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 Tomball News
In the Houston area, where communities from around the world come together, the traditional Palestinian embroidery known as tatreez takes on a special significance. 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 way to send a message of resilience. As the Palestinian diaspora community in Houston and surrounding areas, including Tomball , engages with tatreez, they are finding a celebration of cultural heritage and a bridge to their homeland. The art form is also being used to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the conflict in Gaza, highlighting the strong sense of community and solidarity that exists among locals who are passionate about preserving and promoting Palestinian culture. Through tatreez, these individuals are able to express their identity and pride, and to share their story with the wider community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball 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 / 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 Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mariam Fam, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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