About

“Sabaya Embroideries: Where Threads, Meet Dreams”

In the heart of Gaza, where the sun painted the walls with stories of resilience and where opportunities for women were as scarce as rain in the desert, a spark of hope was ignited. “Sabaya Embroideries” was a seedling of hope watered by the vision and determination of Inas Skaik and her friends. A project that changed lives.  In 2012, armed with nothing but their passion for Palestinian heritage and a Facebook page, they set out on a journey to revive the ancient art of embroidery, a craft deeply woven into the fabric of Palestinian culture.

Their journey began modestly, with their creations shared among family and friends. But even in those early days, a whisper of potential was in the air.

These grassroots beginnings allowed them to forge connections with traders and understand the intricacies of the craft market. Their dedication paid off when “Sabaya Embroideries” was chosen to participate in the prestigious “Palestinian Heritage in Jerusalem” exhibition, an honor bestowed on only six out of over 300 applicants.

This breakthrough propelled “Sabaya Embroideries” into a new era, culminating in the opening of their own centre in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood in 2017. Here, the project blossomed, living up to its name by becoming a haven for Palestinian women from Gaza, where hand-embroidered treasures breathed life. And, the threads whispered stories of resilience, of women who stitched their dreams into existence.

As the project expanded, Enas Skaik decided that “Sabaya Embroideries” should truly live up to its name, and the team should be entirely Palestinian women from Gaza, working across embroidery, manufacturing, accounting, management, and sales.  The centre became a vibrant ecosystem divided into three sections:

1. Embroidery: This section is This section is responsible for the designs and patterns of Palestinian embroidery, which are then sold in our exhibitions.
2. Sewing: This section is responsible for finishing all the embroidered products in the center.
3. Training: This section is responsible for training women to empower them and children to educate and relieve them, given the stressful conditions they live in.

From a humble trio, “Sabaya Embroideries” grew to a robust team of 190 women, their spirits unbroken even by the devastating war on Gaza.

Currently, after Inas Skaik (the founder) was unable to return to Gaza following a training course abroad, and after the centre and workshop were completely destroyed, with many team members martyred, and loved ones, homes, dreams, and lives lost, Sabaya’s Team determination only grew stronger.

They held fast to their mission, rising like a phoenix from the ashes, shaking the dust off their homes, threads, and fabrics, and holding onto each other through the pain.

Today, “Sabaya Embroideries” continues its legacy with a smaller but equally dedicated team of 20 to 25 women. All have relocated their production to the West Bank and Sinai, ensuring a steady income for their artisans. 

Each hand-embroidered piece from “Sabaya,” carries more than stitches. It carries resilience, love, and the breath of a thousand ancestors. And as the needle dances, so do their hopes—unyielding, unbreakable.

Your purchase supports Gaza’s wounded people and uplifts families. As all proceeds go to support the people of Gaza, offering relief and aid to those in need.