udigitals – The Spirit of Mesopotamia

SOM Youth Friendsgiving 2025

Wow, what a night! If you were lucky enough to join us, you know exactly what we’re talking about. The 4th Annual Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) Friendsgiving officially went down, and it was the perfect dose of warmth, laughter, and incredible food we all needed!

This yearly event has become a non-negotiable part of our calendar, and seeing the SOM youth community gather in such a beautiful, cozy setting always makes our hearts sing. The goal was simple: to bring friends together for an evening of community, cuisine, and connection—and we absolutely crushed it!

Food, Friends, and Forever Memories

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Forget the standard holiday spread—we went full Mesopotamian! The tables were overflowing with an incredible variety of classic Iraqi dishes, thanks to everyone who contributed to the feast. It wasn’t just dinner; it was a communal celebration of our heritage. There’s something truly special about sharing traditional foods with your friends, surrounded by music and good cheer.

The energy was infectious! From catching up with old friends to welcoming new faces into the SOM family, the room was buzzing with connection. The curated playlist kept the vibe just right—lively enough to celebrate, but chill enough for deep conversations and lots of laughs.

Hitting our fourth year with this tradition feels amazing. It’s more than just a gathering; it’s a commitment to creating a safe, fun, and culturally rich space for our youth. It’s a place where gratitude is amplified by community, and every face at the table is truly welcome.

A massive thank you to every single person who showed up, cooked, laughed, and helped make this the best Friendsgiving yet! You are the heart of the Spirit of Mesopotamia.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming events—we can’t wait to see you all again soon! Until next time, stay connected, stay grateful, and keep that Mesopotamian spirit shining bright!

From Sumer to the Present Day: Recapping SOM’s ‘Cradle of Civilization’ Presentation!

The Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) recently hosted a profound and educational afternoon event, diving deep into the rich and complex past of Iraq with a special presentation titled “Cradle of Civilization.” Held in person in Irvine, the gathering featured Issam Alhariri, who skillfully guided the audience through millennia of history.

Mr. Alhariri’s comprehensive talk covered everything from the very dawn of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia right up to the present day. We explored the ancient Sumerians and Babylonians, whose inventions laid the foundation for modern life, as well as the various empires, cultural shifts, and contemporary challenges that have shaped the nation. It was a powerful reminder that the story of Iraq—the birthplace of writing, law, and agriculture—is, in many ways, the story of humanity itself.

What made this gathering truly special was the incredibly diverse turnout. The audience included not only members of the Arab community eager to reconnect with their roots but also people from all backgrounds who joined us specifically to learn more about the region’s colossal historical significance.

The educational afternoon was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of open education and cross-cultural understanding. Thank you to Issam Alhariri for sharing his expertise and to everyone who attended and contributed to such a rich and informative conversation!

Sailing Success! SOM Youth Boat Party Review

The Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) officially took the party to the water on October 17th, and what an unforgettable night it was! Our Middle Eastern Boat Party was a spectacular success, delivering on its promise of music, dancing, and incredible vibes as we sailed into the sunset. The energy was electric from the moment we cast off at 5 PM. The entire event was about bringing our community together to celebrate our culture in a unique and stylish setting, and the views certainly did not disappoint! As the evening unfolded, we watched a stunning sunset over the water, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the night. It was the perfect moment to connect with friends, old and new, and soak in the beauty of the cruise before the serious dancing began.

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The real heart of the party was the non-stop music and dancing! We were absolutely thrilled to have the incredible DJ Youssef on board, who kept the dance floor packed from start to finish. Spinning the best mix of Arabic and Middle Eastern hits, DJ Youssef ensured the “vibes on the water” were absolutely perfect. Whether attendees were showcasing their best dabke moves or just feeling the rhythm on the deck, the music was truly the pulse of the evening. The SOM Middle Eastern Boat Party wasn’t just a cruise; it was a vibrant celebration of culture and community spirit. Seeing everyone dressed up, connecting, and celebrating together under the stars was the perfect capstone to the night.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event a success! The night truly was one to remember. Keep following SOM for announcements on our next amazing gathering. We can’t wait to see you all on the dance floor—or maybe even on the water—again soon!

The Spirit of Mesopotamia Brings Vibrant Iraqi Culture to the 24th Irvine Global Village Festival

The 24th annual Irvine Global Village Festival, an event renowned for celebrating global diversity and community, was recently graced by the captivating presence of SOM – The Spirit of Mesopotamia. SOM set up a dedicated tent aimed at showcasing the deep history, vibrant culture, and enduring heritage of Iraq, the ancient land known as Mesopotamia—the cradle of civilization.

