written by Alina Nasser
As I walked into the Arab American Cultural Center, the Eid festival before me unfolded like a tapestry of colors and sounds, offering a myriad of activities for people of all ages. On April 21, the Coalition for Peace, Relief and Equity threw its first “Eid Family Day” celebration, in collaboration with the Khalil Islamic Collective, Palestinian American Cultural Center and the ACC. Over 2,000 people from across Houston attended, with all net proceeds of the event going to ANERA, a non-profit supporting refugees from Gaza.
Food stalls lined the fields surrounding the main building, offering an array of culinary delights from across the Muslim world. Savory kebabs, fragrant maklawa and sweet treats like baklava and kunafa tantalized the taste buds of attendees, creating a culinary journey that transcended borders and united hearts.
In addition to the food vendors, the outside areas also boasted bounce houses and a petting zoo. The animals, including goats, bunnies and even camels, were a hit with younger attendees. The presence of animals added a touch of nature to the celebration, reminding attendees of the importance of compassion and stewardship towards all living beings—especially during Eid.
As we entered the building, we were met by a bazaar full of Palestinian clothing, art and even a recreation of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. With Palestine in all our hearts, we enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate and learn Palestinian culture. The Dabke dance and the interfaith dialogue made the indoor stage come alive with culture representation that reflected the diverse Houston community.
Amidst the packed schedule of performances, I had the privilege of speaking with Hamzah Saadah, a prominent Palestinian YouTuber known for his advocacy of peace and dialogue. Saadah shared his perspective on the significance of Eid and the importance of fostering understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.
“Eid is a time of unity and reconciliation,” he said. “It’s a reminder that despite our differences, we are all part of the human family, and we must strive to find common ground.”
As a content creator who is known for engaging in conversations with Israelis, Saadah highlighted the importance of listening and empathizing with differing perspectives.
“Through dialogue, we can break down stereotypes and misconceptions,” Saadah said. “We can humanize the ‘other’ and cultivate empathy and understanding.”