Gaza City – Meet Jameel al-Karoubi, a man who has taken it upon himself to make sure the people of Gaza have access to clean drinking water amidst the ongoing conflict. Every day, Jameel wakes up before sunrise, takes care of his family’s needs, and heads out with his trusty donkey, Almond, to distribute water to his neighbors in Gaza.
Jameel used to sell vegetables from his cart before the war started. However, since the bombardment began, he and Almond have redirected their efforts to make a positive impact on as many people as possible. A few years ago, Jameel inherited a well after his father’s passing. Now, before attending to his family’s water needs, he fills two large tanks and walks around the neighborhood, offering to refill his neighbors’ gallon tanks and water bags.
Living with his mother, wife, and four children, Jameel’s well provides enough water to keep his neighbors from going thirsty, especially after Israeli forces cut water and electricity supplies to the enclave more than a week ago. Despite his own family’s limited resources, Jameel refuses to accept any money for the water he provides. He believes in standing together as a community and believes it’s his duty to help his people.
Jameel’s generosity and selflessness have earned him great respect and admiration from his neighbors. They acknowledge that if it weren’t for him, they would be left without access to clean water. Many have tried to seek aid from organizations, but the crowded conditions and questionable quality of the water make it difficult. However, with Jameel’s efforts, they can sleep at night knowing they won’t be thirsty.
Even though Jameel desires to extend his help beyond his neighborhood, the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes has made it impossible for his cart to navigate the shelled-out streets. Despite their worries about Jameel’s safety, his family supports his relief efforts. His youngest son, Osama, shares that his father feels obligated to help people, even strangers. He believes that providing assistance and ensuring people’s well-being brings his father the utmost happiness and pride.
Jameel’s act of kindness does not stop at providing water. Whenever he has extra vegetables from his garden, such as lemons and potatoes, he distributes them for free. He believes that giving out free vegetables not only puts a smile on people’s faces but also adds to his own happiness.
The community greatly appreciates Jameel’s efforts and courage. Neighbors often offer food for Almond, Jameel’s donkey, and insist that he accept it as a token of gratitude for their ongoing relief work. Jameel remains oblivious to the politics surrounding the conflict and the timeline for its resolution. All he knows is that his people are in need, and as long as that need persists, he will continue to be there, offering as much help as he can.
In summary, Jameel al-Karoubi and his trusty donkey, Almond, embody the spirit of compassion and resilience during the Israel-Palestine conflict. Their unwavering dedication to providing clean water to the people of Gaza serves as a reminder of the strength of community and the power of individual acts of kindness.