Zigreda

From Dream

Zigreda immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia in 2002, and for years worked as a cleaner before discovering a different path. Eight years ago, she joined Megemeria and spent a year learning goldsmithing — crafting necklaces, pendants, and bracelets entirely by hand. Today, she is Megemeria's production manager.

Working in jewelry brought her joy and dignity she hadn't known before. At Megemeria, colleagues became close friends, and together they built what she describes as one happy family. Seeing people wear pieces she created — recognizing her work on someone's neck or wrist — moves her deeply every time.

For Zigreda, the Star of David holds special meaning. "We prayed to come to Israel, and when we finally arrived, we received the Star of David as a symbol of our journey," she says. It represents everything the Ethiopian community dreamed of — and the joy of knowing they are finally here.

Zahi

From student

Born in 1983 in a small Ethiopian mountain village, Zahi grew up carrying his family's generations-old dream of reaching Jerusalem. In the late 1980s, his family left everything behind and made the long, dangerous journey to Israel — arriving in 1990.Adapting to a new country was not easy. After army service, Zahi dedicated himself to community work, creating programs for young Ethiopian Israelis at risk. His father's words guided him: "Today's flowers are tomorrow's fruits."Three years ago, that calling brought him to Megemeria. Today, Zahi channels his entire journey into empowering new immigrants through jewelry, ensuring that every student who walks through Megemeria's doors carries their own dream a little closer to reality.

Demoze

From Dream

Born in Gondar, Ethiopia, Demoze dreamed of one day returning to Israel. After six years in an immigration preparation camp with his family, he fulfilled that dream in 2002, at the age of 28.Back in Ethiopia, he worked in agriculture, and in Israel he first found work in a bakery. But everything changed in 2010, when he discovered an ad for Megemeria’s first jewelry course. For the first time, he was introduced to the world of jewelry design and he instantly fell in love.Over two years of study, Demoze refined his skills, received a living stipend and Hebrew lessons, and began shaping his new path as a jeweler. After completing his studies, he joined the Megemeria team and later became part of Yvel, where he advanced to become a professional jewelry model maker. “I wake up every morning with a smile. It’s a demanding profession, but one filled with joy,” he says.

Ayehu

From student

In 2007, after years of dreaming, Ayehu, along with her husband and two children, finally immigrated to Israel. Despite the excitement, adjusting to life at the reception center was challenging.Three years later, Ayehu was given an opportunity that would change her life: enrolling in the first-ever Megemeria goldsmith training class. Upon graduation, she was gifted a Star of David necklace, a symbol of joy and achievement.Ayehu’s journey didn’t stop there. She went on to become one of Megemeria’s leading designers, creating the Emunah Necklace a symbol of belief and the fulfillment of her dreams.

Asneka

From Dream

In 2007, after years of dreaming, Ayehu, along with her husband and two children, finally immigrated to Israel. Despite the excitement, adjusting to life at the reception center was challenging.Three years later, Ayehu was given an opportunity that would change her life: enrolling in the first-ever Megemeria goldsmith training class. Upon graduation, she was gifted a Star of David necklace, a symbol of joy and achievement.Ayehu’s journey didn’t stop there. She went on to become one of Megemeria’s leading designers, creating the Emunah Necklace a symbol of belief and the fulfillment of her dreams.