WomanLifeFreedom at UCSF is proud to host a gathering for Shab-e-Yalda, which is an ancient celebration on the winter solstice celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. This is the longest and darkest night of the year. Yalda is a Syriac word meaning birth and this night was considered to be the night of the sun’s birth. It is a time when friends and family gather together to read poetry (especially Hafez), tell stories, dance, drink, eat fruits (especially pomegranates and watermelons), and stay up late. Please join us!