Stepping into the SOM tent was an instantly immersive cultural experience. The space was meticulously designed, featuring a warm and inviting interior characterized by a distinctive lattice-work wall structure and a mix of beautiful textiles, The walls were adorned with traditional Iraqi artifacts, intricate woven baskets, copper plates, and handcrafted art pieces, all speaking to the country’s rich artistic legacy. Furnished with colorful rugs and plush cushions, the tent offered a cozy setting for festival-goers to relax and learn.

You can view pictures from the event below.

A highlight of the exhibit was the interactive opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the culture. Visitors of all ages were enthusiastically invited to try on beautiful, authentic Iraqi clothes and take pictures within the meticulously decorated space, creating a memorable connection with the Mesopotamian heritage. This feature made the SOM tent a highly sought-after destination, successfully sharing the warmth and richness of Iraqi culture with the thousands of people attending the diverse festival.

SOM 2025 Family Picnic – A Day to Remember 🎉

What a wonderful afternoon of community, nostalgia, and sunshine! The Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) recently hosted its beautiful Family Picnic at Williams R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine, and it was truly a gathering to remember. We were especially grateful to have the event sponsored by the incredible Raghda Ali, Luxury Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams Realty, whose generous support helped make this special day possible for our families.

The theme of the picnic was a heartfelt remembrance of Iraq, beautifully brought to life through decorations that evoked the country’s rich culture. The park area was thoughtfully adorned with elements like nets catching fish—a wonderful nod to the vital role of the rivers and the traditional life along the Tigris and Euphrates. It created a nostalgic and warm atmosphere perfect for sharing memories and teaching the next generation about our heritage. The day was filled with joy, connection, and, of course, delicious food! A generous spread was provided, giving everyone a taste of home and allowing families to relax and mingle under the California sun.

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The fun wasn’t just for the adults, though! The younger members of the SOM family had a blast thanks to the special entertainment provided, including a hilarious clown whose tricks and balloons kept the kids laughing and engaged throughout the afternoon. This event truly catered to every member of the family, strengthening bonds and creating new memories that will last until our next gathering. Thank you again to Raghda Ali for her fantastic sponsorship and to everyone who came out and helped us celebrate community and heritage!

SOM’s LEAP Program Scholarship Winners!

Dear members of our community,

The Spirit of Mesopotamia takes great pleasure in announcing that, with your participation in SOM’s events, you made it possible to send 7 Iraqi youths to the LEAP Program at USC this July. 4 will attend in person – full board and accommodation included – the other three will attend online.

They will interact with celebrities, successful professionals, and entrepreneurs, and join sessions that build confidence and life-long skills, and make international friends.

Please join us in congratulating our recipients who are ready to leap forward to expand their knowledge and skills and be ambassadors for our community among hundreds of international students.

What is Leap ?

LEAP Week is a week-long motivational summer leadership and entrepreneurship program for high school and college-aged young adults.

From July 21st to 27th, 2024 at USC

for more information check https://www.leapfoundation.com/

Kamal Shmara

I am very proud to accept the LEAP Program Scholarship, and I can’t wait to experience the opportunities and gain valuable personal development skills.

Mina Alsaffar

Thank you for SOM for giving me the opportunity to learn plenty about my future and what I would like to pursue.

Maya Madhat

It’s an honor to be selected for the LEAP program this year by SOM! It's truly a privilege and I can't wait to dive into this adventure.

Heba Baker

Thank you so much to LEAP for giving me this opportunity, I look forward to the growth and leadership that will come along this program!

Hussein Alpahlawan

I am so grateful for this opportunity with SOM and their LEAP Program!

Tamara Almahdawi

Hello, I am Tamarah, and I am so happy to be accepted into the LEAP program, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity!

Mesk Almufti

Thank you SOM for giving me the opportunity to participate in this program. I intend to leverage it for my career and personal growth, and look forward to starting it!

SOM strives to present the youth of our community with opportunities to Advance their education, Learn new skills and Expand their horizon.

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A Sold-Out Success: SOM Social Committee Celebrates Women’s Day with a Glamorous Fashion Show!

The Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) Social Committee recently hosted a spectacular event: a sold-out Ladies Only Fashion Show! Held on Saturday, March 2nd, from 12:30 to 4:30 PM at the beautiful Lakeview Center in Irvine, the afternoon was a resounding success, offering a stylish and celebratory tribute to Women’s Day.

