad of seasonal vegetables and herbs dressed in a jalapeno and tahini dressing.
Please note: some classes can be adjusted for students with dietary restrictions, but many cannot. If you’re vegetarian, pescatarian, or gluten-free, you can use the drop-down menu on our events page to view the best classes to fit your needs. If a class you’re interested in doesn’t appear in that filtered view, please email us before registering and we’ll see if the class’s menu can be modified.

Aysenur Resolution Reading, Reception and Rally in Olympia
2025-04-23 09:30 - 14:00
Tomorrow’s the big day — we’d love to see you there!
Please don’t forget to RSVP at the link in bio.
We’re gathering at the Washington State Capitol to push for justice and accountability in her killing.
Here’s the plan:
🕤 9:30 AM – Grab a seat
House R Gallery, 4th floor (left side), Main Legislative Building – the big dome building
🔨 10:00 AM – House Gavel + Resolution Recognition
🥪 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Reception + Lunch
Senate Rules Room, Room 220, 2nd floor, Main Legislative Building – the big dome building
📣 1:00 PM – Press Conference + Rally
Capitol Steps
Join us in Olympia to learn about the fight for justice and accountability for our beloved Ayşenur, and how you can help.
See you at the Capitol!

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A post shared by Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi (@foraysenur)

Words for Palestine
2025-04-24 16:00 - 17:15 | Virtual
Join our monthly online series “Words for Palestine” which aims to center and highlight Palestinian voices during this devastating time. Featured readers TBA.
“Words For Palestine” is co-sponsored by Al Nadwa Freethinking Society, Mizna, Palestine Writes and RAWI, and is free with RSVP. We encourage you to make a donation to support the work of Palestine Legal and Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). Palestine Legal is an organization dedicated to protecting the civil and constitutional rights of people in the U.S. who speak out for Palestinian freedom. PCRF is the primary humanitarian organization in Palestine, providing crucial and life-saving relief and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
For questions, e-mail Rewa Zeinati at rzeinati@accesscommunity.org

Movie: The Teacher
2025-04-25 | Yakima Cinema, 1305 N 16th Ave, Yakima, WA, 98902
In this gripping drama by Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning director Farah Nabulsi (The Present), Palestinian schoolteacher Basem (Saleh Bakri) faces personal turmoil after a tragic incident involving his son. He finds solace in a deep bond with his student Adam and British social worker Lisa (Imogen Poots). Meanwhile, an American attorney and his wife push for the return of their son, an Israeli soldier held by a Palestinian resistance group, leading to tensions over a potential prisoner exchange. The intertwining stories highlight themes of empathy and conflict, culminating in a powerful narrative marked by unexpected twists.

Opens 4/25

Boycott War Profiteers
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | PCC-Central District, 2230 E Union St, Seattle, WA, 98122
Join Seattle DSA’s Boycott War Profiteers Campaign to make our communities apartheid free!

You can help by joining our table outside the Central District PCC. There, we will engage PCC workers and consumers to build momentum for our push to divest PCC of Israeli goods and protect the rights of PCC workers to express their solidarity with Palestine.
No experience is required, training will be provided on site and you will be paired with experienced volunteers!

4/26 Central District PCC Table
Start: Saturday, April 26, 2025•10:00 AM
End: Saturday, April 26, 2025•12:00 PM
Central District PCC• 2230 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122 US

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: Hakawati
2025-04-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

Souk Seattle
2025-04-26 13:00 - 19:00 | The 101, 101 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA, 98104
🧿 Yalla, we’re ready to bring back the good vibes!
Excited to announce that our next SOUK is set for Saturday April 26th!
After the incredible turnout at our first market with over 700 attendees, we are now going BIGGER with a much larger venue where we can host more artists, performances and members of our community! And as always, we will be raising funds for charity.
🏺Interested in participating as a vendor? Applications (link in bio) are open until March 31st.
