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Olive Wood Carvings from Bethlehem
The carvings and figurines you see are the creations of Christians who live in Bethlehem. Tracing their presence in the Holy Land all the way back to the Pentecost, the Christians of Bethlehem are under increasing pressure as their numbers dwindle. The making of olive wood products is their main source of income, as well as a key part of their cultural identity.
Al-Malath, which means “sanctuary”, is a school and rehabilitation center for children and adults with special needs in Bethlehem. After 11 years of providing a wide range of therapeutic services free of charge, thanks to generous donors and friends, they desire to become more self-sufficient. They have opened an olive wood manufacturing shop, producing works of art which not only provide income for the school but important benefits for their fine motor skills and concentration. The strong olive wood, a symbol of the Christians of Bethlehem, is thus both a meaningful gift for us and a way of encouraging people who are often marginalized to gain the satisfaction of producing beautiful art.