By Mischa Geracoulis
Hand of Fatima, blue eye amulet: just two of the many versions to protect against evil eye
January 2010—a new year and a new decade. Reason enough to give pause for reflection on the havoc-wreaking, life-altering events of these last ten years. For better or for worse, our world has changed; paradigms are shifting, breaking from normalcy (whatever that is), and springing forth anew. We're in a period of uncertainty. It's time to reconfigure, to leave the unproductive, unfulfilling ways behind, and set course with a higher purpose—Insha'Allah ("God willing") or in the Spanish version ojalá, fingers crossed (as in the Cross), Cross myself, and knock on wood (the symbolic wood of the Cross)!

By Tamim Ansary

Review by Tara Marie Good

A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes: your purchase benefits in part Levantine Cultural CenterIn 1940 Walter Benjamin wrote, "To articulate what is past does not mean to recognize ‘how it really was.' It means to take control of a memory, as it flashes in a moment of danger." For the German-Jewish Marxist philosopher that moment of danger was the Nazi march on Europe. The moment of danger that inspired Afghani born Tamim Ansary to articulate Islamic history in Destiny Disrupted was September 11th.

Destiny Disrupted is a historical narrative of the Islamic world addressing the chasm seen to separate Western and Middle Eastern histories. The main thesis presented by Ansary is that the history of Islam and the West are two parallel histories, which overlap at points, but are fundamentally separate. Claiming to represent a general Muslim perception, Ansary charts Middle Eastern history from the ancient world to the western colonial and economic expansion in the modern era.

Dismantling the Axis of Evil (new)The Iranian American Bar Association and Levantine Cultural Center present "Dismantling the Axis of Evil: Reforming Middle Eastern Representations in Hollywood & Seeking Sounder Public Policy after 9/11 in the Age of Obama."

This program includes a brief review of roles in film and television, followed by a spirited dicussion, and questions from the audience. Panelists include Ahmed Ahmed, comedian and actor, Reza Aslan, author of No God, but god and How to Win a Cosmic War; John Tehranian, attorney and author of Whitewashed: America's Invisible Middle Eastern Minority; Maz Jobrani, actor and comedian ("Axis of Evil Comedy Tour"; "The Interpreter"); and Shiva Rose, actress ("David & Layla," "CSI Miami"), activist and playwright.

ALOUD and the Vesper Society present Irene Khan, on "The Unheard Truth: Poverty and Human Rights." She will in conversation with David Kaye. Executive Director, UCLA School of Law International Human Rights Program

with Drs. Nubar Hovsepian and Gabriel PiterbergThis program intends to encourage intellectual discussion surrounding the history and present political landscape in which Palestinians, Israelis and Lebanese find themselves, in the context of the nation-state, "peace," "war," "justice" and other such terms often bandied about in the mainstream media without the time to closely analyze just what is meant. In a progressive yet playful spirit, professors Hovsepian and Piterberg examine the region and open the conversation to your questions and comments.

7:00 pm social
7:30 presentations
8:30 moderated Q & A
9:00 pm book signing & close of event

An engaging talk with slides and live music on the recent Yuval Ron Ensemble tour to Morocco.

Last June The Yuval Ron Ensemble completed its first peace mission tour to a Muslim country—Morocco, bringing to tears both Muslim and Jewish audiences. Hear the story from musical director Yuval Ron who will share slides and music from the musical meetings with the tribal Sufi musicians and dancers of Morocco, and the search for the disappearing Jewish life in Todra, Marakech and Fez.

The Yuval Ron Ensemble became a media sensation at the Sacred Music Festival in Fez, Morocco. CNN, National Geographic, Mundomix.com and French TV Channel 5 all focused their stories about the Fez Festival on the Yuval Ron Ensemble. See the CNN special report.

Using film, music and scholarship, on August 5th, speakers will explore the Mizrahim (Eastern Jews):

• Are the Jews of the Middle East/North Africa as Arab or Iranian as their host nationalities?
• 
  How were they received in Israel?
• 
  Are the Mizrahim/Sephardim a missing link to Middle East peace?

Using film, music and scholarship, on August 5th, speakers will explore the Mizrahim (Eastern Jews):

Doumbek Circle welcomes players of all levels and backgrounds at the beach Sunday evening.

We will meet in the parking at Washington and Venice Beach boardwalk.

Bring your drum and a chair for comfort.

Want more info? Call Noam at 818.371.3971 or email.

Daniela: performing live at the Middle East Arts Festival, May 23, 2009On Sundays, 11:30-1:00 pm, performer and choreographer Daniela is teaching this new class at Levantine Cultural Center for beginning and intermediate dancers.

New Student Special—First class $10. Classes $15 thereafter. **LIMITED TIME SPECIAL- 4 CLASS SERIES FOR ONLY $40**
 
For more info, call 323.445.6081.

Join us for an exciting and energetic exploration of what is known to many as the world’s most ancient dance.  Participate in a beautiful and elegant form of creative expression that is also a proven path to physical fitness and feminine well-being. The course will focus on: