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.

Mr. Odeh joined Konuz because he believes in its role in supporting local artisans and communicating their products to the world, without losing their inherent value. He also views Konuz as a true partner with whom he seeks to preserve the cultural heritage and enhance the presence of Palestinian crafts in global markets.