S5E5. Diaspora Roots Through Tatreez with Leila

Send us Fan MailLEILA IS A PALESTINIAN TATREEZ ARTIST AND RECENT GRADUATE OF INTERIOR DESIGN BASED IN CANADA (@leilas.gallery). We learn her family’s story of displacement and how growing up in both Arab and Western diasporas shaped her understanding of Palestinian identity. Life in Canada, she explains, made her more intentional about learning, expressing, and sharing her Palestinian heritage.Her journey with tatreez began at a Toronto Palestinian Film Festival workshop and deepened when her grandmother—herself a tatreez practitioner—taught her the “proper way.” She reflects on how tatreez reconnected her to her roots, helped heal generational disconnection, and strengthened her sense of Palestinian identity despite diaspora insecurities around language or belonging.Beyond her personal practice, Leila uses tatreez as a bridge for connection and education. She often introduces it to non-Palestinian friends and teaches at public markets, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect and awareness. We hear about powerful encounters at Toronto’s One of a Kind Market—moments of solidarity, racism, and resilience—that reaffirmed her mission to humanize Palestinians through art. You’ll hear about:>> 1:00: Leila’s connection to Palestine & shifts in Palestinian identity>> 6:23: Her tatreez journey>> 10:45: Influence of tatreez on her identity and connecting with others>> 19:07: Conversations with non-Palestinians through tatreez>> 25:51: What Leila is working on right now>> 29:01: Major life lessons from tatreezRate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!Boycott Resolute RGL. Click here for more information.Follow us @tatreeztalkFollow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe