New Year, More Tatreez: May We Liberate Palestine in 2025 as It Has Liberated Us in 2024
Today marks day 454 of the genocide in Gaza. As we step into a new year, the people in Palestine continue to endure a brutal onslaught of bombings, ethnic cleansing, apartheid, and blatant impunity by Zionists. We are on day 89 of a siege in northern Gaza, where entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. SIX babies have died of hypothermia and extreme cold due to exposure in displacement tents as Israel raids hospitals. In the West Bank, 2024 witnessed the highest record of Israeli settler violence, with 1,400 attacks reported by the UN.
Despite this seemingly never-ending suffering, the past year has also demonstrated the power of our heritage, collective spirit, and the art of tatreez. In 2024, those of us in the diaspora, along with our fellow Palestinian allies, found liberation through our indigenous practices, embracing our roots and reclaiming our narratives.
Now, as we look ahead to 2025, we continue this journey with even greater determination and hope.
Liberation Through Tatreez
Tatreez, the traditional Palestinian art of embroidery, has always been more than just a craft. It is a form of resistance, a symbol of identity, and a means of preserving our culture. Each stitch tells a story of our ancestors, our struggles, and our dreams for a free Palestine. In 2024, many of us found solace and empowerment in creating these beautiful patterns, connecting with our heritage in profound ways.
For me, tatreez has been my ticket to liberation. On a tangible, economic level, it allowed me to leave a corporate environment where my people were dehumanized, and the voices of my Palestinian colleagues and I were ignored or silenced. I was part of a system that perpetuated colonial violence.
On a personal level, stitching provided a way to cope with witnessing a live genocide, find community among those dismantling systems of oppression, and express myself authentically. It allowed me to feel 100% Palestinian regardless of my background, who I am, and how I will undoubtedly grow and change as a person.
Dear reader, the act of creating tatreez has liberated us in many ways. As a collective, it has allowed us to:
Reclaim Our Heritage: Through tatreez, we have reconnected with our roots, learning the stories and meanings behind each design. This connection has strengthened our sense of identity and pride in our Palestinian heritage.
Build Community: The tatreez community has grown, bringing together individuals from all walks of life who share a passion for this art. We have found support, inspiration, and friendship within this community, proving that we are stronger together.
Empower Ourselves: By mastering the art of tatreez, we have empowered ourselves to tell our own stories. We have taken control of our narratives, showcasing our vibrant culture and resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move into 2025, we carry with us the lessons and strength gained from our experiences in 2024. Our goal for this year is clear: to continue our journey of liberation and empowerment through tatreez.
Here are some ways we can achieve this:
Expand Our Knowledge: Let’s deepen our understanding of tatreez by learning more about its history, techniques, and cultural significance. This knowledge will enhance our appreciation and skill in creating these intricate designs.
Share Our Stories: By sharing our tatreez creations and the stories behind them, we can educate others about our heritage and the importance of preserving it. Social media, blogs, and community events are great platforms for this.
Support Each Other: The strength of our community lies in our support for one another. Let’s continue to encourage and uplift each other, sharing resources, tips, and inspiration.
Advocate for Palestine: Our art is a powerful tool for advocacy. Let’s use it to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause, promoting justice and liberation for our homeland.
Embracing Indigenous Practices
In 2025, let us lean even more into our indigenous practices, honoring the traditions that have been passed down through generations. These practices connect us to our ancestors and the land, grounding us in our identity and values. Whether it’s through tatreez, traditional cooking, music, or storytelling, embracing our indigenous practices enriches our lives and strengthens our community.
As we welcome this new year, let us hold onto the hope and determination that has carried us through 2024. May we continue to find liberation in our art, our heritage, and our unity. Here’s to a year of more tatreez, more stories, and more strength as we strive for a free Palestine.
Conclusion
2024 has shown us the power of our heritage and the art of tatreez in liberating ourselves and reclaiming our narratives. As we step into 2025, let us carry forward this spirit of resilience and hope. May we continue to lean into our indigenous practices, honoring our roots and working towards a future where Palestine is free. Here’s to a year of more tatreez, more community, and more empowerment. Together, we can make a difference.
Happy New Year, and may 2025 bring us closer to a liberated Palestine.
