Simon Odeh

Mr. Simon Odeh is a 55-year-old Palestinian craftsman from Beit Sahour. He has been working in olive wood for over 25 years. He inherited this profession from his father, a well-known craftsman in the area. Simon chose to carry through  this profession because he perceives it as a true reflection of his people's history, especially since Bethlehem is a prominent religious and tourist destination, making this craft an important element in presenting the story of the place to visitors. Mr. Odeh specializes in hand-carved wooden boxes bearing religious and cultural symbols such as the Star of Bethlehem, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Last Supper. Each piece he manufactures bears a personal touch and tells a story from the Palestine.