S7E3. Finding Her Way Home Through Tatreez with Israa

Send us Fan MailISRAA IS A TATREEZ ARTIST AND TEACHER BUILDING COMMUNITY IN OTTAWA (@tatreez.by.israa). Her family's story stretches from Al-Falouja to a refugee camp in Gaza, then Saudi Arabia, and eventually Canada — and it wasn't until she left Gaza that she discovered tatreez as a way to reconnect with a part of her identity she felt was missing. What started as a personal desire to fill her new home with tatreez turned into teaching sessions for local youth and allies, a ripple effect of students who've since gone on to teach others, and a deep, ongoing relationship with her own family's craft. Check out this article Israa was featured in!We talk about the devastating loss of family photos and heirlooms during the genocide, the recent arrival of her parents in Canada after nearly two years of processing, and how tatreez became a thread back to a grandmother she never had the chance to know. Israa also shares her multi-thobe journey in progress and an exciting upcoming community art collaboration with artist Hala Al-Madi (her website), bringing together tatreez pieces from women across Ottawa into a single gallery installation this fall.You’ll hear about:>> 1:29: Israa’s roots in Gaza>> 6:14: Connecting to Gaza by learning tatreez >> 11:12: Starting tatreez community in Ottawa>> 20:35: Israa’s (ongoing) thobe journey>> 27:29: Art collaboration with Hala Madi>> 30:10: Teaching kiddos tatreez>> 32:36: Growing community while energy around the Palestinian cause has waned>> 36:40: Israa’s life lesson from tatreez Rate, 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!Links Mentioned>> Local tatreezer builds community through Palestinian embroidery article about IsraaBoycott Resolute RGL. Click here for more information. Boycott ZARA and all Inditex brands—Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Oysho, ZARA Home. Click here for more information.Follow us @tatreeztalkFollow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe