Our Story
A Tradition
Carved in Faith
From the ancient streets of Bethlehem to homes around the world — the story of olive wood artistry, Christian heritage, and an unbreakable bond to the Holy Land.
Bethlehem — The Birthplace
Bethlehem, the site of the Nativity Story of Jesus Christ, has always attracted thousands of pilgrims because of its profound religious significance. The city together with Beit Jala and Beit Sahour forms the heart of Palestinian Christianity.
The manufacturing of religious articles from olive wood and mother-of-pearl has been a Bethlehem tradition since the 4th century, when Greek Orthodox monks taught local residents the craft. Italian and Franciscan artisans later enriched the tradition during their pilgrimages.
Today, the Christian population in the region has decreased from 70% in 1948 to approximately 17.5%. Our mission works to reverse this trend by providing sustainable livelihoods for the remaining families.
"But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God"
— Psalm 52:8
The Sacred Olive Tree
The olive tree is traditionally a symbol of peace and health. Noah's dove returned with an olive branch, and Jesus prayed near an olive tree in Gethsemane. That tree, according to tradition, still exists today.
Palestinians have planted over ten million olive trees across 225,000 acres. These groves represent 54% of all planted agricultural land and 80% of rain-fed productive trees in Palestine.
The harvest season brings entire families together — children, women, men, students and the elderly — keeping Palestinian traditions and folklore alive through cultural evenings and shared labor.
The Art of Olive Wood Carving
Olive wood carving requires extraordinary skill and patience. The process begins with drilling machines to create a rough outline — accounting for only 15% of the work. The piece then passes to a skilled artisan who transforms it into a finished product through careful chiseling. Finally, the item is sanded, polished, and coated with olive wax for a natural shine and longevity.
Depending on the piece, the entire process can take up to 45 days. Most professional artisans go through six to seven years of training. Each town in the Bethlehem area has specialized: Bethlehem principally makes vases, cups, and nativity sets; Beit Sahour creates statues, crosses, and brooches; Beit Jala carves camels, horses, and donkeys.
Olive wood is prized because it can be accurately shaped with simple hand tools, has a diverse range of natural color and tonal depth, and is resistant to decay. Each piece is truly unique — a testament to both the wood's character and the artisan's devotion.
Our Goals
Improving the economic condition of Christian communities in the Holy Land, acutely affected by diminished pilgrim traffic and the absence of a strong export market.
Encouraging families to remain in the Holy Land by alleviating their economic plight through sustainable job development.
Revitalizing the traditional olive wood carving industry, which is slowly disappearing as skilled craftsmen leave their profession.
Creating job opportunities for craftsmen and encouraging apprenticeship to preserve this ancient art for future generations.
