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Minnesota Now with Cathy Wurzer
Cathy Wurzer and Aleesa Kuznetsov

Duluth Palestinian restauranteur reflects on year marked by violence in Gaza

Lyla Abukhodair in Bethlehem
Lyla Abukhodair visited Bethlehem, located in the occupied West Bank, where she has family. Abukhodair is the owner of Palestinian restaurant 'Falastin' in Duluth.
Courtesy Lyla Abukhodair

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While Oct. 7 marks the horrific attack on Israel, it also marked the start of a wider war. Since that day the Israel Defense Forces have killed more than 40,000 Palestinians according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Minnesota is home to hundreds of Palestinian families, including Lyla Abukhodair and her family. She lives in Duluth and in 2023 she opened a Palestinian restaurant called Falastin, which translates to “Palestine” in Arabic.

The last year has been filled with highs and lows as a Palestinian business owner. Lyla joined Minnesota Now to talk about her experience growing up on the Iron Range with family on the West Bank.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.