Thread by Thread retreat for women celebrates Middle East

Organizers call the retreat an experience of shared culture, empowerment and joy.

March 6, 2019 1:30 am
Dr. Amal Fahad, left, will be speaking about Islamic culture. Jamila Aldahir, right, is a local Syrian chef and will be leading a Syrian cooking class (Courtesy Photo).
Dr. Amal Fahad, left, will be speaking about Islamic culture. Jamila Aldahir, right, is a local Syrian chef and will be leading a Syrian cooking class (Courtesy Photo).

The Vashon Resettlement Committee invites women and girls aged 14 and older to a day-long retreat celebrating the culture of the Middle East from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, at the Wesleyan Community Center.

Organizers call the retreat an experience of shared culture, empowerment and joy. At the event, guided workshops will include a cooking class led by Syrian chef Jamila Aldahir, poetry by Merna Ann Hecht, traditional Arabic dance by Safa Jneidi, art therapy with Nancy Slater and a culminating human weaving performance with Suzanne Hubbard and Erin Durrett.

Other activities will include a conversation surrounding the practices and customs of wearing a hijab, a lesson in basic Arabic words and greetings, and a discussion about the healing power of art making.

Tickets are available online at bit.ly/2VEnqwi. The event supports the work of the Vashon Resettlement Committee as they provide island housing and employment assistance to refugee and immigrant families from Syria and the war-torn Middle East.