Israeli-Owned Factories in Uzbekistan Supply Jewish Ritual Garments for IDF

The fringes attached to the prayer shawl are tied only in Israel under rabbinical supervision.

By Shula Rosen

Israeli-owned textile operations in Uzbekistan are supplying Jewish ritual garments for Israel Defense Forces soldiers and Jewish communities worldwide, Ynet reported.

Uzbekistan, a Muslim-majority Central Asian state with expanding economic ties to Israel, is home to the factories, operated by Israeli businessman Shlomo Colombo.

The factories are located in industrial areas outside Tashkent and employ about 500 workers, including subcontractors, and produce fabric and finished garments such as a tallit (prayer shawl), a kippah and tzitzit (fringes attached to the tallit). which are later completed in Israel to comply with Jewish religious law.

The tzitzit, however, are tied only in Israel under rabbinical supervision.

Colombo, 39, who lives between Bnei Brak and Miami, told Ynet that Uzbekistan was chosen for its high-quality cotton production and industrial capacity, as well as for what he described as strong state protections for investors and a zero-tolerance policy toward antisemitism.

He said the factories operate with machinery imported from Italy and meet strict religious standards overseen by Haredi certification bodies, including supervision by Rabbi Shlomo Mahfoud and Rabbi Aryeh Levin.

Avraham Haim, who manages day-to-day operations between Uzbekistan and Israel, said demand rose sharply after Oct. 7, with production lines redirected to supply khaki tzitzit vests for regular IDF soldiers and white versions for reservists.

He said more than 1 million of them have been produced for soldiers since that date. When suppliers declined to sell certain materials intended for Israeli military use, he said alternative sourcing arrangements were secured.

Colombo said Uzbek authorities act quickly against antisemitic incidents, citing cases in which demonstrations were dispersed and individuals detained after targeting Israelis.

He said this enforcement has encouraged further investment.

The products are distributed not only in Israel but also to Jewish communities in the United States, Canada, Europe and South America.

Israel and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations in 1992. Economic cooperation has expanded in recent years, including increased labor exchanges following the outbreak of the Gaza war.