The purpose of 'Mothers of Palestine' is first and foremost to help the women of Falastin support their families through the ancient and noble art of embroidery. Apart from this, however, it represents an effort to encourage the art of hand embroidery to be taught to the younger generations and to flourish in our contemporary Palestinian society. This art was in danger of disappearing after the Nakba, when embroidery, once a status symbol as well as a competitive art for Palestinian women, became less of a concern to those who had been driven from their homes or who found themselves living under the intolerable conditions of a foreign military Occupation in their homeland. Now, however, the traditional art of Palestinian embroidery is receiving new energy and interest both from Palestinian women and from those women who simply appreciate fine handwork. The art actually is undergoing a renaissance, both in refugee camps outside of Palestine and within Palestine i! tself. As an integral part of the historical identity of Palestine, embroidery is perceived correctly as a fundamental link in the preservation of Palestinian identity and a means of resisting cultural obliteration at the hands of foreign invaders who have attempted to appropriate Palestinian arts and culture as their own.

Since the invasion of Al Aqsa by Butcher Sharon and two thousand Zionist soldiers in September 2000, the intolerable conditions under which the Palestinian people have been forced to live have deteriorated further. Forms of collective punishment, such as house arrest, home demolitions and closures have increased, making it almost impossible for most Palestinians to work outside of their homes. The cold-blooded murder of almost 5,000 men, women and children by the Zionists in response to the Al Aqsa Intifada has further decimated the ranks of our people. The number of serious injuries suffered at the hands of the Zionists are beyond reckoning. The month of April 2002 alone has been witness to the destruction of entire villages and refugee camps and the brutal massacre of their inhabitants. The body count in Jenin has not been determined as the Zionists work to conceal the evidence of their genocidal crimes by burying our martyrs in mass graves. In the region of al Khalil, the village of Dura is only one of the villages attacked by the Zionists. At a time like this the Mothers of Palestine embroidery project can be a veritable lifeline to Palestinian families without any other means of support.
The original Mothers of Palestine website was deleted twice by the original internet host for political reasons and permanently destroyed at the end of 2001. The Free Arab Voice rescued the site and insh'allah, it will be uploaded again to the internet as soon as possible. The Mothers of Palestine embroidery project is independent of any political organisation or affiliations. It exists solely for the purpose of helping any Palestinian woman interested in making a living through the art of hand embroidery succeed in this worthy goal.
Most of the items that have been made by the women of Al Khalil involved with Mothers of Palestine embroidery project and shown on this site can be ordered, although there is no such thing as a perfect 'copy' of a hand-embroidered piece. Every artist incorporates a little of her own style and personality into the work she does. Please note that all items are made one at a time individually, and thus any item that is ordered will not be available immediately. The labour itself, not to mention the unconscionable delays caused by the Zionist Occupation, make it difficult to give more than an approximate time of delivery at this point in time.
As far as other venues are concerned, whenever possible, I am more than happy to visit community centres, mosques and churches, as well as any other group who expresses an interest in the project. Emails are welcome, and I take special orders for pillow covers, wall hangings, shoulder bags, tote bags, thobs (dresses), vests and coats, as well as any other specific item that is desired. Many photographs of items made by the women involved in the embroidery project have been uploaded to the internet and I can provide links to any one interested. Please feel free to contact me by email.
Special orders in the past took about three months to complete and ship but since September 2000, the delays caused by Zionist interference have increased. All items will be made, however, despite any delays, and all items are well worth the wait. Apart from this, a special order gives hope to the women of Al Khalil, who need the work desperately. A new order demonstrates that they are not forgotten by the world, and validates their skill in an art form that is thousands of years old.

Portrait of a Mother of Palestine
(by Rushdi Shaheen, age 11)