Preaching in New York, a Pasta Restaurant, and How You Can Help

Sometimes the best opportunities come when we least expect them.

On June 30, our founder, Morgan Cooper, had the privilege of preaching at LaFayette Presbyterian Church in New York. It was a meaningful morning of worship, fellowship, and sharing about the work of Handmade Palestine and the artisans whose livelihoods depend on access to international markets. If you missed it, you can watch Morgan's sermon here:

Watch the sermon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

After the service, Morgan, her family, and friends gathered for a picnic in a nearby park. Later, when she took her daughter into a local restaurant to use the bathroom, she noticed something that caught her attention: a display featuring ingredients and tools for making fresh pasta. Immediately, she thought of our handcrafted olive wood kitchen collection.

So she asked a simple question: "Would you be interested in carrying our olive wood lemon reamer? The answer was an enthusiastic yes.

What started as an ordinary family outing became a new opportunity for Palestinian artisans. Shop our Olive Wood Lemon Reamer below.

It Can Be That Simple

This experience is a reminder that supporting Palestinian artisans doesn't always require a major fundraising campaign or a large order. Sometimes it starts with a conversation.

When you're out enjoying your daily life—having coffee at a café, shopping in a local gift store, visiting a cooperative, or eating at a restaurant—take a look around. Could Handmade Palestine products fit naturally into that space?

Our olive wood kitchen utensils, olive oil, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and other handcrafted items often complement businesses that value quality, craftsmanship, and meaningful stories. Many shop owners are looking for unique products; they just need an introduction.

Why Your Help Matters

Right now, the challenges facing Palestinian artisans are immense.

Tourism, which once provided an important source of income for many families, has largely disappeared. Movement between cities has become increasingly difficult due to closures, checkpoints, curfews, and ongoing violence. Even Palestinians often cannot travel as freely within Palestine as they once could.

The result is a devastated local economy and fewer opportunities for artisans to sell their work.

Every new store, church gift shop, café, cooperative, or restaurant that carries Handmade Palestine products helps create income for artisan families and keeps centuries-old craft traditions alive.

How You Can Help

The next time you're out in your community, consider introducing Handmade Palestine to a business you love. If a shop owner, restaurant manager, church bookstore, or cooperative expresses interest, simply send us their contact information. We'd be happy to send samples and gifts for them to explore. One introduction can lead to a lasting partnership. One shelf can help support an artisan family. One conversation can make a real difference.

Upcoming Events: US Tour 

We'll also be sharing the story of Handmade Palestine at upcoming events in Nashville and Paducah. We hope you'll join us if you're nearby and help spread the word about the incredible artisans behind our products.

Thank you for supporting Handmade Palestine. Whether you shop, share our mission, invite us to an event, or connect us with a local business, you are helping create opportunities for artisans who need them now more than ever.

Together, we can help Palestinian families thrive through the power of handmade craftsmanship and community connections.