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Galilee jillayeh
Nazareth الناصرة
In the Galilee the embroidery often moved from the dress to the coat. Women wore a fitted jillayeh over the thob, finished with appliqué panels and bands of stitching.
Kalandia Camp Women's Handicraft Cooperative
Preserving Heritage, Empowering Women Since 1956
We Employ Over 300 Women in Refugee Camps & Villages in the West Bank, Hand Stitching Palestinian Heritage Patterns into Handicraft Products that Ensures Their Financial Independence.
A towering lighthouse, still standing to illuminate the path for women who lost everything after the 1948 Nakba, and the generations that followed.
In 1958, the Kalandia Cooperative began its journey in a modest UNRWA room, where a group of 12 determined Palestinian women laid the foundations of a dream far greater than the walls surrounding them. In 1960, driven by their vision and collective efforts, the members built a small exhibition space, showroom, and improved facilities, creating new opportunities to showcase their craftsmanship and preserve their heritage.
By 1981, their dedication had transformed that humble beginning into the three-story building that stands today. More than bricks and mortar, every floor tells a story of perseverance, unity, and generations of women who turned limited resources into lasting opportunities.
Read our storyOur impact
300+women earning an independent income from home through embroidery and tailoring
3,000women employed by the Cooperative at its peak
70years serving refugee families across the West Bank and Gaza
Tatreez map
Every town, its own thobe
Choose a town on the map to see its thobe, its stitches, its colours and its motifs.
Departments and programs for stronger communities
Through training, production, cultural preservation and humanitarian support, we create opportunities for women, youth and families.
Handicraft Embroidery Production Department
Traditional Palestinian tatreez, knitwear, garments and quilts, made by more than 300 women.
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Vocational Training Department
Hands-on courses that equip marginalised women with practical skills for viable livelihoods.
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Community & Humanitarian Department
Sponsorships, literacy, early childhood education, youth engagement and emergency aid.
Learn moreInternational & National Cooperation Department
International channels for cultural exchange, cooperative learning and start-up projects for vulnerable families.
Learn moreUnique pieces, timeless heritage
Every piece is hand cross-stitched in the Palestinian tradition. Your purchase puts fair income in the hands of the woman who made it.
A towering lighthouse, still standing to illuminate the path for women who lost everything after the 1948 Nakba, and the generations that followed.
From the KCWHC brochure
Strong roots for bright futures
Since its ground floor was built in 1981, Takreem Kindergarten has welcomed the camp's children into a safe, supportive classroom that builds confidence, independence and values.
