In Gaza, where energy is scarce, a Palestinian tailor named Raad Saad has devised a method to keep his sewing machine operational amidst the turmoil of war. Utilizing a bicycle and assistance from his children, Saad powers his sewing machine in the remnants of his factory while the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues.
Ten months into the war, which has led to severe fuel shortages and exorbitant costs for alternative energy sources, Saad found hope in the bicycle. Prior to the war, Saad managed a factory and employed 20 workers. He reminisced, 'I used to import and export every day.'
Saad's factory and home, located in the same building, were damaged by Israeli shelling and airstrikes. He salvaged a small section of the building to continue his work. He constructed a bicycle-powered sewing machine using bricks and fabric. His 13-year-old son, Issa, pedals while Saad sews.
'There is no money. This is why we came up with the alternative way, using small batteries and LED and we are moving forward,' Saad explained. Like many of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians, Saad has been displaced four times during the war.
In addition to seeking refuge from the bombing, Palestinians face a humanitarian crisis marked by severe shortages of power, fuel, water, and medicine. The war in Gaza began after Hamas breached the border fence and attacked southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Israel retaliated with an offensive that, according to Gaza authorities, killed more than 39,600 Palestinians and devastated much of Gaza.
'We started our new journey using new solutions,' Saad stated.
