Story perspectives
Watermelon Books: America's First Palestinian Bookstore Opens in LA
2/22/2026
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Story summary
- Watermelon Books opened in Los Angeles on February 21, 2026, as America's first Palestinian bookstore.
- Entrepreneur Mary Nazzal described the store as a 'cultural act of resistance' and said it features 1,000 titles.
- It aims to be a permanent space for Palestinian literary expression and will host reading circles.
- Profits from the opening weekend were donated to Gaza Soup Kitchen.
- Watermelon Books also operates an Amman, Jordan location.
