Celebrating Artisans: Dalal Sarhan, The Artisan Who Brings Palestinian Heritage to Life

At Handmade Palestine, we’ve had the honor of working with so many talented artisans over the years, but few have left as deep an impression as Dalal Sarhan. Our journey with Dalal began 12 years ago at the very first bazaar we hosted at the cafe my husband and I used to run. This event, done in partnership with Sunbula—a wonderful NGO out of Jerusalem supporting fair trade artisans across Palestine—was a turning point for us. Sunbula inspired us in so many ways, showing us the power of community-driven, fair-trade artisan work, and it was there that we first met Dalal, a member of the Beit Doqo local development society.

The Beit Doqo initiative was a grassroots effort in a tiny village that supported women in learning about food production—things like making pickles and jams. But what truly captured our hearts was how Sunbula helped this group expand into brass jewelry making. With training and support, Dalal, along with another incredible woman, Jamalat, dove headfirst into this new craft. Dalal’s designs, inspired by Palestinian cultural heritage, stood out immediately. She once told me a story about one of her first designs during the training—a traditional Palestinian coffee pot and tiny Finjan coffee cup. It was this blend of tradition and creativity that drew me in, and it’s why I fell in love with her large pomegranate design—a piece we still proudly sell to this day.

Over the years, as the Beit Doqo Development Society shifted and changed, Dalal emerged as a key figure. She continued to create beautiful brass jewelry with Jamalat, always open to new designs and ideas. Her passion wasn’t just about her craft, though—it was about creating income opportunities for more women in her village. A few years back, I asked Dalal if she could embroider on keffiyehs, and her response was an immediate yes. That simple "yes" opened up work for ten more women in her village! We then explored more, like tatreez embroidered gift bags, and before we knew it, Sayadat Falasteen was born.

Dalal founded Sayadat Falasteen to support even more women in her community, and today, up to 20 women at a time participate in tatreez projects under her guidance. As Dalal explains, “Tatreez is deeply important to us. It is one of the most powerful ways we can express our Palestinian identity.” She manages two craft areas—brass jewelry and tatreez embroidery—and also collaborates with Manjal Maqoud, a group we founded, to help meet the growing demand for tatreez. Recently, her group created beautiful tatreez Christmas ornaments, which will soon be available on our website, along with a set of 10 tatreez gift bags. Dalal's energy, creativity, and dedication are truly inspiring.

What makes Dalal’s story even more powerful is her personal journey. Growing up, Dalal had to drop out of school. Raised by much older parents and being the youngest of a dozen children, there weren't many opportunities for girls at the time. They were expected to marry young, not pursue education. But Dalal fought to be part of the cooperative that started it all for her. This decision changed her future, allowing her to earn an income, send her children to school, and ensure that they could graduate from high school—an achievement that meant the world to her.

Dalal often says that working with Handmade Palestine has been a lifeline, not just for her family but for so many families in her village. When COVID-19 hit, and people were struggling just to buy basic food, the work she and the women of Sayadat Falasteen did with us kept them fed. For Dalal, it’s more than just about money; it’s about dignity and empowerment. Through Handmade Palestine, she says she’s been able to reach tens of thousands of people, sharing her story and her voice with the world.

As Dayal says in her own words; “I have so much gratitude for Handmade Palestine. They have given me the opportunity to work with dignity for many years.”.

Dalal once told me that our partnership made it possible for her to send her kids to college and even to marry them off—something that, in Palestinian culture, is a significant, communal, and expensive celebration. For those who don’t know, marrying off a child in our culture is a big deal. It’s not just about the wedding day; it’s about providing gold for the bride, hosting huge gatherings for the entire village over several days, and giving gifts to everyone. Dalal managed to do this for three of her kids, and it wasn’t just her—so many people in her village have felt the impact of this work.

Dalal’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her community. Her work with Sayadat Falasteen continues to support up to 20 women at any given time, giving them not just work, but a sense of pride and purpose. And for Dalal, creating brass jewelry isn’t just about crafting beautiful pieces; it’s about living and working with dignity. It’s about being a designer and a craftsperson. And most importantly, it’s about using her voice and platform to empower others.

We’re so grateful to be a part of Dalal’s journey, and we’re incredibly proud to share her story with you. When you buy a piece of jewelry or a tatreez embroidered item from Handmade Palestine, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re supporting a movement led by women like Dalal who are shaping the future of their communities with strength, passion, and creativity.