In our hometown of Bethlehem, we host the only cooperative-run fair trade shop, featuring works of art, souvenirs, jewelry, embroidery, religious items, and other products handcrafted from olive wood, mother of pearl, glass, and ceramic. We provide a unique shopping experience for pilgrims, tourists, and other customers interested in quality products, sourced fairly, from the local community. We also have developed our logistical capacity to export our products internationally. The shop provides a vital sales outlet to small scale producers who would otherwise be unable to market their products individually at a fair price. Conserving Nature, preserving life For the Holy Land community, olive wood is more than a raw material. Olive trees are a symbol of peace and are engrained into our cultural identity and way of life. The iconic plant provides livelihoods to 800,000 Palestinian families. Given the cultural and economic importance of the olive tree, preservation of the plant is crucial to our work. HLHCS’s crafts are produced using pruned branches, collected without harming our removing the ancient trees. World FAIR Trade Organization: Join the Movement As the first organization in the Arab world to qualify for and benefit from WFTO membership, we aim to be a part of creating awareness that leads to action with regard to Fair Trade. Our vision is a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood. The Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society has a dream of peace in the Holy Land, and we believe that Fair Trade is a tool to reach our aspirations!