Meet Our Artisans

In Bethlehem, Jamil Hosh, a 20th-generation Christian Bethlehemite, grew up knowing he wanted to build his own craft-based business. As a child, he apprenticed with a carpenter after school, learning the skills that later shaped his life. By high school, he had mastered the trade and opened his own workshop. For over 40 years, he has been carving olive wood into intricate pieces and Christmas ornaments. He views olive wood as deeply meaningful, shaped by generations of tradition and Biblical history. Each ornament he creates is handmade, unique, and crafted with care in the Holy Land.

Since 1987, George Shatara has continued a family tradition of olive wood carving in Bethlehem. Descended from generations of craftsmen, he transforms olive wood from the Holy Land into detailed works inspired by Biblical stories and local heritage. His creations include figurines, nativity sets, ornaments, and other handcrafted pieces that reflect both artistry and faith. Using wood from centuries-old olive trees, George carefully shapes each piece by hand, preserving a craft that has been passed down through generations. Through his work, he shares the beauty, history, and spiritual significance of Bethlehem with people around the world.

Ofek and Darya, a young couple from Caesarea, are the creators of Ahava Stones, meaningful creations made from Jerusalem stone. Their journey together began four years ago and grew into a shared mission to bring light, hope, and encouragement to others through their art. Each stone is carefully engraved with uplifting words meant to heal and inspire. After surviving the events of October 7th, their purpose became even stronger: to spread light in difficult times. Through their work, they share a message of resilience, love, and the belief that even in darkness, more light always lies ahead.

In the rolling hills of the Galilee, Adi and Oren Levi built Alma’Soap from a simple desire to create natural skincare for their newborn daughter. What began in their kitchen grew into a family-run business producing handmade cosmetics crafted with high-quality oils and carefully chosen ingredients. With every product, they focus on simplicity, quality, and care, values that have guided the business from its earliest days. Today, Alma’Soap continues to create natural products that reflect the dedication and craftsmanship of the entire family.

"Tali Taisiya Melter, a Russian-born artist living in Binyamina, was inspired to create Fantastic Israel after an experience at a dinner party in Paris. She saw a child coloring a detailed sketch of Paris’ Canal Saint-Martin, just minutes from where the girl lived. When she asked about it, the child’s father explained, “It is important to me that she learns to love where she comes from.” The moment stayed with Tali and shaped her perspective.

Returning to Israel, she searched for a similar coloring book about her own homeland but found none. She then set out to create one herself. Fantastic Israel invites readers on a journey through Israel’s landscapes, cities, and history, from Jerusalem’s narrow alleys to Tel Aviv’s streets. Now translated and shared worldwide, the book celebrates connection to place through art while supporting local Israeli production and craftsmanship."

Karina is the third generation of a family chocolate-making tradition that began in Europe over a century ago. Her grandfather Jacob carried his chocolate expertise across continents before the family eventually settled in Argentina, where her father built a thriving chocolate business. Inspired by this heritage and her love for Israel, Karina founded De Karina in the Golan Heights in 2006. Surrounded by open landscapes and natural beauty, she combines generations of craftsmanship with her background in nutritional science. For Karina, every chocolate reflects a family story of resilience, creativity, and a lifelong passion for the craft.

After studying the history and geography of Israel, Erez guided visitors through some of the country’s most important archaeological sites. He saw how difficult it could be for people, especially children, to connect with ancient history. Together with his wife Michal, an art teacher, he founded the Workshop for Ancient Arts to make the past more tangible through hands-on experiences. Their mosaic workshops became the foundation of their work, inspiring Erez to develop a unique mosaic stone modeled after ancient materials. Today, their mosaic kits help families and communities around the world experience a craft deeply rooted in the land’s history.

Derech HaTavlinim (the Spice Road Farm), just outside Nazareth, is a unique visitor center dedicated to Israel’s spice traditions. Avi, together with his family, has been growing spices for over 50 years, continuing the legacy of his father Zvi, a pioneer of Israel’s spice industry. Since opening to the public in 2003, the farm has grown into the largest open-air spice farm in Israel, offering hundreds of blends. Visitors are greeted by rich aromas of spices filling the air. Today, Avi’s son Or continues the tradition, crafting custom blends like Shakshuka for Artza members.

In Cana of the Galilee, Sindyanna of Galilee combines exceptional olive oil production with a mission for social change. Founded in 1996, it is Israel’s only certified Fair-Trade olive oil producer. The organization employs Arab and Jewish women, creating economic opportunities while supporting local olive growers and producers. Through its work, Sindyanna promotes cooperation, sustainability, and community development. Its award-winning olive oils, recognized internationally, reflect both the quality of the region’s agriculture and the organization’s commitment to building a more connected and inclusive society.

