In Bethlehem, the sound of chisels shaping olive wood has echoed through workshops for generations. What began as small family crafts gradually formed the backbone of a local industry that still supports many artisans today. Gloria Investment is part of that story, connecting traditional craftsmanship with international interior markets while guiding the material into new design directions.
For the company, olive wood is more than a product. It represents heritage, collaboration and continuity. As Gloria Investment expands its collections and international presence, the goal remains clear: preserve the craft while allowing it to evolve.
© Gloria Investment Hanna Helal, owner (left), and Bissan Kassis, sales representative, at their stand at Ambiente
Story carved in olive wood
The origins of Gloria Investment go back more than five decades. What started as a small workshop slowly grew into a structured export business working with artisans across Bethlehem.
'Gloria Investment traces its roots back to 1973, when it began as a small workshop dedicated to sculpting olive wood in Bethlehem,' explains Sales Representative Bisan Kassis. 'What started as a single artisan's craft gradually grew into one of the largest olive wood wholesale companies in the district.'
Over time, the company built a network of local workshops and craftspeople. 'Today, we collaborate with approximately 65 workshops and independent artisans,' she says. 'From the beginning, our foundation has been built on craftsmanship, continuity and fair collaboration.'
The work is closely tied to the local community. 'Olive wood carving remains the largest employment sector in Bethlehem,' she adds. 'Our partnerships are long term and built on mutual respect.'
© Gloria InvestmentGloria Investment's 2026 collection
Design shaped by heritage
At the centre of Gloria Investment's work is a simple design principle. 'Our design philosophy can be summarised as heritage with evolution,' Bisan explains. 'Olive wood is not just a raw material for us. It represents history and identity.'
The natural character of the wood is always visible in the final design. 'We believe the natural grain and warmth of olive wood should remain visible and respected in every design,' she says.
At the same time, the company recognises that design must move forward. 'Design must evolve to remain relevant,' she notes. 'Our approach is to modernise thoughtfully, introducing complementary materials and contemporary forms while preserving authenticity.'
For Gloria Investment, innovation is meant to support tradition rather than replace it. 'Innovation should enhance tradition, not replace it,' she adds.
© InteriorDailyThe Bethlehem crystal globe, with a detailed replica of the city inside
Introducing a new mixed material collection
That balance between heritage and development is especially visible in the company's upcoming 2026 collection.
'The 2026 collection represents a significant evolution for us,' Bisan says. 'While olive wood remains the core material, we have introduced carefully integrated elements such as coloured glass and handmade polymer clay figurines intertwined with olive wood designs.'
The additions create new visual layers while keeping the original material central. 'The coloured glass brings colour, light reflection and contemporary character to the natural warmth of olive wood,' she explains. 'The polymer clay figurines are handmade and detailed, which adds personality to the pieces.'
Despite the new materials, the intention is not to move away from tradition. 'Importantly, this is not a departure from tradition, it is a structured modernisation,' she says.
© Gloria InvestmentGloria Investment's 2026 collection
Protecting a living craft
Looking ahead, Gloria Investment plans to continue building on both sides of its identity: craftsmanship and development.
'In the coming year we will expand the mixed material collection, develop more exclusive designs for key partners and strengthen our customisation capabilities,' she says. 'We also want to deepen our presence in European and international markets.'
For the team, the purpose goes beyond growth. The craft itself remains at the centre. 'Olive wood carving in Bethlehem is not simply a business,' she reflects. 'It is a living heritage passed down through generations.'
That idea continues to guide the company's direction. 'By responsibly modernising design, we are helping ensure that this craft remains economically viable for the next generation of artisans,' Bisan concludes. 'Sustainability for us is not only environmental, it is also cultural and social.'
More information:
Gloria Investments
235 Shepherds Field Beit Sahour,
Bethlehem
[email protected]
www.gloriainv.net
+970 5989 44136
Palestine
