From Noya To Syria, With Love

Natalie Toraty is a Jewish Israeli, of Iranian descent.

She came to the US in 2004, to work as a diamond buyer. A single mom with 2 kids, she moved to Westport 5 years ago. “It’s a beautiful town,” Natalie says.

Following the American Dream, she wanted to be her own boss. She quit her job, used most of her savings, and last September opened Noya Fine Jewelry at 18 Riverside Avenue. It’s a fine place, but like any local business it’s had its struggles.

But that hasn’t stopped Natalie from giving back.

In the aftermath of President Trump’s ban on Muslims from 7 countries, she and a few employees were talking.

They remarked that this is Valentine’s season. But they did not see any love.

So they came up with a lovely idea. Noya Fine Jewelry will contribute a percentage of proceeds generated from its Valentine’s Day Kabana trunk show  — and throughout the entire month — to Amaliah. The Israeli-American organization provides medical care and relief to Syrian refugee families, and supports projects creating safe, secure zones in that war-torn land.

The refugee crisis is very personal. The mother and sister of a designer who works closely with Natalie have been stuck in Damascus for a long time.

Natalie and her team have changed Noya’s tagline — “Just for You” — into the deeper, more substantive “Just for Them.” The window displays that message in 4 languages.

It’s a call, Natalie says, for the community to come together, share love, and support refugees.

Reaction has been powerful. Customers have appreciated what Noya is doing.

A special “Share the Love” event takes place this Saturday (February 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Noya Fine Jewelry, 18 Riverside Avenue. But you can stop in any time all month long, to help Amaliah.