In Gaza’s Al Shujaiya neighborhood, a place that was completely destroyed in the 2014 war, 57-year-old Walid Al Hattab found his passion.
Pointing to a busy corner in the middle of the public market where people come to buy cheap vegetables, Walid remembers how the idea hit him four years ago.
"I was sitting there looking at my neighbours, both poor and rich and I decided to cook some Gresha (wheat groats) and distribute it to whoever walks by," he tells The National.
Walid noticed how many people came with empty pots to get free portions of what he had cooked.
Gaza has witnessed a severe worsening of the economic and humanitarian conditions for its 2 million people in recent years. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees reported that nearly 1.3 million in Gaza rely on food aid, and it is now subject to the coronavirus outbreak, albeit on a smaller scale because of severe Israeli travel restrictions.
Just like most people in Gaza, Walid seems to notice how the dire living conditions in the enclave affect the daily lives of its residents, especially during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
He says this is why he decided to make a habit of cooking Gresha for the poor families in his neighbourhood.
With an untrimmed beard and a jacket that barely protects him from the fire he lights up, Walid describes the traditional meal.
“It is very simple and I can make it at a low cost. The Gresha is basically dry grated wheat cooked with lamb meat and some spices.”
Walid realizes it may not be a fancy meal for some people, but it certainly fulfils the needs of those who can’t make ends meet in a coastal strip that has the highest levels of unemployment in the world.
“This pot I’m using contains enough Gresha to feed nearly 130 families,” Walid says, looking kindly at tens of people, children mostly, who have lined up with their empty pots waiting for the meal.
"It doesn't cost much; I mean it nearly costs 400-500 shekels (Dh420-520) to buy the ingredients for this meal," he continues. He pays for the food from donations known as zakat from within Gaza.
Large numbers of families in Gaza have been pushed deeper into poverty during the past 13 years due to Israel's crippling blockade, three wars between Hamas and Israel and, most recently, a new hidden enemy called Covid-19.
Life has become strenuous and mostly unbearable for the majority of the 2 million Palestinians locked into the tiny, impoverished territory.
“The situation was much better last year in Gaza; I can say that more people are coming here this year especially with this new coronavirus situation because of the economic implications,” Walid says.
“I’m also glad there are other people who do the same now,” he adds.
Walid also believes Gaza is still relatively safe compared to other countries as all of the confirmed cases of coronavirus are still quarantined, and therefore people can still come to grab a bowl of his hearty dish.
In the occupied West Bank and Gaza, just 353 cases have been announced, with two deaths.
Gaza cannot afford to leave these places open all year round, which is why the end of Ramadan in May will also be the end to these food handouts and the end to Walid’s Gresha.
But Walid remains upbeat that he can bring some relief to those in need during Ramadan.
“We thank God the virus has not spread in Gaza yet,” he says, a serious yet relieved smile drawn across his face.
WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS
England v New Zealand (Saturday, 12pm)
Wales v South Africa (Sunday, 1pm)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Spezia v Lazio (6pm), Juventus v Torino (9pm), Inter Milan v Bologna (7.45pm)
Sunday Verona v Cagliari (3.30pm), Parma v Benevento, AS Roma v Sassuolo, Udinese v Atalanta (all 6pm), Crotone v Napoli (9pm), Sampdoria v AC Milan (11.45pm)
Monday Fiorentina v Genoa (11.45pm)
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
The biog
Mission to Seafarers is one of the largest port-based welfare operators in the world.
It provided services to around 200 ports across 50 countries.
They also provide port chaplains to help them deliver professional welfare services.
Results:
5pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,200 metres
Winner: Jabalini, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Younis Kalbani (trainer)
5.30pm: UAE Arabian Derby (PA) | Prestige | Dh150,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Octave, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round 3 (PA) | Group 3 Dh300,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Harrab, Richard Mullen, Mohamed Ali
6.30pm: Emirates Championship (PA) | Group 1 | Dh1million | 2,200m
Winner: BF Mughader, Szczepan Mazur, Younis Al Kalbani
7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (TB) | Group 3 | Dh380,000 | 2,200m
Winner: GM Hopkins, Patrick Cosgrave, Jaber Ramadhan
7.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) | Conditions | Dh70,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF La’Asae, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
