A Taste of Tradition: Lawrenceville Celebrates Arab American Heritage Month

Lawrentians celebrated Arab American Heritage this April with events that included dancing, food sampling, and discussion of Arab culture and traditions.

On April 15, the student organization SWANA - Southwest Asia and North Africa - hosted a “hafli” or celebration of Arab culture. Open to the Lawrenceville community, students enjoyed traditional music and a dance performance by dancers with Afrah events, as well as Arab and Turkish food and desserts and activities including bracelet-making and henna.

“Last night’s Arab American Heritage Month Hafli (party!) was a vibrant celebration of the rich and diverse cultures across the greater Middle East,” said history teacher and SWANA advisor Marisa Hedges. “For SWANA students and myself, it was a meaningful and affirming reflection of our heritage. For others, it was a chance to experience the warmth of Arab hospitality, sample delicious cuisine, and join in the energy of traditional debke dancing. With over 100 students, faculty, and families in attendance, it was everything a hafli should be—joyful, lively, and fun!”

“I really enjoyed attending the halfi event last night, and I thought it was a great way to spend time with my friends,” said Marco Pellegrini ‘26. “I loved the festive atmosphere that the dancing brought and the sense of community that came with dining together, but ultimately my personal favorite was the baklava dessert.”

“I really enjoyed our event last night as I felt that it was a great way to share some of my heritage with my friends and classmates,” said Clara Khabbaz ‘25. “I was struck by how interested people on campus were about the event and to learn more about Arab culture.”

Students also were invited to participate in a lunch and dialogue event about Arab American Heritage Month. Lunch and dialogue events are weekly opportunities for students to watch a film or documentary about a relevant current event or social issue and then have a discussion facilitated by student leaders. These events aim to build upon the culture of Harkness though learning about others beyond the academic classroom.

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of Public Relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.