Founded by a Welsh Palestinian family, The Bethlehem Shop is dedicated to supporting the artisans of Bethlehem.
We firmly believe in ethical trading practices, preserving cultural traditions, and advocating for socio-economic justice.
Through our shop, we share the stories behind each handcrafted item and promote awareness about the challenges faced in the occupied territories.
Why we started
We are a small Palestinian-Welsh family who had put down roots in Bethlehem, Palestine in 2005, but were forced to leave five years later due to injustices and movement restrictions enforced by the Israeli military occupation.
We relocated to the beautifully lush and green Bethesda, Wales, surrounded by the Eryri Snowdonia mountains and by lovely kind-hearted people.
However, we brought "a piece of Bethlehem" with us, as we couldn't leave the place and its people behind.
We had worked with the artisans for about a year prior to us leaving and had formed a partnership with Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans. Ever since, we've been at numerous markets and visited several communities across the UK selling the artisans' products and advocating for the socioeconomic survival and resilience of the city.
As the shop grew and as our needs as a family evolve, we recently decided to move to Bangor... so, we haven't moved far - not really anyway!
Regardless, we hope to continue to bring you beautifully crafted handmade creations from Palestine and tell you the stories of their makers for many years to come.
Community Profile
Bethlehem is one of the oldest mixed Christian-Muslim populations in the world. This genuine example of community harmony needs to be preserved, but like any community, its social relations are vulnerable when the economy is under strain. As an internationally important city, Bethlehem has long been a place of welcome for millions of travelling pilgrims and tourists from across the world, and as such, the local craft industry has grown into a vital part of the city's economy.
Today, however, Bethlehem is facing very difficult times due to the building of the Wall around the city and the steep decline in visitors. Showing support to the artisans and craftspersons of Bethlehem, who in turn support their families and their local economy, is, therefore, vital.
The Bethlehem Shop aims at supporting the artisans of the Palestinian city of Bethlehem through selling their produce, advocating for trade justice, and raising awareness to the economic and socio-political situation in Bethlehem and the other Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
Our Suppliers
We invite you to learn about the makers - the skilled hands and the unique designs behind every crafted item The Bethlehem Shop has to offer.
Our main supplier is Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans, located on the outskirts of Bethlehem in the town of Beit Sahour (also known as the Shepherds' Field). This cooperative of artisans focuses on the wellbeing of its members. It thrives to market their produce overseas and to provide support through holistic and socially responsible design training, community projects, and the sourcing of sustainable materials.
While we continue to source closely from our main fair trade partner, we have recently partnered with the remarkable L'Arche Bethlehem (Ma'an lil-Hayat).
Based in the heart of Bethlehem, this inspiring community brings together individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to share life and work side by side in mutual friendship.
Through their creative workshop, members transform locally sourced sheep's wool into beautiful, handcrafted felted gifts and ornaments.
We are proud to support their beautiful mission of fostering community connection and true inclusivity.
