ZEYNE - Asli Ana (My Roots)

November 29, 2024

The lyrics of Zeyne’s Asli Ana are a powerful exploration of decolonial themes. They challenge the Western concept of "civilization," exposing how it has historically been weaponized to oppress, displace, and erase. Zeyne confronts the long-standing colonial narrative, highlighting how it justified the theft of our lands, the erasure of our culture, and the distortion of our history.

The song doesn’t stop at critique; it pushes us to question our internalized colonial norms, even in subtle aspects like dress and self-presentation. The line, “Record, I am an Arab, and I know my origin” moved me to tears. It is a poignant reminder of the resilience required to preserve our identity after decades of diaspora and displacement.

Through poetic verses, Zeyne masterfully encapsulates the struggle to maintain our heritage while navigating a world that constantly demands assimilation.

Gaza Strong: Humanitarian Relief & Hope

March 27, 2024

In the spirit of humanity and compassion, join us to support the families of Gaza facing inhumane conditions. Gaza’s inhabitants are enduring relentless attacks from the Israeli military, resulting in critical shortages of vital resources such as food, water, and medical care. Famine looms large, and diseases surge as sanitation and access to clean water crumble under the weight of constant assaults. Trapped in a small area of land with their homes reduced to rubble, families find themselves in the throes of a profound humanitarian crisis.

Join our fundraising event, where the focus is not just on providing aid but also on giving hope. Together, let’s extend a helping hand to deliver food, temporary shelters, and essential medical supplies to the families in Gaza. They need our collective empathy and support to navigate these dire times.

Our evening will include a buffet dinner, music and poetry, a keynote presentation by medical professionals recently returned from Gaza, auction, and community award presentation.

Mercer Island Rotary: International Dance for Peace

September 18, 2022

In celebration of the International Day of Peace, the Rotary Club of Mercer Island is hosting an All Island International Dance Party.

WHEN: Sunday, September 18, 2022 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
WHERE: Mercer Island Community & Event Center
8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA 98040, USA

Everyone is welcome for an all-ages afternoon community dance. Dessert, drinks, and fun! Meet new people, and gather with neighbors for a world music dance party and benefit, for peace in Ukraine and around the world.

Tying in with the 18 peace poles that Rotary members placed around the Island in recent years — emblazoned with the sentiment of “May Peace Prevail” on Earth in 14 world languages — SZ signed up to be world languages table sponsors in Arabic. ليكن السلام سائدا على الأرض

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SZ unequivocally supports the right to safe & legal abortions

July 1, 2022

It’s been a week since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that had guaranteed the right to an abortion since 1973. This is an unprecedented attack on women’s rights and reproductive freedom. Every person who can become pregnant deserves reproductive autonomy. Our firm unequivocally supports the right to safe and legal abortions.

We are actively listening to advocacy groups working towards protecting these rights and pledging sustained contributions to organizations that provide reproductive healthcare. Because the Supreme Court’s ruling disproportionately harms Black, Brown, and other people impacted by systemic inequities, SZ is supporting groups that serve vulnerable communities. We respect the personal choice of each sovereign individual, and believe that abortion access should be a fundamental right, regardless of race, gender, identity, economic status, or location.

The Court’s hostile ruling makes it clear that other freedoms are at risk. There is too much at stake for silence or inaction. We urge you to use your voice, resources and vote to stand against oppression in all its forms.