Israeli Designs: From Tel Aviv Via the Web

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
If you can’t go shopping on Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Street, Coolil (as in Cool Israel) may be the next best thing.
The recently launched Web site features the wares of 10 Israeli jewelry and leather goods designers. There are tote bags by Efika, clutches by Daniella Lehavi, and etched silver and gold necklaces by Augusta. Many of the labels have had little or no prior exposure stateside.
Jewish-themed gifts on Coolil range from leather-bound books of tehilim, bracelets inscribed with the Shema prayer, and various Hamsa and Star of David necklaces. Diaper bags by Heidi and plush toys by Manuella are also available on the site.
Coolil is the brainchild of Israeli Eran Shor. When Shor moved to New York three years ago, he found himself receiving frequent compliments about the clothing and accessories he had brought with him from Israel. So he made it his mission to bring Israeli designs to the American market — and Coolil was born.
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
We hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, we’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s independent Jewish news. All donations are still being matched by the Forward Board - up to $100,000 until April 24.
This is a moment of great uncertainty for the news media, for the Jewish people, and for our sacred democracy. It is a time of confusion and declining trust in public institutions. An era in which we need humans to report facts, conduct investigations that hold power to account, tell stories that matter and share honest discourse on all that divides us.
With no paywall or subscriptions, the Forward is entirely supported by readers like you. Every dollar you give is invested in the future of the Forward — and telling the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
The Forward doesn’t rely on funding from institutions like governments or your local Jewish federation. There are thousands of readers like you who give us $18 or $36 or $100 each month or year.

