Gaza, the Turkish sweet Halkoum produced among the ruins: the story of resilience of Sufyan Al-Rifi, known as “Abu Ahmad"

In one of the harshest environments in the world, where the sound of bombardment blends into the fabric of daily life, powerful human stories emerge—stories that reflect the ability to endure and rebuild. Among them is the story of Sufyan Al-Rifi, known as “Abu Ahmad,” who has transformed his humble craft of making halkoum (Turkish delight) into a message of hope in the heart of Gaza.

Before the outbreak of war, Abu Ahmad owned and operated two confectionery factories in the neighborhoods of Tal al-Hawa and Al-Tuffah. His business provided a stable livelihood for himself and several workers. However, this stability was shattered when both factories were destroyed by airstrikes, forcing him into repeated displacement in search of safety and a chance to start again.

Despite these devastating losses, Abu Ahmad refused to give in to despair. In the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, he rebuilt his work from scratch, defying the severe lack of resources and the challenges of wartime conditions. “We opened a factory in Mawasi and got to work—God made it easier for us,” he says, expressing a deep-rooted faith in resilience and perseverance.
Yet the hardships did not end there. After attempting to reestablish himself and opening another factory in Nuseirat, the site was bombed once again. The same fate followed in Rafah, where a new factory he set up survived only five months before being destroyed. Despite repeated devastation, Abu Ahmad remains determined, stating: “We are not just making sweets—we are making happiness for people in these difficult times.”

Beyond the destruction and displacement, he also faces severe economic challenges due to the blockade and the closure of border crossings. These conditions have caused an acute shortage of raw materials and equipment. “There are no raw materials, no machines—nothing… we built ourselves from nothing,” he explains. Prices have skyrocketed, with a single sack of sugar reaching nearly $8,000 due to disrupted supply chains and lack of support.
His team has been forced to adapt to extreme scarcity, starting literally from zero—without even basic tools like worktables or cooking equipment. Nevertheless, they continue to produce, relying on their experience, creativity, and unwavering determination.

Despite everything, Abu Ahmad remains hopeful. “We pray for peace of mind and relief, for life to return to what it was, and for Gaza to be rebuilt,” he says.

Sufyan Al-Rifi’s story is more than a tale of making sweets—it is a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity. It reflects the determination to hold onto life and create moments of joy even in the darkest of times, proving that hope can rise from the rubble.

By Salma Kaddoumi