Gazan comes out of the woodwork

Saleem Al-Madhoun was an ambitious and successful furniture maker, but after the deterioration of the economic situation in the Gaza Strip, he resorted to the antique industry and making models, mainly wooden cars, which are used to decorate homes and offices, as well as wooden pens.

His business began when Saleem decided to create a train he had been dreaming about since his youth. Now however he makes classic cars.

The pieces take many hours and require detailed work and skills; however it’s something he can only do when his workshop has electricity.

Electricity cuts in the Gaza Strip are not the only issues which limit his work, Saleem also struggles to find the wood he needs for his creations.

In addition to this, the economic conditions in Gaza mean there is no market for Saleem’s creations in Gaza and he is unable to cover his costs of approximately $100 when he sells them in the besieged enclave. Instead, he has to resort to the difficult measures to send the items to the occupied West Bank where tourists are able to see and purchase them.