In 1963 an idealistic Moshe Levy immigrated from Argentina.
By AVIVA BAR-AMSpring in the Air 521(photo credit: Shmuel Bar-Am)
In 1963 an idealistic Moshe Levy immigrated from Argentina. Offered a partnership in a hot-dog factory, he sank all of his money into the business. Three months later his Israeli partner absconded with the company funds. The disaster took a huge emotional and financial toll on Levy. And as his son Isaac grew older, the boy vowed that some day he would find a way to ease the path for new immigrants.About a year and a half ago, that opportunity appeared. Isaac Levy’s flourishing Yvel jewelry business (Levy spelled backwards) moved to an attractive new structure in Motza, next to the deserted red restaurant – on the very plot that once housed the ill-fated hot-dog factory.Inside, new immigrants design jewelry for Yvel, which he exports to Neiman Marcus, Tiffany and 650 other retail stores on five continents. Together with the factory, Yvel operates a school for Ethiopians who receive a stipend while acquiring basic academic skills and becoming expert in jewelry design. With the official Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry certificates that students receive when they graduate, they can continue at Yvel or get a job on the outside.Visitors to Yvel stroll through a beautiful entrance sprinkled with precious gems, watch two excellent short films, and take a tour of the premises. These include a lovely showroom where, along with the expensive items on display, are less pricey designs produced by students at Yvel.An adjacent showroom and wine shop are located in a stunningly restored 19th-century building that originally served as an inn for Jewish pilgrims. To visit Yvel, make arrangements with Yaniv: (02) 673-5811.
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