Last year’s Israeli merchant fair in Irvine — the first stop in a three-month caravan — spoiled vendors with large crowds open pocketbooks and home-cooked meals.
Merchants are already clamoring for a reprise on May 23 as part of "O.C. Celebrates Israel," a communitywide event including entertainment, folk dancing, a fashion show and food on the playing field of Irvine’s Tarbut V’Torah Community Day School.
"One or two shows lived up to Orange County," said Jeb Brilliant, of Garden Grove, a volunteer who has since become a commercial coordinator for other venues seeking to host Israeli craftsmen.
The collapse in Israel tourism has hurt merchants, and Jewish communities around the United States have demonstrated support of Israel by turning social halls into faux souks. Yet, many events held in smaller Jewish communities, or are poorly marketed, yield vendors’ little profit, said Brilliant.
"When you consider our expenses, it’s very tough," said jewelrymaker Michael Vagner, 43, who absorbs his own travel costs and fees averaging $250 per event to participate. He is one of at least 40 vendors who will open for business temporarily in Irvine on May 23.
"Now we rely on these fairs," said Vagner, whose wife, Nurit, remains in Shohan, Israel, with their three children and produces silver and gold baubles from a home studio. "Our clients that came every year for Pesach, if they don’t come to us, we’re coming to them."
Organizers hope to again host vendors in their homes and drum up an estimated 5,000 customers. The Israel event is chaired by Mali Leitner and organized by volunteer leaders David Prihar, Charlene Zuckerman, Dassie Feingold, Alex Yospe and Rosa Yospe Dan Abir, Jena Kadar and Adrienne Stokols.
Volunteer opportunities are available by calling Hagit Partouche at the O.C. Jewish Federation, (714) 755-5555, ext. 240.
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