Meet the Founders: The Heart and Vision Behind Shuk to the Core
Every successful venture has a story—and at the heart of Shuk to the Core is a story of passion, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to support Israeli vendors and artisans. Founded by Stuart Katz and Daniel Rothner, Shuk to the Core was born out of a deep love for Israel and a desire to make a real, positive impact on the lives of those affected by difficult times. Here’s a look at the people behind this initiative and the vision that drives them.
Who Are the Founders?
Stuart Katz and Daniel Rothner are the co-founders of Shuk to the Core, and together, they bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and determination to this project. Both men have long-standing ties to Israel and have been actively involved in various philanthropic and community-building efforts. But Shuk to the Core is different—it’s a project that allows them to directly support Israeli vendors in a tangible, impactful way, especially during challenging periods.
Stuart Katz: A Life Committed to Israel and Community
Stuart Katz has been passionate about Israel for as long as he can remember. With a background in business and community service, Stuart has spent much of his life working to create meaningful connections between Israel and the global Jewish community. His career has spanned multiple industries, including tourism and healthcare, where he’s known for his focus on building relationships and making a difference.
Stuart’s commitment to Shuk to the Core is driven by his belief that everyone has a role to play in supporting Israel, especially in times of need. He understands that the Israeli economy is deeply interconnected and that supporting a single artisan or vendor can have a powerful ripple effect. By connecting North American communities with Israeli vendors, Stuart hopes to foster both financial stability and personal connections that uplift everyone involved.
To Stuart, Shuk to the Core is more than just a market; it’s a bridge. It’s a way for people abroad to connect directly with the resilience, creativity, and spirit of Israel, while making a real difference in the lives of artisans, store owners, and their families.
Daniel Rothner: Building Bridges Through Cultural Exchange
Daniel Rothner shares Stuart’s passion for Israel and has dedicated much of his life to supporting Jewish causes. Daniel’s background is in Jewish education and community building, and he has founded several successful initiatives that focus on strengthening Jewish identity and engagement. His work is rooted in the belief that creating connections between people is one of the most powerful ways to foster understanding, empathy, and support.
For Daniel, Shuk to the Core represents the power of community. He sees it as an opportunity not only to support Israeli vendors financially but also to bridge cultural gaps and bring people together. Daniel believes that each Shuk to the Core event is a chance for attendees to experience the richness of Israeli culture, hear stories directly from the people who create these unique products, and forge personal connections that last far beyond the event itself.
Daniel’s vision for Shuk to the Core is to build a network of communities that support Israeli artisans and small business owners while deepening their own cultural understanding and connection to Israel. To him, each event is a meaningful act of solidarity, showing Israeli vendors that they are not alone and that people around the world care about their success.
How Shuk to the Core Began
Shuk to the Core was first launched in 2002 as a small initiative to help Israeli vendors during a challenging time. Initially, it was a grassroots effort, a way to provide direct financial support to those whose livelihoods were impacted by periods of conflict. But the response was overwhelming, and it quickly became clear that this was something powerful—a movement that went beyond simple transactions and evolved into a shared mission of cultural exchange and community support.
The initiative was revived again in 2014 during Operation Protective Edge, when the need for support once again became urgent. Now, in the face of new challenges, Shuk to the Core has returned, with Stuart and Daniel leading the way. They didn’t expect to be organizing a third round of events, but as Stuart and Daniel both say, “When our community is in need, we step up.”
Today, Shuk to the Core has grown into a series of events that span multiple cities across North America, with each event attracting hundreds of attendees who come to experience a piece of Israel and support its people. Stuart and Daniel remain at the center of this effort, working tirelessly to make each event a success and to ensure that vendors receive the full support of the community.
The Vision: A Lasting Impact on Israeli Artisans and Communities
Stuart and Daniel have a clear vision for the future of Shuk to the Core. They see it as a sustainable, long-term effort that continues to support Israeli vendors, whether during times of crisis or peace. Their goal is to create an ongoing platform where Israeli artisans and vendors can connect with international markets, build relationships, and receive the support they need to thrive.
But their vision goes beyond financial support. Stuart and Daniel believe that Shuk to the Core has the power to strengthen ties between Israel and the global Jewish community, creating a mutual appreciation for culture, craftsmanship, and resilience. They hope that each event serves as a reminder that Israel’s culture and creativity are worth celebrating—and that by standing together, we can create a brighter future for everyone involved.
Why Their Mission Matters Now More Than Ever
The current round of Shuk to the Core events is taking place during a particularly difficult time for Israel. Vendors are facing economic uncertainty, and the need for international support is greater than ever. Stuart and Daniel recognize the urgency of this moment and are dedicated to bringing these events to as many communities as possible. They know that each purchase makes a difference—not only for the vendors but for their employees, their families, and their communities. Shuk to the Core is responsible for the livelihoods of over 1,000 individuals, each one benefiting from the ripple effect of community support.
By attending a Shuk to the Core event, you’re supporting a mission that goes far beyond one vendor or one artisan. You’re contributing to a movement that’s about solidarity, resilience, and the power of community. Stuart and Daniel invite you to join them in this journey, to meet the vendors, hear their stories, and take home something meaningful that supports Israeli families and preserves their heritage.
Join Us in Supporting Stuart and Daniel’s Vision
If you’re ready to be part of Shuk to the Core and help Stuart and Daniel achieve their mission, we invite you to attend an upcoming event. Check our Upcoming Dates page to find a location near you, bring friends and family, and experience firsthand the impact that each purchase can make.
Stuart and Daniel’s vision is simple yet powerful: to create a community of support for Israeli artisans and vendors, one that transcends borders and fosters lasting connections. By joining them at Shuk to the Core, you’re not just shopping—you’re becoming part of a movement that celebrates Israeli culture and strengthens communities. Together, let’s make a difference, one event, one purchase, and one connection at a time.
