Albuquerque-based paper company sending supplies to Israel

Ryan Boetel, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

Oct. 13—Paper from Albuquerque-based Takach Paper International is often shipped around the world to be used by experienced artists, print makers and universities seeking high-quality paper.

A large supply of the the luxury paper is in boxes with finger paints and crayons and is on its way to a war zone.

David Takach, the owner of Takach Paper International, and his fiancee, Dena Falken, the owner of Legal-Ease International, partnered together to send paper and art supplies to Israel, where schools have been shut down after the country was attacked by Hamas militants earlier this month — thrusting Israel and the region into fear and chaos.

"Art is not merely a form of expression but also a potent instrument for healing, a release from trauma, and a silent voice amidst chaos," Takach said in a prepared statement. "Our papers have traversed the world, and we are hopeful that, in these difficult times, they will serve as canvases of hope, dreams, and respite for the young and old alike in Israel."

Falken, a lawyer, operates a business where she does legal seminars for attorneys in other countries who want to learn the nuisances of "legal English," as arbitration and contracts are often done in English as opposed to the lawyers' native language.

Falken and Takach share a mutual client in Israel, who directed the business owners to a place that would be appreciative of the donation.

The couple decided to send their support after having a visceral reaction to the news.

"It was stunningly shocking. I'm done with it. I can't watch TV anymore. I get really, really depressed," Falken said. "But we knew we had this unique opportunity to do something because we knew the kids weren't going to school. So what are the kids going to do all day long? Art is healing."

The art packages are on their way to a kibbutz that is hosting children from two communities that were evacuated after attacks left many people in their communities dead. A kibbutz is an Israeli community often associated with agriculture.

The Associated Press reported on Friday that at least 2,800 people on both sides since Hamas launched a surprise and unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

Many children and families have been displaced as a result of the violence.

Falken said that their art packages have enough supplies for about 500 people to work.

"A lot of art is done in war time," she said.