A Taste of Seraj Palestine

Presenters and Activities

Laurie Salameh, Seraj Executive Director

Travel is very difficult these days, but Laurie will join us remotely to share heartfelt greetings from Palestine, along with on-the-ground updates about the current situation. She will tell us about the latest developments in Seraj’s library projects, cultural arts initiatives, and storytelling programs, and the work is more crucial than ever in these challenging times.

Fidaa Ataya, Storyteller

Fidaa Ataya, Master Storyteller and the Director of the Seraj Storytelling Academy, will also join us remotely. Fidaa brings to life the rich and resilient heritage of her people, using storytelling as a powerful tool for survival and cultural preservation. Her enchanting performances offer a profound connection to the history and enduring spirit of Palestine.

Palestinian Food

Included in your ticket is a buffet dinner of Palestinian food with mezze snacks, dessert, and coffee, tea, and water. Palestinian cuisine is fresh and seasonal, featuring meat, olives, beans, legumes, rice, yogurt, and taboon bread. Experience the vibrant flavors and variety of Palestinian food!

Dabkeh Dance Group

The Ramallah Club of Chicago keeps the culture alive through dabke, a traditional Levantine Arab folk dance. Composed of 40 dancers, ages 7-17, the troupe uses dabke to share their Palestinian identities and stories. They have performed around the U.S. and promise a unforgettable performance for you.

Jasmin Cardenas, Storyteller

Jasmin Cardenas is a bridge builder who believes in the power of stories to unite us. Proud daughter of Colombian immigrants, she travels the world telling stories, and winning awards. Jasmin says that this year’s most rewarding experience was teaching at the Seraj Library Storytelling retreat in Supino, Italy. While she taught storytelling techniques, the Palestinian women gave her a master class in love and courage. 

Teach . Engage . Expose .

Teach Engage Expose (TEE) is a program for teaching children Arabic language and culture. The group will showcase a tableh (Arab drum) performance at this event. Operating for over 17 years in the Chicagoland area, TEE nurtures Arabic language skills and cultural pride among Arab American children, primarily those from Levantine backgrounds. Through immersive activities like music, food, art, dabkeh dancing, history, and cultural events, TEE strengthens a sense of community and identity.

Hassan Salameh, Oud Player

Hassan is a singer, composer, and skilled musician, educated at the National Conservatory of Music in Jordan. At A Taste of Palestine, he will share his proficiency on the oud, a traditional Middle Eastern fretless stringed instrument, similar to a lute. You won’t want to miss hearing its beautiful, mesmerizing sound.

Jerusalem Shops

For anyone who likes to shop, A Taste of Palestine proudly offers an exquisite collection of ceramic pottery, handcrafted by Palestine artisans who have passed down their skills through generations. Their artwork captures the intricate patterns and rich colors that have adorned homes for centuries.

Nada Abulibdeh, Vocalist

Born in the UAE, Nada Abulibdeh is now a Chicago-based Palestinian vocalist who uses her love for music, specifically Palestinian folklore, to stay rooted in her culture. She has performed with The Middle East Music Ensemble at the University of Chicago, as well as The Chicago Immigrants Orchestra and A Taste of Palestine is fortunate to feature this amazing singer.

Falasteen Favorites

Saja Bilasan is the Chicago-based artist who runs Falasteen Favorites. She draws from her Palestinian heritage to spread cultural awareness using photography, collage work, embroidery, and graphic design. Meet Saja and see how she infuses traditional and modern Palestinian motifs into t-shirts, totes, posters, refrigerator magnets, stickers, and digital artwork.

Dima Jewelry

Dima Ali is a jewelry designer from Oak Park who uses locally sourced materials in dainty and timeless designs. She takes joy in making beautiful things, and bringing joy to those who need it most. As an immigrant herself, Dima has a deep passion for immigrants and refugees. She will donate a percentage of the profits from her sales to the Seraj Library Project.

Knafeh (Arabic: كنافة)

Knafeh is a traditional dessert made with spun pastry called kataifi that is soaked in a sweet syrup known as atter and typically layered with cheese and ashta cream, and topped with crushed pistachios, served hot with a drizzle of simple syrup. Considered the quintessential Palestinian dessert, knafeh is cooked in large, round copper pans over an open fire. Come ready to enjoy this special treat, baked on site for you.