Just in time for Chanukah, Makers of Israel (makersofisrael.com) is launching to connect Israeli artisans with international customers, following a year of extremely low in-person sales. The website provides an easy way for those outside of Israel to purchase products made in Israel including art, Judaica, and jewelry from talented artisans.
Founded by a group of nine women volunteers who live or have lived in Israel-immigrants from the US, Canada and the UK-the platform showcases the resilience and creativity of Israeli makers who have been directly affected by the ongoing war.
"This is more than a shopping experience," said Sara Klaben Avrami, founding team member of Makers of Israel. " It's a way to connect with the stories and talents of Israeli makers, to celebrate their resilience, and to support them during a time when they need it most. We all want to do more for our economy, our society, our small businesses, and the incredible people around us."
Available items include Chanukah cards designed by children with autism displaced by the conflict, 14-karat gold jewelry named for rescued hostage Noa Argamani, a symbol of hope and resilience, and handcrafted menorahs made from local salt, dyed with pure indigo powder.
Customers can make an even greater impact with an optional donation to Citizen's Kitchen, an organization that's provided 100,000 meals to soldiers and their families, displaced families, and the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The website also includes stories about each artisan who inspires them, details that are often only learned by roaming the streets of Israel to pop into small shops and chat with business owners.
It's stories like jewelry designer Ronit Malka, who has several necklaces featured in the Makers of Israel's Hanukkah Collection, that bring extra meaning and purpose to the designs. For most of her life, Malka never wore a Star of David necklace, claiming the symbol gave her chills since she associated it with the loss of her father during Israel's Yom Kippur War. After October 7th, Malka suddenly felt compelled to design one.
"Among the funerals, the sadness, and the pain, crying our hearts out-I thought to myself, maybe now is the time to wear a Star of David necklace," Malka explained. "I loved the idea of creating a three-dimensional Star of David-one solid form with strong volume, to remind us all that when we are united into one solid form, there is no one stronger than us. Am Yisrael Chai."
To learn more, visit
makersofisrael.com
.
