Elisheva Levy, Jerusalem’s fairy godmother

Elisheva Levy, owner of Kumkum Tea House in Jerusalem, has cultivated an environment that transcends the traditional café experience, functioning more like a home for her patrons. Originally from Manchester, UK, Levy immigrated to Israel nearly four decades ago. After a diverse career, she opened Kumkum in 2021 with the goal of creating a space for slow-paced interaction and community. The café has become a hub for students, retirees, artists, and immigrants. Following the events of October 7, 2023, Levy kept the café open, providing a space for grieving families and others to gather and find support. Amidst the British-style décor, memorial stickers for fallen Israeli soldiers serve as a poignant reminder of the café's place within the broader context of Israeli society.