The cook... "My name is Hadeel Jamil Hammouda, and I’m 29 years old from Beit Lahia, a city in the northern part of Gaza. My family has owned and cultivated olive trees, along with a variety of other plants, around our home for decades. This longstanding tradition has instilled in me a deep passion for growing herbs and vegetables, which has naturally evolved into my love for cooking. I have a special fondness for preparing Palestinian dishes. For me, cooking is an expression of love. When I care about someone, I show it by preparing traditional food, just as my mother did for me. To me, food is far more than just a recipe; it’s a meaningful way to share love and care. Currently, I live in Cairo with my two-year-old daughter, having fled at the beginning of the war. Despite the challenges of displacement, I continue to find comfort and strength in my cooking, which helps me stay connected to my roots and culture." The artist... "I'm a Palestinian designer and visual artist. I’ve worked as a freelance designer for the past five years, specializing in digital and printed designs, digital drawing, and animation. Being a designer from Gaza has always been challenging. Limited resources, unstable internet, and the struggles of life under occupation made every project an act of perseverance. But my passion for creativity kept me going , it became my way of expressing hope and resilience. But my biggest struggle came in 2023 when I spent months pregnant under war and displacement. After enduring unimaginable hardship, I was evacuated to Egypt, where I gave birth to my daughter, Lilia. Motherhood has given me a new purpose, but my passion for design remains the same. Creativity is my way of holding on to hope and shaping a better future."