By Molly Given<\/p>\n
As national conversations around immigration and federal enforcement continue to unfold \u2014 including heightened attention on recent ICE operations<\/a> and community responses across the country \u2014 Philadelphia\u2019s Muhibbah Dinner series offers a different kind of dialogue.<\/p>\n Founded by Chef Ange Branca, these communal meals bring neighbors together in support of immigrant and refugee nonprofits, celebrating shared stories and culture while raising funds for organizations providing essential services. On Monday, Feb. 16, the next Muhibbah Dinner will welcome diners to break bread for a purpose \u2014 to nourish both body and community in a moment when issues of belonging and support are top of mind for many.<\/p>\n Next month\u2019s iteration of Muhibbah (which marks the 12th in this series) will be held at\u00a0BLDG39 at the Arsenal (5401 Tacony St.), a venue in Philadelphia\u2019s Bridesburg neighborhood (with free on-site parking). As a release notes, proceeds from this particular dinner will benefit\u00a0Puentes de Salud<\/a>, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of Philadelphia\u2019s rapidly growing Latinx immigrant population through high-quality healthcare, innovative education programs, and community building.<\/p>\n The meal on the 16th will feature Branca, alongside Yun Fuentes of Bolo, Natalia Lepore Hagan of Midnight Pasta, Brizna Rojas and Aldo Obando of Mucho Peru, Enaas Sultan of Haraz Coffee House Fishtown, plus, David and Dan Suro of Tequilas and La Jefa. Each culinary creative will come up with a dish for the evening, and each course will be served with a personal story.<\/p>\n That format works well for the series, which is named \u201cMuhibbah\u201d after a Malay term describing harmony among people of different races, religions, and cultures.<\/p>\n Since its launch in 2017, the Muhibbah Dinner series has raised over $80,000 for Philadelphia-based organizations supporting immigrant and refugee communities. Guided by Chef Ange Branca\u2019s vision of food as a bridge between cultures, the dinners have helped fund groups like the Nationalities Service Center, HIAS-PA, Asociaci\u00f3n Puertorrique\u00f1os en Marcha, SEAMAAC, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, Esperanza Immigration Legal Services, and The Welcoming Center.<\/p>\n Beyond fundraising, each dinner creates a space for storytelling, cultural exchange, and community connection, turning every shared meal into an act of solidarity and celebration for the city\u2019s diverse immigrant populations.<\/p>\n