Maher Canawati is the current Mayor of the City of Bethlehem. He is from a Palestinian background with geographic ties to the Arab World. However, as a governing leader of a city, He finds faith in God through his roots in family, specifically through his father, and embraces the differences the Lord brings through different people. 

The history of the Canawati family is traced back to the early 17th century, when the family migrated from Antar Valley, which is located between Takowa and the Dead Sea, and settled in Bethlehem. After so many years of hard work, perhaps one of our best traits is the fact that we managed to maintain this business and pass it on from one generation to another and achieve a great deal of progress and success along the way.

In 1853, the Canawatis were in business. It was also the perfect time for practicing this trade, as more and more pilgrims were paying visits to the Holy Land and going back home with presents and souvenirs for their loved ones.

In the early nineteen thirties, the family began to import Mother of Pearl shells from the Gulf, and this natural product was used to make all types of crosses and small gifts for pilgrims. In 1978, the Three Arches received the Number One Business Award granted by the Ministry of Tourism at the time. And from then on, the company grew to become one of the most renowned and leading businesses in Bethlehem. In 1998, the family managed to establish a new sister company known as “the Bethlehem Logo”, which specializes in the production of commemorative gifts of the Millennium. In the same year, the company also introduced a line of Biblical perfumes.

Today, we take pride in our work and the products that we offer to our clients: We Have the widest selection of products, which include but are not limited to, traditional handicrafts, such as olive wood, Mother of Pearl and ceramics, a wide range of the finest gold, silver, pearl and diamond jewelry, along with our collection of ancient precious icons. All of our products are marked with the best prices on the market.

The Three Arches also specializes in jewelry design and manufacturing. Its team of selected designers and manufacturers work together to produce the most beautiful classical and modern designs. Throughout the years, the Three Arches managed to establish three branches for itself, Two large Shops in Bethlehem as its headquarter.