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Oral History Interview with Ferial Masoud, February 13, 2018

Scope and Contents

In this interview, Ferial Masoud shares her memories of growing up in Jerusalem, including the detrimental impact the Six-Day War had on her safety and the broader culture of Jerusalem. She also speaks about her marriage to her husband, her feelings of isolation following her immigration to the United States, and her efforts to maintain her American-born children's link to their culture. In addition, she talks extensively about her husband's small businesses in Brooklyn, especially the Balady Halal Market, and their family's work to make the businesses successful. Interview conducted by Liz H. Strong.

Biographical / Historical

Ferial Masoud was born in 1950 in the city of Jerusalem during a period of changing political boundaries. She immigrated to the United States after marrying her husband in 1972. After settling in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, they owned a series of small businesses, the most notable of which is the Balady Halal Market.

Conditions Governing Access

This interview can be accessed onsite at the Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online at the Oral History Portal.

Center for Brooklyn History
128 Pierrepont Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201