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A TASTE OF SERAJ PALESTINE 2025: THE STREETS TELL STORIES

(Play the slide show)

A Taste of Seraj Palestine 2025

Chicago Benefit 2025

Our Chicago community gathered for A Taste of Seraj Palestine, filling the Irish American Heritage Center with the sounds, colors, and spirit of Palestine. More than four hundred fifty people joined us for an afternoon that celebrated beauty, culture, and community.
A Celebration of Palestinian Culture

Guests explored a vibrant marketplace that felt like walking through a Palestinian souk. Skilled vendors presented handcrafted items, each one carrying the artistry and stories of the people who created them. Artists, designers, and makers shared their work with generosity and pride.
Music, Dance, and Shared Joy

Musicians and dancers brought the hall to life with performances that reminded everyone of the joy, strength, and resilience held within Palestinian traditions. One musician closed his set by saying that libraries have the power to transform lives, to preserve heritage, and to help communities understand themselves. His words reflected the heart of Seraj.
Strong Community Support

This benefit received record breaking support. Thanks to the many attendees, sponsors, and partners who gave their time and talent, the afternoon became one of our most successful events. Your generosity strengthens our growing network of libraries and cultural programs across Palestine.
A Moment of Solidarity

Thank you to every person who chose to spend their Sunday afternoon with us, celebrating Palestinian culture while holding space for the sorrow and the hope carried by our people. Together, we brought a piece of Palestine to Chicago and sent encouragement back to the communities we serve.

Thank you to our generous 2025 Taste of Seraj Palestine Sponsors

OLIVE TREE - $5,000

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Birch and Galen Burghardt Senator John Millner

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LEMON TREE - $3,000

Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP

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DATE PALM - $1,000

Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust Joyce and John Cassel Pauline Coffman Gewiria Fadl and Nasser Nabhan Ghattas/Stura Family Diane Fite Dr. Margaret O. Griffiths Barb Vaughan Judith Gurewich Patrick and Mary Leone, La Barra Riverside McHale Family Other Press, LLC Scott Renschler Anita and Richard Thies Sue and Ed Uhlig Minasian Rugs

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FIG TREE- $500

Katharine Baker Alvin Beatty Bright Stars of Bethlehem Barbara Elison and Frank Baldwin Steve and Maria Fatum Colleen and Joe Harbison Bozena and John McLees Linh Nguyen Sessy Nyman Usama Houlila @ crossrealms

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POMEGRANATE SHRUB - $250

Anonymous, in honor of Anne Cordes and John Cassel Deanna Ayoub Anne Cordes Lynne Driver Sue and Dan Foran Haymarket Books Nermin Moufti Lynn Pollack and Michael Okrent Bella Voce George and Karen Rafeedie St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Gloria Hopewell

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OLIVE TREE - $5,000 〰️ Birch and Galen Burghardt Senator John Millner 〰️ LEMON TREE - $3,000 Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP 〰️ DATE PALM - $1,000 Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust Joyce and John Cassel Pauline Coffman Gewiria Fadl and Nasser Nabhan Ghattas/Stura Family Diane Fite Dr. Margaret O. Griffiths Barb Vaughan Judith Gurewich Patrick and Mary Leone, La Barra Riverside McHale Family Other Press, LLC Scott Renschler Anita and Richard Thies Sue and Ed Uhlig Minasian Rugs 〰️ FIG TREE- $500 Katharine Baker Alvin Beatty Bright Stars of Bethlehem Barbara Elison and Frank Baldwin Steve and Maria Fatum Colleen and Joe Harbison Bozena and John McLees Linh Nguyen Sessy Nyman Usama Houlila @ crossrealms 〰️ POMEGRANATE SHRUB - $250 Anonymous, in honor of Anne Cordes and John Cassel Deanna Ayoub Anne Cordes Lynne Driver Sue and Dan Foran Haymarket Books Nermin Moufti Lynn Pollack and Michael Okrent Bella Voce George and Karen Rafeedie St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Gloria Hopewell 〰️

TOGETHER, WE TELL THE STORY

Honoring Our Partners in Culture, Community, and Resilience

A Time to Give

Communities across the West Bank—and all Palestinians—are facing unprecedented trauma. Your gift to Seraj supports our life-giving work with children, families, and our growing Seraj communities. Every contribution affirms that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.

Please consider a donation at this crucial moment. Thank you for your generosity.

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