My story

The desire to learn the art of traditional Palestinian embroidery arose during one of the darkest times of modern history, the genocide against the Palestinian people. As a foreigner living in occupied Palestine and a mother of two Palestinian children, I felt urgent need to resist the horrendous crimes of the Zionist occupation and to confront its brutality with the only mean possible for me: by creating beautiful Palestinian art that embodies rich history and heritage and vibrant culture of the people deeply rooted in its land.    

Tatreez is not only a Palestinian heritage, but also a form of activism, mobilization and resistance against the brutal Zionist occupation and colonization. Despite all the evils that continue to wound the soul of the Palestinian people, these brave humans refuse to be reduced to mere victims. With courage, grace and humbleness, they continue to create life and art under the rubble. As a member of this community, I feel encouraged to resist the illegal occupation, not only the occupation of the Palestinian land, but the appropriation of the Palestinian history, culture and heritage as well.   

Maybe the Zionist occupation ripped me off of the basic human rights by preventing me to move freely or to work in the occupied Palestine, but they cannot deny me the right to bear witness to the steadfastness, sumud (صمود), of the Palestinian people.

Thus, The Colors of Sumud came to life as my answer to the brutal Zionist occupation that tries to erase invaluable treasure of the Palestinian people and my path of conveying the artistic beauty of this resilient people to the outside world.