SUNDAY, October 26, 3-7 pm

Irish American Heritage Center

4626 N Knox Ave

Chicago, IL

Dear *{{Name}}* ,

Thank you for purchasing your ticket to A Taste of Seraj Palestine: The Streets Tell Stories. We’re excited to welcome you! Here’s everything you need to know for the event. Please share this email with your invited guests.  

**Last year’s benefit sold out — and this year, we’ve expanded! With more space, we’re excited to offer tickets at the door at the same price: $60 regular / $30 student or low income. We welcome you to invite friends and family to join you!**

Check in

Bring your ticket QR code or confirmation email for quick check-in. (If you don’t have it handy, we can look you up.) Sponsors and their guests may be listed under the sponsor’s name. Be sure to pick up your event program and food tickets at check-in.

When & Where

• Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
• Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
• Parking: Free at the venue

Event Schedule

We have a full afternoon planned. We hope you can join us as close to 3pm to enjoy all we have to offer.

3:00 PM — Welcome & Check-in All events will take place on the main floor.

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Open House: “Streets of Palestine”

• Souk & artisan tables : Handmade Palestinian ceramics, tatreez, olive oil, jewelry, baked goods — supporting local artisans and Seraj Libraries
• Art Room: interactive art exhibits
• Children’s Library: crafts, books, games (all ages welcome)
• Community tables: meet some of our partner organizations
• Raffle: purchase tickets for a chance to win a “Taste of Palestine” basket & more
• Palestinian street food: Al Balwadi food truck serving food from 3–7 PM

3:45 – 4:15 PM — Workshops

• Jenin Tatreez: Learn about the traditional art of Palestinian tatreez embroidery — all are welcome in the Mayfair Theater
• Dabkeh: Join the Ramallah Club Dancers to learn Dabkeh, the spirited Palestinian line dance — all ages welcome in the Library Room

4:30 – 6:00 PM — Main Program

• We will all gather in the Mayfair Theater to enjoy inspiring music, dance, stories and a short film created by the Seraj Palestine team in the Mayfair Theater. You will hear from Laurie Salameh, co-founder & executive director. Raffle winners to be announced.

6:00 – 7:00 PM — Knafeh & Mingling

• Freshly baked knafeh will be served. Continue exploring, shopping, and enjoying food.

7:00 PM -- Event Concludes

Tip: Arriving as close to 3:00 PM gives you the best chance to join a workshop and explore all the other offerings before the main program.

Food & Drink - available throughout event, 3-7pm

Included with ticket: One box of Palestinian street-food favorites (shawarma or falafel + more) and hot sweet knafeh with syrup & pistachios, additional boxes available for purchase.

Complimentary: Arabic coffee, tea, and water

Cash bar: Beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks

Raffle 

• Raffle baskets include a “Taste of Palestine,” an exquisite Persian rug, and a week in a Paris apartment
• Keep your ticket stub handy — drawing around 5:45 PM
• Winners take their prizes home at the end of the event

• Your generosity helps Palestinian communities thrive. For your convenience, we offer several ways to make purchases and contribute to Seraj Library Project.
  • Cash or Check: Payable to Seraj Library Project
  • Credit Card: Tap your card with a Seraj volunteer, or use at the Seraj Store. Make an account for ease of data entry.
  • Zelle: Send securely via your banking app to serajlibraryproject@gmail.com or 630-606-5671 (registered to John Cassel, Seraj Library Treasurer)

We are deeply grateful for your support. Your presence helps keep Palestinian community libraries and cultural centers thriving.

If you have any questions, reply to this email.

Warmly,

Mai Khader Kakish, Event Chair

We look forward to seeing you Sunday, October 26 at the Irish American Heritage Center!

Our Contact Information

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