Wassim Razzouk

When Wassim Razzouk began tattooing in 2007, the future of the Razzouk family tradition was uncertain.

At the time, no one from the 27th generation intended to continue the business, placing a centuries-old lineage at risk of coming to an end. It was through the persistence of his father, Anton, that Wassim eventually decided to carry the torch forward and preserve a tradition that had already survived for hundreds of years.

Once he committed to continuing the family craft, Wassim approached it with a clear vision: preserve the soul of the tradition while elevating it to modern professional standards.

Learning directly from his father in the same way generations before him had learned, Wassim quickly found himself thrown into the reality of the craft during Easter season in 2007, when he tattooed 25 pilgrims in a single session as some of his very first clients. The experience became both an initiation and a turning point.

He first worked alongside his father in the family’s shop near Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City before later moving operations into Jacob Razzouk’s former studio on Christian Quarter Road. In 2016, Wassim opened the current studio that continues to serve as the home of Razzouk Tattoo today.

Wassim played a major role in transforming the family business from a historic local tradition into an internationally recognized name.

Through modern branding, media exposure, online presence, merchandise, and global outreach, the Razzouk name began reaching audiences far beyond Jerusalem. Under his leadership, receiving a Razzouk tattoo became not only a spiritual or traditional experience, but also a globally recognized cultural one.

One of Wassim’s most impactful decisions was placing renewed emphasis on the family’s historic wooden stamp designs. What had once primarily served as tattoo references evolved into a defining symbol of the brand itself. Pilgrims and visitors began purchasing reproductions of the stamps, keychains, and other items inspired by the original blocks, carrying pieces of the tradition home with them.

Wassim also understood early the importance of storytelling.

By embracing interviews, documentaries, articles, and media opportunities—from major international outlets to independent creators—he helped share the Razzouk story across the world. Over the years, the family tradition has been featured by organizations such as CNN, BBC, Forbes, and many others.

Another major innovation under Wassim’s leadership was the creation of the Razzouk Ambassador program.

Through this initiative, selected tattoo artists from around the world are invited to work alongside the family in Jerusalem, learning the history, atmosphere, and techniques connected to the tradition firsthand. After completing their training, they are certified to tattoo clients in their home countries using official reproductions of the original Razzouk stamp designs—allowing people who may never travel to Jerusalem to still connect with the tradition in an authentic way.

Today, Wassim continues to lead the business while training the next generation: his sons, Anton Razzouk and Nizar Razzouk.

Having helped rebuild and modernize the family business for the modern era, Wassim has positioned the next generation to continue carrying forward one of the oldest continuous tattoo traditions in the world.