☕ Coffee's Back On The Menu
It's been a week since Eid and we assume you're already back to your coffee addiction.
Read time: 5 minutes.
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Hike of the Week
This hike is a great 1.5 hour trail in the metro Detroit area. With the weather warming up a bit this week, Monday or Saturday look like possible options.
Michigan Democrat Party (MDP) Leadership Refuses to Condemn Anti-Muslim/Anti-Arab Attack
The Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) leadership has not publicly addressed a controversial article shared by the party's Jewish Caucus, which critics are condemning as a xenophobic attack on Muslim and Arab leaders.
The MDP Jewish Caucus’s public page recently reposted an opinion piece from a right-leaning online publication that heavily criticized several local and national Democratic figures. Among those targeted were Ann Arbor Public School Board Trustee Rima Mohammad, University of Michigan Board of Regents candidate Amir Makled, and recently elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The post remained online for three days before it was eventually taken down.
In response to the shared article, The People’s Coalition, a grassroots group organizing community members in Southeast Michigan, released a public statement condemning the post. State party leadership has remained silent regarding the publication, which targeted members of its own coalition. The lack of response has prompted some organizers and constituents to question the MDP's platform and its handling of internal party disputes involving allegations of xenophobia
Abdul El-Sayed Is A Progressive FOR Palestine
Michigan senatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed is partnering with prominent progressive figures, including popular Twitch streamer Hasan Piker and U.S. Representative Summer Lee, for a series of upcoming campaign events.
Piker, a widely followed political commentator known for his vocal condemnation of Israel's genocide in Gaza, will host multiple events over the next few weeks. The tour is designed to mobilize progressive voters and boost El-Sayed in a competitive race against primary opponents who have received backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
El-Sayed's campaign is positioning itself in direct contrast to these opponents, with aligned strategists arguing that an AIPAC endorsement has become a political liability among the Democratic base. Supporters of the progressive ticket contend that traditional, establishment campaign strategies are losing their effectiveness with modern voters.
The campaign tour has drawn public pushback from establishment politicians and pro-Israel organizations. El-Sayed's allies characterize this opposition as a coordinated effort by the political establishment to deflect attention from human rights concerns in Gaza.
More Coffee to Feed your Addiction
After announcing their store last summer, Jabal Coffee on 341 E. Huron St is finally open this week. I got to try out their Adeni Chai over the weekend and while it could use a little more nutmeg, overall worth trying out. Gone are the days one needed to drive to Dearborn to hit up any of the Arab Coffee spots. Ann Arbor/Ypsi now host close to 10 Yemeni or Desi coffeeshops.
Don't Miss Palestine '36 at the Michigan Theater
After an incredible opening night with over 350 people in attendance, Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater is hosting three more showings of the historical drama Palestine 36 this week. It's a fantastic opportunity to see a sweeping, beautifully shot epic that dives deep into the 1936 Arab Revolt in Palestine and the historic collisions that shaped the future of the region.
The film follows characters caught between rural village life and the restless energy of Jerusalem, as Palestinian villagers unite in a massive strike against colonial British and Zionist rule. It’s a powerful piece of historical storytelling that blends deep character studies with breathtaking cinematography on the big screen.
If you missed the packed premiere, make sure to catch one of the remaining screenings. Grab your tickets at the box office or online before these final three showings sell out! Get your tickets here!
Arabic Storytime with Hadil Ghoneim
Join author and storyteller Hadil Ghoneim at the Ann Arbor District Library (Westgate Branch, West Side Room) on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM EST for a special Arabic storytime! Designed for children from preschool through 3rd grade, this event will be primarily in Arabic with explanations provided in English. Learn more and add to your calendar here.
A History of the Muslim Communities of Detroit
Join Dr. Sally F. Howell at the Detroit Public Library (Main Branch) on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM EST for an engaging discussion on her book, Old Islam in Detroit. Explore the rich stories, traditions, and enduring contributions of metro Detroit's Muslim communities, and connect with others interested in our local heritage. RSVP on Eventbrite to secure your spot!
Letters of Light: An Introductory Workshop with Master Calligrapher Pablo (Khalid) Casado
Join master calligrapher Pablo (Khalid) Casado at the Arab American National Museum on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST for a free introductory workshop exploring the timeless art of Arabic calligraphy. Learn about the history of this beautiful tradition and practice foundational techniques using the traditional reed pen (qalam). RSVP here to secure your spot!
Palestine: Grief & Connection Through Clay
Visit the Arab American National Museum between March 25 and May 31, 2026, for a powerful exhibition presented by Palipotters. Palestine: Grief & Connection Through Clay brings together a collective of Palestinian ceramic artists—including Leena Ismail, Car Nazzal, Eman Srouji, Leila Srouji, Amal Tamari, Pam Totah, Marina Wahbeh, and Karina Yanes—to explore how clay can hold stories of land, displacement, resilience, and return. Through vessels and sculptural forms, the artists engage with themes of grief and connection, preserving cultural memory and reflecting on both personal and collective experiences. Learn more and plan your visit here.
Open Hands: Understanding Allah Through the Duaas of the Prophets
Join Thabaat at Miftaah Cafe in Warren on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for the launch of a new biweekly series tailored for young professionals ages 23 and older. The evening kicks off with a social hour and light refreshments at 7:00 PM, followed by a fireside-style discussion at 8:00 PM. Delve into the authentic duaas of the Prophets (AS) found in the Qur'an to uncover their profound spiritual and psychological lessons, and explore how the way we ask shapes our understanding of Allah (SWT). Register for free here to secure your spot!
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