The handicraft industry in the Bethlehem area is in danger of disappearing. This is a direct result of three things: constant political unrest, the resulting decline in tourism, and more generalized economic hardship resulting from the occupation. While some 3000 individuals were employed in the craft industry at its peak in the 1970s, this figure has decreased alarmingly. The number of workshops has also dropped dramatically, and the industry continues to be in steep decline.

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 FACTORY is adopting a strategy to open the international market as a means to counter the devastating decline in the local handicraft industry. As such, we will continue to develop our on-line presence while also presenting a catalogue containing all of the products of the holyland bethlehem www.holylandproducts.diytrade.com This includes olivewood artifacts, mother of pearl items, ceramics, blown glass and embroidery. Through this website, we invite people from all over the world to visit us and to help our members by ordering our products.holy546@hotmail.com Your support is essential to the success of this project, and to supporting the traditional culture of the production of handicrafts in the Holy Land, Bethlehem.

BY BUYING ITEMS : YOU WELL NOT ONLY RECEIVE AVALUABLE PIECE OF ART FROM HOLY LAND BUT YOU WILL ALSO HELP SUPPORTING THE PRESENCE OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE LAND OF CHRIST