Ali, a Palestinian father who had been able to find only odd jobs, needed money. His family has lived frugally for a long while, due to the lack of construction projects. If it weren’t for the Israeli blockade, such projects would be much more plentiful.

Ali and his family had hoped the reconstruction of battered Gaza following Israel’s 2014 assault would assure him a good livelihood, at least for a few months. But very few construction materials have been allowed to enter, worsening the situation even more.

It occurred to Ali that selling some fireworks would earn him some money for the rest of the month. Yet he needed money to make money. Heavy with responsibilities, he rested his head on his arms on his old, small stool while he was leaning towards the dirty wall of the 9-square-meter living room. He raised his head when Lubna, his wife, tapped gently on his slumped shoulder. She quietly said, "Ask Ahmad for some money. He is a good childhood friend who would not say no to you." Ali smiled sadly and replied, "My father once told me that if you want to cut your relations with a good friend, go through financial issues with him." Lubna, who is no longer talkative, tapped again and whispered, "We have to." The sleeping children did not hear the parents' acute need, as their mother planned.

Reluctantly, Ali got up and headed to Ahmad. His feeling of humiliation made his voice low and hesitant. In accordance with Lubna's expectations, Ahmad granted the request and lent the burdened Ali $200. Ali promised to pay Ahmad back as soon as the next month started.

Ali went through with his plan and bought various kinds of fireworks that he expected to be high in demand during al-Eid, one of the two high religious holidays for Muslims. And indeed, the young man brightened as he sold his entire supply. He could afford to buy his kids the school supplies.

And then he ran out of money.

Ali and Lubna could not think of a way out except to ask Ahmad for a short extension on the loan. Unfortunately, Ahmad was in need for the money as well. He refused the extension and asked Ali to find a way to repay the loan. The month was over and Ali had to sell the only two armchairs in his house. But it was not quite enough.

While going to the market the next day, Ahmad happened to see Ali in a bookshop with lots of school supplies piled on the shop's counter. "He said he had no money!" Ahmad thought angrily. He rushed to the shop to vent his anger. Upon opening the door, he heard the salesman nearly shouting, "It's been two weeks. You can't return them!"

Ali caught sight of Ahmad and was silenced by his hopelessness. Ahmad's broken heart was mirrored on his face and he found himself saying, "You don't need to repay!" Ali's eyes widened and his shocked voice said, "But this is…"

"Yes," interrupted Ahmad. "This is how we fight the siege! This is how we survive!" And the friends hugged.

Ali walked home with a smile. A smile that died when he thought about the next month.

This story is fiction, but based on a reality I see around me. The World Bank reported in May that the economy of Gaza has reached the “verge of collapse,” with about 43 percent of the 1.8 million residents unemployed.​ However, the media never focuses on the social cooperation so common between Palestinians, especially in Gaza. You can rarely find a Gazan who has not been through some financial struggle resolved with the help of his/her family, relatives, friends or neighbors.

Mentor: Rachel Crum
Posted December 18, 2015