The Shepherds Trail
Bethlehem Olive Wood Handicrafts
Local Initiative in partnership with our Evangelical Lutheran Church to support Bethlehem Communities
Please follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/the.shepherds.trail/
From the Shepherds’ Field through Bethlehem to the World
We offer wholesale olive wood handmade hand crosses (Size: 9,5*4,0 cm.) individually packed including a bookmark with information about our initiative and ready for resell made by Palestinian artisans in Bethlehem.
The Bethlehem District is one of the most beautiful and historical sites in the world. The district’s main characteristics can be described as inclusive and hospitable, as it has always opened its arms to refugees, visitors, and pilgrims from all around the world. This historic traditional blend of various cultures, languages and customs has shaped the city while keeping its traditions alive.
Bethlehem is the birthplace of Christianity and Beit Sahour, one of its suburbs, the town of the Shepherds’ Field, where the shepherds were the first to receive the Good Message and from there it was spread to the world. Together they resemble a beacon of hope and peace.
Throughout the course of time, the Bethlehem District underwent turmoil and hardship but was always able to stand back on its feet. Bethlehem’s children are creative, innovative, and resilient. Indeed, they are a people of a small town, but by heritage and history they are citizens of the world.
This exclusive nature of a traditional cosmopolitan town is reflected in its artisans and craftspeople, a blend of various flavors, aromas, and spirits.
Bethlehem is known for its handicraft, particularly pieces of olive wood. Those crafted products are a unique way of keeping the communication between Bethlehem and the world alive. Each crafted piece tells a story of its own.
Local Initiative in partnership with our Evangelical Lutheran Church to support Bethlehem Communities
Today, the Bethlehem District is suffocating from the decades-long occupation and its policies and practices of isolating it from its surroundings, most notably from its twin city Jerusalem. This has resulted in socio-economic hardships as well as political turmoil. Poverty and unemployment are rising especially among youth who are left in despair with limited choices and chances. This is pushing many people to migrate and is resulting in social instability and extremism.
As many people are trying to combat this alarming situation to keep Bethlehem alive; we have launched an entrepreneurship to present, market and sell handicraft products from the Bethlehem District globally.
Entrance to the Church of Nativity
Who We Are?
We are a group of young Palestinian Christians who refuse to surrender to the socio-economic situation and political turmoil of our area. Our history and our future lie within the stones and spirit of Bethlehem.
We are operating in partnership with our church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour to empower and support the communities in the Bethlehem District. Since the art and handicrafts sector in addition to tourism is the largest employment generator in Bethlehem, our vision is to set the foundation for a decent economic life in dignity and satisfaction for the youth.
We believe in the witness of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and its ministries; and support its work with youth, women, and marginalized communities.
We believe in fair trade which is based on the simple idea that the products bought and sold are connected to the livelihoods of others. Therefore, we are committed to responsible, sustainable, fair, and community-based production and trade.
We believe in our handcrafted olive wood pieces of rich Palestinian heritage and unique traditional- as well as modern- designs. Our pieces are made from local olive trees that are up to 800 years old. Olive trees are not cut for their wood. Instead, off-cuts from the annual pruning and trimming are used. Olive trees provide us with oil for cooking, olives for eating, and wood for handicraft. The olive wood is known for its unique quality, durability and it is particularly resistant to scratches and heat. This distinctive and strong wood is characterized by its beautiful grain and natural shape. Each product is unique and has its own grain.
We understand the importance of quality and customer service in handicraft merchandise.
We have faith in our networks of churches, organizations, friends, and partners to further market and sell our products in various regions and countries worldwide.
Please feel free to contact us at: bisan@theshepherdstrail.com in case you have questions or comments.
Please follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/the.shepherds.trail/
We would love to get in touch with you.
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