local
How some in Palestinian diaspora find connection, identity and resilience in traditional embroidery
By Mariam Fam, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· 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 Sugar Land News
In Sugar Land , where cultural diversity is a hallmark of the community, the traditional Palestinian embroidery known as tatreez resonates deeply. For locals with Palestinian roots, tatreez is more than just a decorative art form - it's a tangible connection to their heritage and a symbol of resilience. As the city's international community continues to grow, initiatives like those of the Inaash Association can serve as a model for preserving cultural traditions and promoting cross-cultural understanding. In Sugar Land, community events and cultural festivals often celebrate the city's diverse heritage, and the story of tatreez could be a powerful addition to these gatherings. By sharing the story of tatreez and its significance to the Palestinian diaspora, Sugar Land residents can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex histories and cultural traditions that shape their community. This can foster a more inclusive and empathetic environment, where residents can come together to celebrate their differences and commonalities.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land 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 (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
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 (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mariam Fam, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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