Arab Women's Union, Bethlehem

The AWU is a non-profit charitable, social, and cultural society, founded in Bethlehem in 1947. It began as a care center for refugees of the first Arab-Israeli war. In 1968, the Union began its embroidery project to address the deteriorating conditions caused by the Israeli occupation. Its goals were to provide financial assistance to women and also to preserve the region's traditional embroidery and weaving practices. The Union produces items that feature traditional patterns and motifs from Bethlehem, such as stars and vines.

Women are given work to do, which they take home and bring back when they have finished. They are paid for their work, and then given more work to do depending on the demand at the time. This organization is aimed at empowering women through promoting the traditional embroidery and weaving techniques of the region.