Bilal Abu Khalaf, the fabric merchant of Jerusalem
Bilal Abu Khalaf, a third-generation fabric merchant in Jerusalem's Old City, runs a shop in the Muristan market that serves as a meeting point for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. His family traces its roots to Kurdish soldiers who came with Saladin. The store stocks Syrian silk, fabrics for church vestments, materials for Haredi Jews, and traditional Palestinian dresses. Abu Khalaf sees the shop as a place to foster interfaith connection. Clientele includes clergy, religious Jews, and Muslim families. The shop has supplied fabric for Pope Benedict XVI, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, and Steven Tyler. A glass panel in the floor reveals remains of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Tourism has declined since the pandemic and the war, and Abu Khalaf expresses a need for visitors. The article is a feature profile emphasizing interfaith coexistence and the merchant's personal story.
Bilal Abu Khalaf is a third-generation fabric merchant in Jerusalem's Old City, running a shop in the Muristan market near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. His family traces its roots to Kurdish soldiers who came with Saladin. After studying political science in Cairo, he joined the family business. The store stocks Syrian silk woven with 14-karat gold, fabrics for church vestments, materials for Haredi Jewish customers, and traditional Palestinian dresses. Abu Khalaf sees the shop as a place to connect Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Clientele includes clergy, religious Jews, and Muslim families. The shop has supplied fabric for Pope Benedict XVI, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, and Steven Tyler. A glass panel in the floor reveals remains of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, uncovered during renovations. Tourism has declined since the pandemic and the war, and Abu Khalaf expresses a need for visitors. He recounts a humorous exchange with Jewish visitors about trains between Israel and Syria, referencing Ahmed al-Sharaa. The article is a feature profile emphasizing interfaith connection and the merchant's personal story.