local
How some in Palestinian diaspora find connection, identity and resilience in traditional embroidery
By Mariam Fam, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / 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 The Piney Point
In Piney Point Village , where cultural diversity is a hallmark of the community, the story of tatreez embroidery resonates deeply. For residents with Palestinian roots, traditional embroidery is more than just a decorative art form - it's a tangible connection to their heritage and a symbol of resilience. As the Palestinian diaspora community in Houston continues to grow, the preservation of cultural traditions like tatreez becomes increasingly important. Local organizations and community groups can learn from initiatives like the Inaash Association, which provides economic opportunities for Palestinian women in refugee camps while promoting cultural heritage. By supporting and celebrating traditional arts like tatreez, Piney Point Village can foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural backgrounds that enrich the community. As residents come together to promote cultural understanding and exchange, the story of tatreez serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting cross-cultural dialogue.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mariam Fam, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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