The Arab Orthodox Society is one of the oldest women’s organizations in Jerusalem. It was established in 1926 to provide Palestinian Orthodox Christian families with health and medical care.
Nora Kort, the chairwoman of the society, is a determined and visionary leader who strives to preserve Palestinian traditional crafts and food and to illustrate the historical presence of the Palestinian Christian community in Jerusalem and throughout Palestine. The Arab Orthodox Society seeks to keep Palestinian traditions and culture alive through the establishment of five main projects: Melia Art & Training Center, Wujoud Museum & Cultural Center, St. Benedictos Medical Center, Bint AlBalad Café, and Al-Balad Training Workshop. In 2011, Ms. Kort launched Wujoud Museum and Cultural Center, displaying and highlighting the rich history of the Palestinians and the strong Christian presence in Palestinian society in both the past and present.
The Society has established a strong bond of friendship with women producers all over the West Bank and Gaza and is dedicated to empowering Palestinian women through generating opportunities for economic self-reliance and encouraging entrepreneurship. They help women develop their skills through trainings and workshops, whilst also ensuring that new market opportunities are reached to continue to provide income for the producers and their families.
The Society mainly sells jewellery, apparel, ceramics and delicious homemade Palestinian food. They also have customized gifts for parties, engagements, weddings and other events. Bint Al-Balad Café is now open to enjoy a cup of coffee, pies, sweets, or a Palestinian meal while overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem. The café also provides external catering services, specializing in Palestinian delicacies and meals.
The next time you are in Jerusalem, make sure to visit the Melia arts and crafts shop, and take a stroll to visit the Wujoud Museum, with its rich collection of artefacts and breath-taking views of the Old City of Jerusalem.