In the heart of Gaza City, amidst the devastation caused by ongoing conflict, the beloved Kazem Ice Cream Cafe has reopened its doors, offering a taste of normalcy and hope to residents eager for a respite from the turmoil.
As concerns mount over the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and inflammatory remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Gaza’s future, Gazans are finding solace in small but significant signs of life returning. Kazem, a cornerstone of Gaza’s culinary culture, has been serving generations for over 50 years, evolving from a modest shop into a symbol of Palestinian tradition and resilience.
“I was so eager to reopen the shop after I returned from the south,” said Iyad Abu Shaban, 33, one of Kazem’s owners. The cafe had closed when the Israel-Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, following a deadly Hamas-led attack that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 250. Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes and ground offensive have since claimed the lives of over 48,200 Palestinians and decimated much of Gaza.
Reopening the cafe was no easy feat. “It took about 10 days to prepare the shop again,” Abu Shaban explained, citing challenges such as sanitation issues, electricity shortages, water disruptions, and clearing rubble from the partially destroyed areas of the shop. “Running the shop now costs 500 shekels ($135) per hour just for solar power, and the price of ingredients has skyrocketed. What used to cost one shekel for a cup of barad now costs three.”
For many in Gaza, Kazem’s reopening represents more than a business reopening; it is a testament to the resilience of the people. Located in Gaza’s Al Rimal neighborhood, the cafe has become a landmark, drawing both local residents and visitors from outside the enclave. Its menu includes popular items like sahlab, a creamy cinnamon-flavored drink, and waffles.
“When I heard Kazem had reopened, I rushed to come,” said Ruba Abed Al Raheem, who had been displaced by the fighting and sought refuge in the south. Returning to Gaza City, she found her home destroyed, but took comfort in the familiar taste of the iced lemon drink, a signature item of Kazem. “Kazem is a foundation of Gaza’s essentials. Its reopening is a sign that Gaza, too, will come back. This is more than just a shop; it’s a symbol of hope that the rubble will not define us,” she said.
Soad Ibrahim, a fellow resident, was also overjoyed to find Kazem open. She walked 20 minutes from her home in the Al Nasr neighborhood to see it for herself. “I was surprised—it was really open! The place was full of people, all eager to taste their favorite drink after 15 months of war,” Ibrahim told The National. However, the walk through the now-ruined Al Rimal neighborhood left her reflective. “Everything is different now. We used to come here to enjoy our time. During Eid and Ramadan, this place was always full of people, laughter, and life,” she recalled.
Despite the devastation around her, Ibrahim had remained in the north throughout the conflict, avoiding the streets to escape the painful reminder of the destruction. Kazem’s reopening, however, provided a reason to step outside once more. “Kazem’s reopening was different. It was a reason to step outside,” she said.
Like many others, Ibrahim vowed to stay in Gaza City, no matter the challenges ahead. “Those who stayed and never left have taught us the true meaning of steadfastness,” she added.
One scoop of ice cream or one sip of barad at a time, Gazans are finding hope amid the destruction. “I am so happy that Gaza is waking up again. No external force can erase our city. We will stay here, and we will not leave,” Ibrahim said.
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