South Surrey Craft Fair Aims to Support Palestinian Artisans

A craft fair scheduled for November 29, 2025, at Peninsula United Church in South Surrey aims to support Palestinian artisans affected by ongoing violence in Gaza. This event provides an opportunity for attendees to make a meaningful impact on their holiday shopping while also helping struggling artists thousands of miles away.

The conflict has severely impacted the livelihoods of Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly those whose income relies heavily on tourism. Janice Young, a retired minister at Peninsula United Church, highlighted the drastic decline in tourist numbers, stating that the community is facing significant economic hardships. Young described the upcoming Palestinian Craft Faire as “a small way of trying to help these folks.”

The initiative to promote the artisans stems from Katryn Harris, a resident of Sechelt, who visited the West Bank in October 2024. During her trip, she learned about the numerous challenges faced by local artisans, particularly since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. “One of the things people said to her when she was there was, ‘Please tell your friends what’s happening here,’” Young recounted.

Harris returned to Canada with a wealth of stories and a strong desire to advocate for the artisans. This passion led to her speaking at The Church at South Point in early November 2025, inspiring Young and Kathy Booth of Peninsula United Church to organize the craft fair. Young estimates that the event will feature hundreds of handmade items available for purchase, with Harris needing a friend’s assistance to transport the goods due to their volume.

A brochure created by Harris presents a variety of unique items, including olive-wood nativity scene carvings, stained-glass ornaments, Tatreez embroidery, spices, and more. “People in the West Bank want to work and earn a living, but most of their means of doing so have been cut off,” Harris notes in the brochure. She cites obstacles such as Israel’s freeze on fund transfers to the Palestinian Authority and the closure of online sales platforms.

The craft fair will not only provide financial assistance to artisans but also raise awareness about their struggles. Young expressed her feelings of “hopelessness” regarding how to help those affected, particularly with Gaza being inaccessible. Harris’s efforts are a way to bridge that gap. “This way, to be able to build relationships with people in the West Bank and get to know a little bit about them through Katryn, just makes it so much more real and human,” Young said.

Proceeds from the fair will benefit charitable organizations, including L’Arche Bethlehem and Bethlehem Bible College. The event is set to take place from 14:00 to 16:30 at the church located at 2756 127 St.. This craft fair represents a significant step towards supporting Palestinian artisans and fostering international awareness of their plight.