Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Contact
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab US Community
    • Arab Stores Targeted
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
    • TwoGuys on Politics
  • Ray on Tiktok
  • Subscribe Ray’s Columns
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Mazen Doleh Maria Pappas Hassan Nijem book signing Oct. 10. 2026
    Maria Pappas shares immigrant roots, personal tragedies and lessons of faith at Arab American community book signing American Arabs
  • V4 ACW Partnership Banner 1.jpg 1024X1024
    Arab Center features analysis on what Iran Reveals about China’s Middle East Strategy Arab Center Washington DC
  • 10-10-26 Maria Pappas Arab community book signing
    American Arab Chamber and Palestine Club host book signing for Maria Pappas American Arabs
  • 09-07-26 Arab Center Banner 300x300_Pal_Conf_2
    Latest Analysis from Arab Center Washington DC: Reading Palestinian Polls—and Misreading Palestinian Politics Arab Center Washington DC
  • Arab AMerican Journalist Ali Younes (Photo courtesy of Ali Younes Twitter account)
    American Arab journalist faces imprisonment in Jordan for allegedly sharing Twitter post critical of the Arab country American Arabs
  • John Zogby Strategies logo
    Democrat Socialist label not undermining Democrat vote in November Election
  • Mohammed Faheem Graphic
    Supporters rally for region’s only radio show on national politics, and Arab and Muslim issues Activism
  • Arab Center Washington DC analyst Virginie Collombier
    Arab Center Washington DC spotlights analysis of the challenges facing Libya’s government Arab Center Washington DC
  • Human Rights Without Frontiers website graphic
    International Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Freedom of Religion and Expression in South Korea Activism
  • HRWF Associate Director Hans Noot was joined by human rights scholars including CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAPLC) President Thierry Valle, FOREF Germany Executive Director Michael Langhans, CESNUR Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of “Bitter Winter” Massimo Introvigne, and CESNUR Deputy Director Mark Nemes.
    International Human Rights experts call for religious freedom and due process in South Korea Activism
  • Iran flag. Photo courtesy fo Pixabay.com. pixabay.com/fr/photos/iran/
    UN experts alarmed by renewed escalation of hostilities in Iran, call for accountability Human Rights
  • 10-01-25 Arab Center Web Ad 300x300
    Analysis by Arab Center Washington DC: Iran’s Nuclear Leverage Survives the War Arab Center Washington DC
  • Sir Rateb Rabie Newsletter image
    Peace activist and ecumenical Christian leader condemns Israel’s human rights violations American Arabs
  • Turkish festival Ad
    Visit Türkiye Without Leaving Chicago: The Turkish Festival Returns to Tinley Park This August Culture
  • Aber Kawas, Democratic Candidate for Senate District 12 in New York in the November 2026 General Election
    Aber Kawas Wins SD-12 Primary, on Track to Become First Palestinian, First Muslim Woman Elected in New York State American Arabs

Author: Maria Khoury

Maria C. Khoury Palestine Christian Writer, Blogger at St. George Greek Orthodox Church Maria (Kouremenou) Khoury is the author of Orthodox Christian children's books including Christina Goes to the Holy Land, walking the footsteps of Christ. She is a graduate of Hellenic College (1982), Harvard University (1985) and Boston University (1992) with a doctor of education degree. Born in Tripoli, Greece, she was raised in Denver, Colorado. On Dec 31, 2009 she was included on the top 4 Human Rights Champions list by DC Human Rights Examiner including the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Hilary Clinton. Maria is the author of Witness in the Holy Land (distributed by www.HolyCrossBookstore.com), a publication reflecting personal experiences living under military occupation with her husband the former Mayor of Taybeh, David Canaan Khoury and three children Elena, Canaan, and Constantine. Her articles have been published world-wide in numerous newspapers and magazines and have been translated to various languages bringing awareness of the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Maria Khoury has been the Taybeh Oktoberfest organizer since 2005. She divides her time between her homes in Boston and Taybeh, travels throughout the world promoting the Christina Books and making presentations about the dwindling Christian community in Palestine. She encourages people to stay at the new Taybeh Golden Hotel and experience rural life in Palestine.

Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic

Posted on March 25, 2020March 29, 2020 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic
Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic

Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic A look in photos and comment at the challenges facing Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank, this a look at the Christian Palestinian Community in Taybeh and also in Bethlehem, from correspondent Dr. Maria Khoury. Photos courtesy of Maria Khoury. By Maria Khoury May God protect you…

Read More “Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, News, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan, religion

Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now!

Posted on September 9, 2018September 9, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now!
Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now!

Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now! Religious leaders offer blessings at the opening of the annual Taybeh OktoberFest which celebrates the Fall harvest and the local economy of the Palestinians living in one of Palestine’s few Christian hubs. The festival is popular among Christian Palestinians, and also many Muslims, to show support. By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D. …

Read More “Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now!” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Editors Picks, Entertainment, Food, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan

Taybeh OktoberFest to rock the West Bank this weekend

Posted on September 5, 2018September 9, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh OktoberFest to rock the West Bank this weekend
Taybeh OktoberFest to rock the West Bank this weekend

Taybeh Oktoberfest to rock the West Bank this weekend Nadim Khoury and David Khoury, co-founders of Taybeh Brewing Company, announce the 14th annual Taybeh Oktoberfest will take place at the Taybeh Brewery, on Saturday and Sunday, September 8 & 9, from 1 pm until 11 pm on both days. The festival has been a unique and…

Read More “Taybeh OktoberFest to rock the West Bank this weekend” »

Arab World, Entertainment, Features, Israel, Middle East, News, Palestine & Jordan, Spotlight

A Black Day to Remember the Nakba

Posted on May 15, 2018May 15, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on A Black Day to Remember the Nakba

A Black Day to Remember the Nakba By Maria C. Khoury As a little girl I use to pray for the president of the United States every Sunday in the Eastern Orthodox Liturgy never really understanding why I should do so.  But finally in my old age after waking up to the bloodiest day I…

Read More “A Black Day to Remember the Nakba” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan

A Taybeh Day for Saint George

Posted on April 27, 2018April 29, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on A Taybeh Day for Saint George
A Taybeh Day for Saint George

A Taybeh Day for Saint George By Dr. Maria C. Khoury Today was a wonderful celebration for our Patron Saint George with Archimandrite Fr. Jack-Nobel, our Taybeh parish priest of St. George Great Martyr Church  of the Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarchate  celebrating the feast of St. George in our village with His Excellency the new General Patriarchal Vicar in…

Read More “A Taybeh Day for Saint George” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan, religion

Time for Churches to join protests against Israeli oppression

Posted on March 31, 2018March 31, 2018 By Maria Khoury 13 Comments on Time for Churches to join protests against Israeli oppression

Time for Churches to join protests against Israeli oppression The killing of 15 Palestinians who were among thousands of demonstrators protesting against Israel’s government atrocities and discrimination is a reminder that more needs to be done. The stories are not being reported fully in the mainstream news media as Israel continues to abuse Palestinian rights….

Read More “Time for Churches to join protests against Israeli oppression” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan, Politics, racism

Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend

Posted on September 13, 2017September 13, 2017 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend
Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend

Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend One of the most popular festivals in Palestine kicks off this weekend Sept. 16 and 17 in Taybeh, Palestine just north of the Holy City of Jerusalem. Taybeh is one of the Middle East’s few remaining Christian villages and also the home to the world famous Taybeh Brewery By…

Read More “Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend” »

Arab World, Baby Boomers, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Events, Features, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan

Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment

Posted on September 7, 2017September 7, 2017 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment
Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment

Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment Dr. Maria C. Khoury Taybeh Oktoberfest has been the stage for new musicians to be introduced to the world.  In staying true with this tradition that started in 2005, a very interesting new band that has formed this year is Maqdess, the handsome trio from Jerusalem. All young…

Read More “Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, News, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan, Photographs

Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17

Posted on June 15, 2017September 24, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17
Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17

Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17 Stop by for a free Taybeh Beer Tour and Free Taybeh Winery Tour whenever visiting Taybeh, West Bank, Palestine. It’s a unique location and features the amazing Palestinian art exhibit at the Taybeh Golden Hotel By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D. Returning one more time to Taybeh,…

Read More “Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Events, Features, Maria Khoury, Middle East, News, Opinion

A visit to Saint George Church in Burqin

Posted on April 23, 2017April 23, 2017 By Maria Khoury 1 Comment on A visit to Saint George Church in Burqin
A visit to Saint George Church in Burqin

