Samy from Gaza plants seeds of hope for a future of peace

Together with partner organizations, Oxfam supports people to improve their ability to grow food in Gaza.

Samy started growing his own vegetables to feed his family. Eventually, he harvested enough vegetables to feed 20 families. In addition, he was able to sell the leftover chili and peppers at the market and with the money he earned, Samy bought medicine and more seeds. Here Samy tells his story:

"There is no food or water. The borders are closed. There are no basic necessities for survival. Starvation is widespread. We haven't died from the missiles, but will we die from hunger?"

Photo: Alef Multimedia Company/ Oxfam

"My son got sick. I didn't know what to give him to eat. I contacted my brother who is a doctor. I told him that my son is sick; he has difficulty peeing and is very thin. My brother said, 'give your child any vegetables, start growing'. I started planting chard, parsley and arugula in front of my house. I asked my neighbors, well anyone with experience, what should I do? I fetched water from a distant area and watered the plants. They grew. I cooked for my son and slowly he started to feel better."

Through his farming project, Samy not only plants seeds that become vegetables that feed people and generate income. He also plants seeds with the hope of a future in peace, as he hopes to continue farming even after the war is over.

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