Forty-five olim-owned businesses showcased and sold products to hundreds of shuk attendees.
(Courtesy of NBN) Nefesh B’Nefesh, which works in close cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and JNF-USA, in partnership with the Jerusalem Municipality’s Absorption Authority, hosted its first two-day Shuk Olim at its Aliyah Campus in Jerusalem.
Hundreds of local participants showed their support for the 45 olim-owned businesses at an open “shuk” style event. Artwork, clothing, jewelry, Shabbat food, original beverages and more were sold from Thursday evening through Friday afternoon.
Among the vendors were Chanie Koenig, 34, originally from Woodmere, Long Island and founder of Cacao HaGalil, a specialty goat milk chocolate shop located in Northern Israel.
“We are excited to host our first two-day Shuk Olim and to offer olim the opportunity to showcase their businesses to the Israeli public and fellow olim in Jerusalem,” said co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. “It is remarkable to witness Olim transform their passions into unique businesses that are now part of the Israeli market. These small business owners are making significant strides within the Israeli economy, and we are honored to support them in doing so.”
Shimon Tzeiger, a 24-year-old artist from Belarus now living in Jerusalem, showcased his handmade dolls and Judaica under the brand “My Shtetl.” His creations intricately portray characters from Jewish folklore and capture the essence of Jerusalem.
“Shuk Olim is another exciting event, which enables olim entrepreneurs and business owners to be exposed to the general public and market their products,” said mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion. “The Shuk Olim opens new opportunities for olim, promotes their sales and assists in their employment integration in the city. We will continue to invest in the development of additional unique initiatives for the Jerusalem oleh community by working in collaboration with the relevant organizations in order to ease their absorption as best as possible.”
The events highlighted the accomplishments of olim from around the world by showcasing their locally established businesses in order to gain further exposure to the wider market.
The Shuk featured the following vendors:
Art and Ketubot by Rena, Art by Meira, Gevaldag, Gush Etzion Brewstillery, Legends Distillery, NuraVida, Prohibition Pickle, Strudel Bakery, Sushi Fuze, Tip Top Ties, DJ Benji Scharf, Bedroom Records, Borderline, Braceface Design, Finkel_Shtein, Howling Hot Sauces, Jozi Jewels, Made by Dalia, My Shtetl, Orange Duck Designs, Pressed Petals Studio, Sew Cute, The Almanac, Trumpeldor Vintage, Wingz, Albertine Jewelry, Avigael Creation, Cacao HaGalil, CD Ceramics, Chanabana Activewear, Coffee Judea, Gili’s Goodies, Health Eat, Jerusalem Canvas, Just Art with Zimra, Magna Plaques, Muffin Boutique, MyKangooBox, Navon Naturals, Nechama Fass Fine Art, Neshikha Bee Honey, Populari Popcorn, Shabbat Shine, Strings and WonkiWare.
