OUR STORY– Bethlehem Baubles

In an age of mass production and commercialisation, Bethlehem Baubles offers us the chance to give something special to the ones we love whilst helping local communities in the city of Bethlehem where the story of Christmas began.

We have paired up with Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans (BFTA) who work closely with Muslim and Christian communities at an individual level in order to produce a unique gift with a direct and meaningful impact.

Bethlehem Baubles is about supporting these local communities. With your help we can continue to grow and help more families.

MEET THE TEAM

ROS, Founder

I started Bethlehem Baubles whilst living in Jerusalem. I wanted to try and create a meaningful impact for the skilled local craftsman and foster a better sense of cooperation between the communities.

SUZAN, BFTA Director

The inspiring founder of Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans (BFTA). This not for profit NGO was established in 2009 and supports an amazing number of families in Palestine by linking talented producers to global fair trade markets.

In 2015, BFTA became the first guaranteed member of World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) in the Middle East.

Bethlehem Baubles BFTA team member Salam

SALAM, Craft village officer

Meet Suzan's daughter and right hand woman! Salam works tirelessly helping the BFTA to empower the most vulnerable producers in Palestine, supporting them to become active agents in their own livelihoods.

Bethlehem Baubles Muslim glass blower Jacob

JACOB, Glass Blower

Jacob is a skilled glass blower from Hebron - he is from one of the few remaining old muslim families in the area that have been working in glass for generations.

Few tourists have visited Hebron over the last year so business has been very tough. They greatly appreciate the customers buying Bethlehem Baubles so they can keep working and they are very proud that their decorations are being enjoyed all around the world.

Bethlehem Baubles Christian painter Selim

SELIM, Glass Painter

Selim is just one of many Christian ladies in Bethlehem who work on Bethlehem Baubles. Mother of 4 children, Selim has learnt her painting skills over 20 years.

This income is vital for Selim as it means she can earn some money at home whilst also looking after the children. There are not many part time jobs in Bethlehem for mothers like Selim.

Once she has painted the baubles Selim threads the ribbons and packs them carefully in their boxes making sure the leaflets and stickers are included. Quality control is important to BFTA so we have Selim to thank that it’s all done correctly!