Rabbits Help Hassan’s Family to Thrive
Note: this story reflects program activities for the period ending September 30, 2023, before the “hostilities” and “conflicts” became war on October 7. Our hearts are always with the children, women, elders and innocent civilians in Palestine and Israel.
Raising rabbits has been a lifeline to Hassan, his ailing wife and their six children. The blockade which prevents movement into and out of Gaza has caused enormous privation and difficulty for residents. Formerly engaged in farming, Hassan had been unable to find work of any kind.
Hassan turned to local partner Al-Najd for support, hoping to find a sustainable solution to his family’s dire situation. His was among 40 new families selected during the January-September reporting period to raise rabbits for food & income. They received animals, hutches, fodder, training, veterinary care, and ongoing support and follow-up visits by Al-Najd staff. The goal is to strengthen households’ capacity to cope with and adapt to human-made and natural shocks.
This has been more than just a glimmer of hope for Hassan’s family. It’s a pathway to transformation that has had a positive impact on their lives. He’s been able to become self-reliant, provide for his family’s basic needs, and pay for his wife’s medical care and medication. And the children feel safer and more secure.
It’s important to note that, in successfully breeding and selling the rabbits, Hassan strengthens the community’s food-supply chain. And, thanks to the excellent training and careful follow-up by Al-Najd, and their own dedication and hard work, 37 of the 40 families have reported an increase in the availability of nutritious and healthy food.
As Hassan put it, “It is true when they say that something can happen to change your life for the better. This training and small business has been a life-changing opportunity for me and my family.”
Palestine Gaza Program
Led by Mennonite Central Committee and Local Partner Al-Najd