Our Story

Both the online store, ShopPalestine.org and the Annual Palestinian Crafts’ Bazaar  held in Berkeley, California are projects of the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA: www.mecaforpeace.org). MECA is a nonprofit organization working for the rights and wellbeing of children in the Middle East. 

The Palestinian Crafts’ Bazaar was begun in 2002 by Joining Hands, an amazing group of volunteers who visited Palestine on a MECA delegation and wanted to do something to support Palestinian women and families. The Bazaar has grown into a major solidarity event attended by over 1,000 people. In 2013, we opened our online store, ShopPalestine.org, in response to many requests from our supporters in the U.S. and around the world.

We purchase these beautiful crafts and food items from Fair Trade Organizations, cooperatives, non-profit groups, and small family businesses in Palestine and refugee camps in Lebanon.

Your purchases provide critical support to Palestinian families, communities, and craftspeople. Traditional Palestinian workshops are under severe threat from the Israeli occupation and many have closed or are in danger of closing. The pandemic has added additional stress to the community and has halted or severely limited tourist visits to Palestine. Without tourism, artisans have few opportunities to sell their crafts.

Your support helps keep these artisans’ shops open and these ancient crafts alive. Proceeds from sales go to MECA's work supporting Palestinian children. 

We would love to see how you style your wardrobe or your home with your Palestinian craft!

Tag us on Instagram @mecashoppalestine or send us pictures at shop@mecaforpeace.org.

Thank you for shopping at ShopPaletine.org!

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