Tamir Peled founded a small food factory in the Lower Galilee near Mount Tabor in 2010, with a mission to create honest, nourishing foods from natural ingredients while supporting his community. Over time, his factory became a place where Jews, Christians, and Muslims work side by side in cooperation and respect. Despite ongoing regional challenges and instability, Tamir and his team have remained resilient and united. Their work reflects the spirit of the Galilee, where everyday collaboration becomes a quiet expression of hope and shared humanity.

The Lin family’s connection to the Holy Land began in 1935 when Uriel Lin journeyed through Turkey and Lebanon to reach Jaffa, planting the roots of what became Meshek Lin in the Jezreel Valley. Today, his grandchildren Yuval and Neta continue the family legacy, growing and crafting natural products without additives or preservatives. Their Orange Silan Date Honey combines rich, caramel-like dates with bright Jaffa orange, uniting two ancient symbols of Israel. Each jar reflects generations of care, devotion, and the enduring sweetness of the land itself.

Hila Doron is the founder of Meydale, a boutique handmade soap and fragrance brand from Israel. Together with her husband, Ran, she built the business from a simple beginning in her home kitchen, where she made soap one pot at a time. What started as a hobby grew through local fairs and markets into a beloved Israeli brand. Inspired by a love of beauty, fragrance, and thoughtful design, Hila creates products that turn everyday routines into meaningful moments. She believes even a simple bar of soap can bring comfort, warmth, and happiness, making each handmade creation feel like a small gift.

David Ross first traveled to Israel in 2011 to study the impact of the fires that swept through the Carmel Forest. What began as a research trip soon became a calling, and in 2014 he moved from the United States to Jerusalem. There, he pursued his dream of creating a herbal tea company inspired by the land of Israel. He named it Shalva, a Hebrew word meaning peace, calm, and tranquility. Using pure ingredients and no added flavors or coloring, David crafts naturally caffeine-free teas designed to offer a soothing experience and a taste of Israel in every cup.

After playing professional basketball in Israel, Oded Fenster pursued a new dream: becoming a master chocolatier. He traveled to Belgium to perfect his craft and returned to create handcrafted chocolates, toffees, and marzipans made with care and skill. Together with a team that includes young adults with developmental challenges, Oded built a business rooted in both excellence and community impact. His artisanal creations are now enjoyed across Israel. Inspired by the Mediterranean coast near his home, he created a special sea-salt toffee that captures the flavors of the region he loves.

Shmuel proudly carries forward a family tradition through Heavenly Pop, a business built on generations of dedication and care. Inspired by his grandfather’s commitment to quality, he uses carefully selected ingredients to create flavors that reflect the spirit of Jerusalem. Each batch combines family heritage with a passion for craftsmanship, offering a sweet and savory treat enjoyed by both locals and visitors. For Shmuel, every kernel tells a story of tradition, innovation, and family. By honoring the past while looking toward the future, he ensures that Heavenly Pop remains a beloved part of Jerusalem’s culinary culture.

During his military training, Goren spent hours studying topographic maps but felt they lacked a true connection to the land. Determined to bring landscapes to life, he began creating miniature terrain models with a 3D printer. Searching for a way to share that experience with others, he turned to candle making—blending earth, water, and fire into a unique artistic form. His Sea of Galilee candle captures the contours of one of Israel’s most important and historic landmarks, inviting people to experience its natural beauty and enduring cultural significance in a new way.

In Jerusalem, where layers of history overlap, Nader Tanimi arrives at his ceramics workshop each morning and often works until sunset. At 74, he continues to craft by hand, carrying on a tradition passed down through generations. His late father founded Tanimi Ceramics, and Nader worked alongside him for over 20 years before taking over the business in 1996. Before the internet era, he taught himself by studying design books of Armenian patterns. Today, his handmade ceramics reflect an Armenian Christian tradition rooted in Jerusalem and are found in homes and sacred spaces worldwide.

From the beginning, Noa Attias dreamed of sharing Jewish art across the world, using her work to express tradition, meaning, and connection between cultures and communities. Her journey with Artza began with a home blessing papercut that received warm responses and encouragement. Since then, she has grown her work and moved into a larger studio, continuing to create meaningful pieces, including a papercut map of Israel. As a wife and mother of five, she sees each purchase as support not only for her art, but for her family in Israel, and she remains deeply grateful to share her work and story.

Yaara is a chocolatier, mother, and nature lover who crafts bold, handcrafted chocolates inspired by the natural world. Drawing from childhood experiences in nature, she incorporates wild ingredients like pine nuts from Jerusalem’s forests and seasonal fruits at peak ripeness. Using high-quality chocolate sourced from Israel and abroad, she maintains a strong focus on craftsmanship and tradition. Alongside her team, Yaara develops new flavors and leads workshops for diverse groups, sharing her love of chocolate and the beauty of nature that inspires her creations.

Shlomit Cohen, wife to Tomer and mother of six. She is the founder of “Gift of Nature,” a boutique natural cosmetics enterprise that combines production, education, and community workshops in one space. For Shlomit, her work is a mission to share the earth’s natural healing gifts. Rooted in the landscapes where her ancestors once walked among herbs and flowers, she creates products that reflect the spirit of the land. Her creations help others connect to nature, tradition, and the stories of the Holy Land.

Zak’s family has been in Jerusalem for over 400 years. His grandfather opened a shop in the 1960s, and out of 52 cousins Zak chose to continue the family business. During times of conflict and the intifadas, tourism declined and the shop often had to close, but today he reaches visitors worldwide through the internet. With a background in biblical archaeology Zak creates replicas inspired by historical finds Jerusalem including jars linked to the Dead Sea Scrolls. He sees his work as bringing biblical history to life, helping people hold a connection to ancient texts and understand origins.

In the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, Simcha founded Off the Wall to share Israel’s finest spices with visitors from around the world. Growing up as one of 14 children on Mount Zion, just outside the ancient city walls, he developed a deep connection to the land and its distinctive aromas. The scents of rosemary, sage, and lavender that filled the surrounding hills inspired a lifelong appreciation for local flavors. Today, alongside his brother-in-law Akivah, Simcha partners with spice farms across Israel to source and deliver high-quality spices that reflect the character and richness of the land.

Hadarya Artwork draws inspiration from the rich traditions and symbols of Jewish heritage. Guided by her grandfather, a renowned Jerusalem artist and scribe, she carries forward a family legacy of creativity and craftsmanship. Her distinctive works combine respect for tradition with contemporary artistic expression, earning recognition in galleries around the world. For her pomegranate-themed design, Hadarya drew on a symbol deeply connected to the Bible and the land of Israel. By blending history, faith, and natural beauty, she creates pieces that serve as both functional art and meaningful expressions of heritage.

Hanan grew up in southern Israel and served in a special combat unit of the IDF before studying Biotechnology and Business Administration. Today, he lives in the Ella Valley with his wife, Ariela, and their four children. Driven by a passion for social innovation, he works to improve the lives of coffee growers around the world through Israeli technology and creative thinking. By building direct connections between growers and consumers, he helps create a more sustainable coffee industry while delivering high-quality coffee. His work reflects a commitment to both global impact and local excellence.

In the far south of Israel near the Egyptian border, Chami Zemach left the country’s center for Kadesh Barnea, a small desert village shaped by quiet landscapes and harsh conditions. Drawn to desert agriculture, he discovered how farmers grow fruits and herbs despite sandy soil, heat, and limited water. He founded Desert Magic, producing natural foods using local ingredients and simple methods. Today, he crafts jams, spreads, and pastes without preservatives, each reflecting the desert’s character. His Za’atar & Sesame spread blends traditional herbs, sesame, and olive oil into a rich, earthy flavor rooted in regional heritage.

ADI, The Ability Boutique, is a beacon of hope and empowerment for children, adolescents, and adults with severe disabilities —they take part in rehabilitative vocational workshops where they create handmade plates. Through this work, they build life skills, explore creativity, and experience personal growth. Each purchase supports long-term programs that provide individualized development plans and specialized care. ADI’s services help participants heal, grow, and engage with the wider community, fostering awareness, inclusion, and acceptance of disability.

Born in Tel Aviv, Yonat always felt connected to nature. During her PhD studies in molecular biology, she sought a change and moved to the Judaean Desert, where the silence and landscape immediately captured her heart. She went on to study desert life and traditional Bedouin medicine while building a healthy, nature-focused lifestyle. Inspired by her surroundings, she founded Yonat Midbar, meaning “Desert Dove,” creating natural care products rooted in the region’s plants and traditions. Today, she also leads workshops and desert tours, sharing her love for the desert and its unique sense of peace.

Arugot is an Israeli natural cosmetics brand founded by Esther Lachman, blending international innovation with desert-grown botanicals. After studying Natural Pharmaceutics in the US and traveling widely, Esther began crafting herbal formulas at home for her family. What started in a kitchen grew into a leading organic brand with over 60 certified products. Today, Arugot uses plants grown on its desert farm near the Gerar River, combining scientific expertise with sustainability, empowering women, and maintaining strict organic standards to create effective, nature-based skincare products used in Israel and worldwide.