Avraham Ben SHalom

Founder

Avi has been an avid lover of the outdoors since childhood when his father would take him camping and hiking in the mountains. His father was an avid outdoorsman who spent countless hours in the outdoors by himself and with Avi. This priceless time with his father was always precious to him

​It was this same inspiration from his father that later led him to enlist into the U.S. Marine Corps. Avi served in the infantry with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines at Twentynine Palms, CA. He carried the M203 and was an excellent rifleman having been awarded expert throughout his whole time in the Marine Corps. 

Being stationed in Twentynine Palms in the middle of the Mojave desert introduced him to training in the desert. However, it was during his deployment to Kuwait that showed him how harsh the desert could be with temperatures reaching 135 degrees Fahrenheit during Desert Warfare Training.  During his deployment to Okinawa, Japan, he trained in Jungle Warfare experiencing the many challenges of the jungle. He also did Mountain Warfare Training in Bridgeport, CA where he learned about the many challenges of the mountains and adjusting to the elevation.

Avi thrived in the Marines and learned everything he could. And one thing that was evident was how important good, quality gear is. 
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"When push comes to shove, you want your gear to be durable, reliable and get's the job done no matter how harsh the conditions are. And, most importantly, if you know how to use your gear properly, it will make you well-equipped to survive any situation that you come up against in the outdoors." 

Another thing he realized is that in the military, we know how to survive collectively but not necessarily individually. He also saw how bushcraft skills were a lost art and something people need to know. Most people want to charge you for that knowledgeThat wasn't really focused on so he decided he wanted to provide free education and training for everyone to learn. 

He knew the skills training he received made him a good rifleman and infantryman in the field, but without the right gear and equipment, you won't be able to succeed like you need to. "Grunts know good gear and training is the key to having success in the field. Outside of the military there is so much gear out there that is just junk. Why waste money and time on junk? I wouldn't nor would I want anyone else to go out and have their gear break down on them either!" At Maccabbee Bushcraft, our desire is to give our customers the gear, the tools and the knowledge to be successful in the outdoors." 

Throughout Avi's journey in the Marine Corps and in learning bushcraft skills throughout his life, so many people were not willing to help. This is how Maccabbee Bushcraft & Outdoor Gear was born. With a desire to help others, Avi decided to take all he has learned and provide it for free here.  And then provide good quality gear so that when people buy something from us, they will know that they are getting their money's worth and that it will last! 

​​Avi has been happily married to his wife, Tzviah, whom he met and married in the Marine Corps, for 27 years. they have raised 8 beautiful children together and are foxhole buddies for life!

Together they are the Maccabbee Bushcraft team taking all their military training and experience to bring the best, practical gear and tools for the outdoors in one place. When they are not working, they are enjoying making their own outdoor adventures with their family.