America's First Palestinian Bookstore Opens in LA

Watermelon Books calls the new store a 'cultural act of resistance'

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Watermelon Books, America's first Palestinian bookstore, has opened its doors in Los Angeles. The company says the new shop is a 'cultural act of resistance' and will serve as a hub for Palestinian literary, historical, and cultural expression. The store will feature over 1,000 titles related to Palestine and other liberation struggles, as well as host events like reading circles, poetry nights, and book launches. Profits from the opening weekend will be donated to the Gaza Soup Kitchen.

Why it matters

The opening of Watermelon Books represents an important milestone in amplifying Palestinian voices and culture in the United States. As Palestinian life and history face 'sustained assault,' the bookstore aims to provide a permanent home for these narratives and create a communal space for education and expression.

The details

Watermelon Books announced the launch of its first US location in Los Angeles, joining an existing outpost in Amman, Jordan. The LA shop will feature over 1,000 titles related to Palestine and other liberation movements, and serve as a hub for cultural events like reading circles, poetry nights, and book launches. All profits from the opening weekend will be donated to the Gaza Soup Kitchen.

  • Watermelon Books announced the LA store's launch on February 21, 2026.
  • The bookstore's grand opening celebration took place on February 22, 2026.

The players

Watermelon Books

America's first Palestinian bookstore, founded to create a permanent home for Palestinian literary, historical, and cultural expression.

Mary Nazzal

The entrepreneur and activist who announced the arrival of the first Palestinian bookstore in the US.

Holy Ground

The cultural center in Los Angeles that is hosting the launch of Watermelon Books' new location.

Gaza Soup Kitchen

The organization that will receive donations from Watermelon Books' opening weekend profits, providing food to families in Gaza with 'love and dignity.'

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What they’re saying

“Imagine 1,000 titles about Palestine and other liberation struggles all under one roof.”

— Mary Nazzal, Entrepreneur and Activist (Promotional Video)

“This is the next chapter—bringing that vision to the United States and expanding an international cultural project grounded in Palestinian life, history, and imagination.”

— Holy Ground (Statement)

“This is how we protect what the world keeps trying to erase.”

— Holy Ground (Statement)

What’s next

Watermelon Books plans to continue expanding its reach and impact, with the goal of establishing more locations in the US and abroad to further amplify Palestinian voices and culture.

The takeaway

The opening of Watermelon Books, America's first Palestinian bookstore, represents an important step in creating spaces to celebrate and preserve Palestinian identity, history, and artistic expression in the face of ongoing efforts to erase these narratives. The store's focus on community engagement and cultural programming underscores its mission as a 'cultural act of resistance.'