A visit to Saint George Church in Burqin Writer Maria Khoury explores the traditions of Holy Land Christians in her writings. In this feature, Mrs. Khoury describes her visit to the St. George Church in Burqin, Palestine. Burqin is a Palestinian town in the northern West Bank located 5 km west of Jenin. According to the…

Read More “A visit to Saint George Church in Burqin” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Palestine & Jordan, religion, Travel

Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh

Posted on April 3, 2017April 3, 2017 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh
Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh

Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh Writer Maria Khoury shares the exhilarating Christian religions experience of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem, a Christian tradition dating back more than 2,000 years in Palestine. Khoury takes us through the emotions and excitement of the experience for Christians of Palestine and the Middle East By Maria C. Khoury, Ed.D….

Read More “Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh” »

Arab News, Bloggers, Commentary, Editors Picks, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Palestine & Jordan, religion

Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine

Posted on February 22, 2017February 22, 2017 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine

Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D.  Jazz Trio will be the highlight of the Taybeh Vinfest 2017 on Friday night starting at 5 pm, February 24th at the Taybeh Winery in one of the most ancient locations in Palestine where good things continue to happen under harsh conditions with Mohammed Qutati on keyboard;  Stelios from…

Read More “Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine” »

Activism, Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Food, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Palestine & Jordan

Reflection from my Christian Eyes

Posted on October 14, 2016September 24, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Reflection from my Christian Eyes

Reflection from my Christian Eyes A Christian reflects on the challenges they face as a faith and community under Israeli occupation. Why isn’t Israel held to the same standards and laws as everyone else? By Dr. Maria C. Khoury The Day after Yom Kippur, I decided I should be more faithful in practicing my religion. I have…

Read More “Reflection from my Christian Eyes” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Palestine & Jordan

Holy Mother celebrated in Jerusalem

Posted on August 25, 2016September 24, 2018 By Maria Khoury 1 Comment on Holy Mother celebrated in Jerusalem

Honoring the Mother of God. A Spectacular Day in Jerusalem in Honor of the Holy Mother of God By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D It was a beautiful and solemn procession at four in the morning to walk the icon of the Theotokos, the Holy Mother of God, from the monastery next to the Holy…

Read More “Holy Mother celebrated in Jerusalem” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Maria Khoury

Palestinian Oktoberfest in Taybeh Sept. 24, 25

Posted on July 30, 2016September 24, 2018 By Maria Khoury 1 Comment on Palestinian Oktoberfest in Taybeh Sept. 24, 25

Palestinian Oktoberfest in Taybeh coming September 24 and 25. This is one of Palestine’s most favorite cultural events at one of its most favorite villages. By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D. Every time my husband  David Khoury starts up a new project, I sort of get a deeper culture shock.  It has been over twenty-three years…

Read More “Palestinian Oktoberfest in Taybeh Sept. 24, 25” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Editors Picks, Events, Maria Khoury, Palestine & Jordan

Palestinian Christians celebrate St. George Day in Taybeh

Posted on May 6, 2016May 8, 2016 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Palestinian Christians celebrate St. George Day in Taybeh

Palestinian Christians in the Israeli occupied West Bank Village of Taybeh celebrate St. George Day in the community with the local Greek Catholic Church (Melkite Practice). Taybeh has one of the strongest Christian communities in Palestine with three churches, Ancient Byzantine Church and several enchanting chapels By Dr. Maria C. Khoury Today, May 6th was a…

Read More “Palestinian Christians celebrate St. George Day in Taybeh” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Editors Picks, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, News, Palestine & Jordan, religion

Christians celebrate Easter in Palestine

Posted on April 30, 2016April 30, 2016 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Christians celebrate Easter in Palestine

Christians in Palestine prepare to celebrate Orthodox Easter, Sunday May 1 By Maria Khoury We are sending you sincere greetings from the sacred land of our Lord’s Resurrection on this most joyous Holy Saturday where the Miracle of the Holy Fire was received from the Holy-Life-Giving-Tomb-of-Christ in Jerusalem by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch His Beatitude Theophilos III….

Read More “Christians celebrate Easter in Palestine” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Editors Picks, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, religion

What are Christians Doing Today in the Holy Land?

Posted on August 25, 2015August 25, 2015 By Maria Khoury 1 Comment on What are Christians Doing Today in the Holy Land?
What are Christians Doing Today in the Holy Land?

