Arab Culture Night

On this gala occasion, students heard the Muslim Call to Prayer performed in person by the official muezzin father and son team from the Al Aksa Mosque, then enjoyed a banquet representing the feat at the end of Ramadan, and to top it all off, they learned Palestinian dances from local instructors. 

The Oasis cafeteria got some extra trimmings for the feast.

 Mr. Ayman Jebara, the Arabic teacher, narrated and translated for the Call to Prayer presentation in the Forum.

 Students were invited to dress in the styles they see in the old city and East Jerusalem.

The student committee decorated one elaborate corner especially for group photos.

Curious about the menu?  We feasted on:

Dilaع Kharuf (Lamb )

Musakhan (Sumac Chicken, wrapped in thin wheat pitas)

Sfihah (meat pies)

Maklube (upside down casserole)

Saniyye (potato, onion, tahini)

Kusa (zucchini, stuffed)

Bagdunsiya (tahini with parsley)

Babaganoush (eggplant)

Tabbouleh (bulgar salad)

Kubbeh (bulgur dumplings stuffed with meat)

Kunafa (cheese pastry)

 Some of our wonderful service couples got into the costumes as well.

The Palestinian dance instructors arrived in time for the sweet Kunafa.  Andrew was practicing his Arabic and welcoming our guests.

The Imams ate and left early; here you can see the rest of the head table: Ayman Jebara, Kent Jackson, Eran Hayet, Tawfic Alawi, Nancy Jackson, and Andrew.