Palestinian Crafts and Products
Download a handout of sources for Palestinian handicrafts made by Lutheran school students and other ministries.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL)
The ELCJHL has ministries throughout the Holy Land. Those ministries derive partial support from sales of products. Getting involved with purchasing these products will support the ELCJHL’s ability to continue to provide these ministries.
Beit Sahour School - Students in our Lutheran schools in the Holy Land are trained in the development and construction of making crafts, including candles, olivewood, and ceramic items. These are available for your alternative giving projects. Email Principal Salameh Bishara at els@p-ol.com.
Cave Craft Shop - Beautiful handcrafts from artists and artisans made at the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB), with hopes of reviving the local community’s sense of beauty, strengthening the cultural identity, and cultivating the artistic talents. The ICB is a Lutheran-based, ecumenically-oriented institution serving the whole Palestinian community. Download the Cave's catalog and look for details about ICB's "bazaar in a box" (priced at $200 and $400).
Abraham's House - Olivewood (including a series of larger angels), ceramics, mosaic-work and other crafts made by local artisans and available from the Guesthouse at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala. Email Mohammed at mohammed@luthchurch.com.
The Lutheran World Federation
Augusta Victoria Hospital - Olive oil from the 800 trees on the Lutheran World Federation property on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is used in the kitchen of AVH and provides income to offset the hospital's operational costs. The olives are produced without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Local workers and volunteers harvest the olives by hand each fall, and most of the fruit is pressed at a Beit Jala olive press.
Other Sources
(Nonprofit groups whose policy positions may differ from those of the ELCA)
Canaan Fair Trade USA - Holy Land olive oil, soaps and other products through a fair trade consortium. Note the interfaith program for fundraising discount.
Zatoun - Holy Land olive oil with a certification from Palestinian Fair Trade Association
Pal Craftaid - U.S.-based nonprofit whose sale of Holy Land crafts benefits many local projects
Sunbula - Jerusalem-based nonprofit organization working with 14 crafts producers
Holyland Handicrafts Co-operative Society - Cooperative with 36 local producers
Sindyanna of Galilee - Olive oil and soap from women of Galilee
Middle East Books - Books and crafts from American Educational Trust; Palestine Arts & Crafts Trust