How do you explain to the Israeli Authorities the ancient unbroken Christian traditions that should be carried out for pure witness and faith? Christians lucky enough to have permits to enter Jerusalem gathered from all corners of the Holy Land for the annual procession of the icon for the Holy Virgin Mary three days before the special…

Read More “What are Christians Doing Today in the Holy Land?” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Editors Picks, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Palestine & Jordan, religion

Posts pagination

1 2 Next
Arab Center Ad

Order from Amazon.com

Maria the Pappas memoir book cover
CLICK to visit website www.MariaThePappas.com
Mike Porfirio Ad

Ray Hanania Substack Columns

When they raise the value of your property assessment, they are also raising your property taxes

When they raise the value of your property assessment, they are also raising your property taxes

05 Oct 2026

Don’t let them tell you anything different in Illinois, a state where property taxes are the number one answer to every…

Chicago’s new political school board bureaucracy: “Who learned you English?”

Chicago’s new political school board bureaucracy: “Who learned you English?”

27 Sep 2026

Instead of reducing government, Chicago is expanding government and thereby taxation in the creation of a separate schoo…

Video Podcast: Trump ban on CNN, MS Now and Politico will backfire

Video Podcast: Trump ban on CNN, MS Now and Politico will backfire

23 Sep 2026

Ray Hanania on Politics podcast (YouTube and Podbean) discusses President Trump’s politically stupid ban on CNN, MS Now…

In Illinois, it’s the economy stupid, not Trump, not name-calling, not slimy scandals

In Illinois, it’s the economy stupid, not Trump, not name-calling, not slimy scandals

19 Sep 2026

Some elections are won by lots of PAC money & mudslinging, failing to address real issues facing voters. It’s one reason…

Maria Pappas shines a bright light on public service

Maria Pappas shines a bright light on public service

09 Sep 2026

I met Maria Pappas in 1990 as my career shifted. She was a bright light who challenged an environment of dark backroom d…

Trump has betrayed both America and the Republican party

Trump has betrayed both America and the Republican party

06 Sep 2026

President Trump has taken over government and made it a division of his personal corporation, making decisions that prom…

Click to Read More

Courageous Thought: Hanania Syndicated Columns

Ray Hanania courageous Thought website logo
Ray Hanania

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source. Some photos published with permission from Zemanta and Wikipedia.

Pappas Ad

The Lightning Strike Radio Sun 8-10 AM

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio Show
Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio Show
  • NEWS
  • Mazen Doleh Maria Pappas Hassan Nijem book signing Oct. 10. 2026
    Maria Pappas shares immigrant roots, personal tragedies and lessons of faith at Arab American community book signing
    October 12, 2026
  • V4 ACW Partnership Banner 1.jpg 1024X1024
    Arab Center features analysis on what Iran Reveals about China’s Middle East Strategy
    October 2, 2026
  • 10-10-26 Maria Pappas Arab community book signing
    American Arab Chamber and Palestine Club host book signing for Maria Pappas
    September 26, 2026
  • 09-07-26 Arab Center Banner 300x300_Pal_Conf_2
    Latest Analysis from Arab Center Washington DC: Reading Palestinian Polls—and Misreading Palestinian Politics
    September 7, 2026
  • Arab AMerican Journalist Ali Younes (Photo courtesy of Ali Younes Twitter account)
    American Arab journalist faces imprisonment in Jordan for allegedly sharing Twitter post critical of the Arab country
    August 30, 2026
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Mazen Doleh Maria Pappas Hassan Nijem book signing Oct. 10. 2026
    Maria Pappas shares immigrant roots, personal tragedies and lessons of faith at Arab American community book signing
    October 12, 2026
  • V4 ACW Partnership Banner 1.jpg 1024X1024
    Arab Center features analysis on what Iran Reveals about China’s Middle East Strategy
    October 2, 2026
  • 10-10-26 Maria Pappas Arab community book signing
    American Arab Chamber and Palestine Club host book signing for Maria Pappas
    September 26, 2026
  • 09-07-26 Arab Center Banner 300x300_Pal_Conf_2
    Latest Analysis from Arab Center Washington DC: Reading Palestinian Polls—and Misreading Palestinian Politics
    September 7, 2026

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns
UpScroll
Threads

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2026 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme