Page 59 - magazine

The Megemeria The story, culture

and journey of

Ethiopian Jewry
Craft Center comes to life in the

Megemeria Craft
Center.

Like most challenges in life, Tikun Olam - ‘repairing the world’ - is a process that cannot The second stage of this lifetime project began in 2010 The Megemeria Craft Center has been designed and
be brought about in one go. It begins with recognizing a problem and is then followed with the opening of a Jewelry school for Ethiopian Jewish constructed to replicate an Ethiopian village. A visit to the
by the various stages of finding a solution. Finally, there is the implementation of the immigrants. The Megemeria School of Jewelry & Art provides Craft Center will give each visitor an authentic glimpse into
solution in order to bring about a lasting resolution. A deeper understanding of the initial professional training and employment opportunities for an Ethiopian village, similar to the one Megemeria’s students
problem will allow for a stronger and better solution. Ethiopian immigrants to facilitate their integration into Israeli have left behind.
society as proud and contributing citizens. Upon graduation, The village will showcase the students’ jewelry as well as
the students started to produce their own beautiful jewelry. original, traditional works of art designed by Ethiopian artists,
What first began as a school, quickly turned into a sustainable such as ceramic art and traditional embroidery.
social enterprise.
At the end of the tour, visitors will enjoy an Ethiopian Coffee
In 2016, the Levys decided that this social enterprise must be Ceremony (Buna) which is an integral part of their social and
taken to the next level. They wanted to create a stronger and cultural life. An invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is
more meaningful bond between the Ethiopian community considered a mark of friendship or respect and is an excellent
and the native Israeli (Sabra). And so they started to build the example of Ethiopian hospitality.
Megemeria Craft Center.

a part of our story...

The Megemeria

Craft Center is
Come, and be
an emotional

journey into the

land and hearts
The story of Megemeria grew from the painful memories of Isaac Levy’s youth. When
Orna first heard his story she immediately understood the hardship that he had endured of the Ethiopian
as an immigrant coming from Argentina. Orna believed that the way to close this open
wound would be to help ease the burden of other immigrants so that they do not have community
to suffer the way Isaac and his parents did. Together Orna and Isaac decided that they living in Israel
would try to ‘repair the wrong’ by hiring mostly Jewish immigrants from all over the world
to come and work at Yvel. This was the first stage.
today.

56 57