local
How some in Palestinian diaspora find connection, identity and resilience in traditional embroidery
By Mariam Fam, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· 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 Alamo Heights News
In Alamo Heights , where cultural diversity is a cherished aspect of community life, the story of Samar Kabouli and the traditional Palestinian embroidery known as "tatreez" resonates deeply. As a city with a strong sense of heritage and tradition, residents can appreciate the significance of tatreez as a symbol of Palestinian identity and pride. The fact that Kabouli's work with the Inaash Association provides economic opportunities for Palestinian women in refugee camps also highlights the importance of empowering women through traditional crafts, a theme that is relevant to many local organizations in the San Antonio area. Furthermore, the use of tatreez as a form of resistance and a way to raise awareness about social justice issues is a powerful reminder of the impact that art and culture can have on community engagement and activism, values that are highly valued in Alamo Heights.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights 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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mariam Fam, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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