YVEL MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 Apr. 2014 | Page 24

22 Masada Wearing Megemeria As a part of Orna and Isaac Levy’s shared commitment, together with Mr. Stef Wertheimer, to assist Israel’s Ethiopian community and the graduates of the Megemeria School, the two parties have joined together to launch the first Megemeria boutique in Israel. The boutique will present the unique ethnic jewelry collections of the Megemeria School graduates. Masada is a rugged natural fortress, of majestic beauty, in the Judaean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It is a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, in 73 A.D. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, (reigned 37 – 4 B.C.). The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day. The goal of the Megemeria boutique is to help the graduates sell and promote their creations and secure their financial future. All proceeds from jewelry sales will be channeled back to the Megemeria company to fund and ensure the ongoing operation of the school. The first Megemeria boutique was symbolically established at Masada. This historical site represents the courage and conviction of the people of Israel to maintain their spirit of freedom and justice. The Levy’s, along with Mr. Wertheimer, could not find a better location to express this same determination as characterized by Israel’s needy, yet proud and determined new immigrant community.