Cleveland (November 10, 2009) Inspired by the entrepreneurial and community spirit of brothers Abrahem and Sameh Malkieh in starting up a new import grocery in her diverse neighborhood, writer and teaching artist Susan Weber decided to try her hand as a citizen journalist.  

She was encouraged by the staff of the Heights Observer to submit a story about the U.S. Jerusalem Imports and Farmers Market.  The publication's mission is to create an electronic and printed commons that strengthens the communities of Cleveland Heights and University Heights.

Well prepared by the Observer’s style guide and citizen journalism links, Weber interviewed owners, customers and even a strolling neighbor who had recently discovered the store’s broad selection.  She photographed the store and its owners to accompany the article.

The Malkieh brothers reported back that after the article’s publication, many new customers arrived mentioning Weber’s story as their first introduction to the import grocery.

The article's online posting may be found at: Heights welcomes international grocery store.

Photo credit Susan Weber