In 1996, Hadas Lahav and a group of Palestinian and Jewish women came together to form Sindyanna of Galilee: a non-profit, fair-trade association that aims to build cultural bridges and educate women.

They started by selling extra-virgin olive oil from local producers, worldwide. And by 2023, Sindyanna had racked up medals from international competitions, with over a hundred awards to their name. The real triumph, though, isn’t the taste or the accolades–each bottle sold funds education for women, supports organic farming, and fosters cultural understanding.

Over the years, Sindyanna’s mission has expanded. They now offer a variety of fair-trade foods like organic carob syrup—a delicious chocolate substitute—and almond spread made with local ingredients. Their za’atar mix, made from shade-dried leaves, is a staple in many kitchens–including ours. Each product is a piece of their story: a blend of tradition and unity.

In 2015, Sindyanna opened a visitor's centre in Kafr Kana, a town known for the biblical miracle of turning water into wine. Today, it’s a place where Palestinian and Jewish women come together to weave baskets and share their olive oil with visitors. The centre not only sells local crafts but also hosts monthly cooking workshops that blend Palestinian and Israeli cuisines. These workshops, led by renowned chefs, are cultural exchanges that bring people together over shared meals.

Despite the challenges, including a temporary closure due to regional violence in October 2023, the visitor's centre had a vibrant 2022, welcoming 7,000 visitors. They had hoped to reach 10,000 visitors this year, but are looking forward to welcoming back guests after the war. 

Their approach is about cross border solidarity. They’ve maintained strong ties with Palestinian trade partners, even amidst conflict: handicrafts from Beit Sahur, olive oil soaps from Nablus, and carob syrup from Azun farmers. These partnerships reflect a shared vision for respect and freedom, and have proved resilient even through difficult times. 

Sustainability is at the heart of Sindyanna's work. They promote organic farming and have helped many Arab women set up hydroponic systems in their homes, allowing them to grow fresh vegetables and even sell surplus produce locally. This initiative not only supports the environment but also provides economic opportunities for these women.

So, can olive oil create hope? Sindyanna of Galilee proves so. They’re about extending an olive branch to communities, fostering peace, respect, and a shared future. Their olive oil builds bridges; Arab and Jewish women working side by side, creating products that carry a message of unity and hope.

We’re proud to partner with them.