Since Orna and Isaac Levy founded Yvel in 1986, the spirit of “giving back” has been at the heart of the company. Isaac’s challenging childhood experience as a young new immigrant inspired the Levys to seek ways to help other newcomers succeed in building new lives. The couple is proud that today over %90 of Yvel’s more than 100 employees are immigrants hailing from 23 countries.

In 2010, the Levys furthered their commitment to the immigrant population, in particular to Israel’s especially vulnerable Ethiopian community. They established the philanthropic Megemeria School of Jewelry & Art to provide professional training and employment opportunities to Ethiopian immigrants to facilitate their integration into Israeli society as proud and contributing citizens. Meaning “Genesis” in Amharic (the native language of Ethiopia), Megemeria offers its students the opportunity for a bright new beginning in life.

Under the watchful eye of the Levys, Megemeria blossomed into an independent social business, the first of its kind in Israel. Graduates of the school are employed to design and create a jewelry collection inspired by their personal journeys of longing and renewal. The compelling Megemeria Collection fuses tradition with modernity and meaning with beauty. All proceeds from sales benefit the school and social business, ensuring that Megemeria continues to cultivate positive social change.

The life, culture, story and journey of Ethiopian Jewry come to life in the Megemeria Craft Center. Indulge your senses with the music, smells and sights of a far-away Ethiopian village in a unique experience of tradition and faith. Explore traditional works of art and jewelry and enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony.