local
How some in Palestinian diaspora find connection, identity and resilience in traditional embroidery
By Mariam Fam, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 30, 2026
· 7 min read
Decades later, Samar Kabouli still fondly recalls gathering with women in her family and sipping cardamom-spiced coffee as they embroidered fabric with colorful threads in traditional Palestinian patterns. Born in Lebanon to Palestinian refugees, Kabouli had never seen her parents’ homeland. But ...
Key takeaway It's known as “tatreez,” and Kabouli, 48, started doing the traditional form of Palestinian embroidery in her teens to make money.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
In the Houston area, home to a significant Palestinian diaspora community, the traditional embroidery of tatreez takes on a deeper meaning. For locals like Samar Kabouli, who was born in Lebanon to Palestinian refugees, tatreez is more than just a decorative art form - it's a connection to her heritage and a symbol of resilience. As the community in Magnolia and surrounding areas continues to grow and diversify, the preservation of cultural heritage through traditional practices like tatreez becomes increasingly important. The fact that organizations like Inaash Association are working to promote and preserve this heritage, while also providing economic opportunities for Palestinian women in refugee camps, resonates with the local community's values of cultural exchange and support for social causes. As the community comes together to celebrate its diverse cultural roots, the story of tatreez serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving traditional practices and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Decades later, Samar Kabouli still fondly recalls gathering with women in her family and sipping cardamom-spiced coffee as they embroidered fabric with colorful threads in traditional Palestinian patterns. Born in Lebanon to Palestinian refugees, Kabouli had never seen her parents’ homeland. But ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mariam Fam, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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