Attendees were treated to a truly fashionable spectacle—a vibrant mixture of tradition and modernism. The show highlighted the enduring beauty of traditional Iraqi and Middle Eastern attire while seamlessly incorporating contemporary trends. This celebration of style and culture made the event a standout occasion in the SOM calendar.

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We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsor, Raghda Ali, Realtor® with Keller Williams Luxury, for helping make this elegant afternoon possible. Her commitment to supporting community events, including the included lunch and beverages, ensures that these special gatherings are both high-quality and accessible.

The energy in the room was palpable! The event served as a wonderful opportunity for women in the community to gather, socialize, and celebrate Woman’s Day in a glamorous and exclusive setting. The fact that the show was SOLD OUT speaks volumes about the community’s enthusiasm for events that blend culture, fashion, and female empowerment. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this fashionable celebration a memorable triumph!

SOM Proudly Presents: Celebrating Our 2023 LEAP Week Scholarship Recipient!

The Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) is absolutely thrilled to announce a significant achievement in our community: the selection of our 2023 LEAP Week SOM Scholarship Recipient! SOM is deeply committed to fostering education and leadership development, and this scholarship represents our continued investment in the bright future of our young leaders.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Mustafa Al-Ogaili, who has been awarded the prestigious scholarship to attend the LEAP Week program at UCLA. This opportunity, made possible through the support of the Iraqi-American Volunteers managing our non-profit, non-religious, and non-political organization, provides a transformative experience focused on personal growth, leadership training, and educational enrichment.

Mustafa Al-Ogaili truly embodies the spirit of our community, and we are excited for the knowledge and skills he will gain during his week at UCLA. This scholarship is a testament to his dedication and potential.

Join us in extending the warmest congratulations to Mustafa Al-Ogaili! We look forward to supporting him and all future SOM scholars as they take the leap toward greater achievements and serve as role models for the next generation.

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Turning Dreams into Reality: Recapping SOM’s ‘Vision into Action: Leadership in Practice’ Workshop!

he Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) recently hosted an inspiring and highly practical workshop designed to empower our community members to achieve their goals! On Saturday, May 20th at 11 AM via Zoom, we were honored to have Salam Ali Hariri, Senior IT Manager – Global Data & Analytics, lead the enlightening session titled “Vision into Action: Leadership in Practice.”

The workshop challenged participants to “Think of a Personal or Community DREAM you wish to come true,” and then provided the tools to make it happen. Salam expertly guided attendees through critical questions such as: “What is a vision, and our purpose in life?” and “Who is a leader?” He also delved into identifying common obstacles, asking, “What is pulling us back, and what should change?”

A significant focus of the session was on tangible steps, offering “Examples of goals, initiatives, projects, and ideas.” Crucially, participants gained valuable insights into Project Management principles to effectively deliver on their goals. Salam Ali Hariri, renowned for “Serving our Community,” shared his wealth of experience, making complex concepts accessible and actionable.

This “Vision into Action” workshop was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just a title, but a practice of turning dreams into reality. Thank you to Salam Ali Hariri for his exceptional presentation and to all who attended, ready to transform their visions into tangible achievements!

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Sunshine, Smiles, and Sold-Out Success: Recapping the SOM Spring Family Picnic 2023!

What an absolutely joyous day! The Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) was thrilled to host its much-anticipated Spring Family Picnic 2023 at the beautiful Yorba Regional Park. This year’s picnic was an overwhelming success, not just in spirit but also in attendance—we’re excited to announce it was a complete sell-out event!

Families from across our community gathered to enjoy the vibrant spring weather, soaking up the sun and the wonderful atmosphere. Yorba Regional Park provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with laughter, games, and reconnection. It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces and welcome new ones, all coming together to celebrate community and kinship.

The day was packed with fun for all ages. From lively games and activities for the kids to relaxed conversations and delicious food shared among adults, there was something for everyone. These picnics are truly the heart of SOM, providing a precious opportunity for our families to build stronger bonds and create lasting memories outside of our regular programming.

We are especially grateful to our dedicated sponsor, Raghda Ali, Realtor, whose generous support helped make this vibrant family day possible. Her commitment to the community allows SOM to continue hosting these high-quality, memorable gatherings for our families.

A huge thank you again to Raghda Ali for her fantastic sponsorship, and to everyone who purchased tickets and joined us! Your enthusiasm and participation are what make these events so special. We’re already looking forward to our next family gathering!

The Spirit of Mesopotamia

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