Crafting Amidst Conflict

by Zarah Patriana · 2008-12-29 10:02:00 UTC
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The Catholic Relief Services has a Photo of the Week series showcasing photos of the different programs they have around the world. This week's photo is a telling one especially with the current conflict going on with the Gaza Strip. It is of Palestinian craftsman, Issa Abu Atta working on an olivewood nativity at a workshop in Belt Sahour, West Bank.

The Catholic Relief Services developed the Fair Trade Fund to make high impact grants to spread the Fair Trade model. The program benefiting Issa Abu Atta in the West Bank is in partnership with the Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society, which was established to uplift the deteriorating local handicraft sector that was being threatened by the regional conflict.

According to the Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society, the struggling handicraft industry is being threatened by three things:

  • constant political unrest

  • the resulting decline in tourism

  • more generalized economic hardship resulting from the occupation

Presently, because of the low number of pilgrims visiting the region and the very low production of handicrafts, factory owners are no longer able to secure sufficient income to support their families. Many factory owners are thinking seriously of immigrating to other countries, thus threatening the continued existence of an industry that has formed a central component of cultural and mercantile life for a millennia.

The Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society's mission has been to

alleviate local poverty, decrease unemployment, increase the level of income, decrease emigration, and sustain the  Palestinian handicraft industry for the benefit of the traditional handicraft artisans by effectively marketing our products, making the raw materials available at a low cost, and developing [their] capabilities technically and managerially.

An important part of their business model and mission is the employment of Fair Trade standards and are also the first organization in the Arab world to qualify for membership in IFAT (International Fair Trade Asociation). Since the Cooperative's inception, over 900 individuals have benefit from the Cooperative's different programs.

Their aim to preserve a culture and heritage that has been alive since the 14h century is strong as is their hope to get past the conflict and continue their crafting.

[photos: CRS & Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society]

Zarah Patriana
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