S3E4. The Art of Gathering with Samar

SAMAR IS A PALESTINIAN ORGANIZER AND NEW FRIEND WE MADE DURING THE 2024 TATREEZ RETREAT (@s.amooraa; @tatreez.w.samoor). Despite growing up with embroidered pieces at home, she found a deeper connection to her culture through stitching with her mother and sister.

She discusses how tatreez has become central to her community organizing, especially since October 7, 2023. In Philadelphia, local tatreez circles have become spaces for Palestinians to gather, process grief, and build solidarity, uniting diverse groups through craft.

Reflecting on the 2024 Tatreez Retreat, Samar highlights how it brought together anti-Zionist politics and a deep love for Palestinian embroidery. Inspired by the experience, she hopes to expand her local tatreez circles, seeing them as vital spaces for cultural preservation and community resilience.

You’ll hear about:

>> 0:58: Samar’s connection to Palestine

>> 4:42: Transitioning from knowing to practicing tatreez

>> 9:38: The connection between tatreez and organizing for Palestine

>> 15:30: Community-building through tatreez

>> 21:45: Samar’s experience at the Tatreez Retreat

>> 29:30: The make-up of Samar’s Philly Tatreez Circles

>> 34:47: Samar’s current tatreez projects

>> 36:46: Life lessons from tatreez

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Links mentioned in this episode:

>> Badan Collective’s Ramallah Tatreez Kit

>> Folkglory’s Ramallah Beginner Tatreez Kit

>> Amanne’s Photo Tatreez class (it’s pre-recorded!)

>> Samar’s brand-new Instagram: @tatreez.w.samoor

>> PCRF Philly on Instagram

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Follow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe