In Deir al Balah, Gaza, Mohammad Al-Ashqar, a former jeweler, has adapted his trade to repairing worn-out Israeli shekels, the primary currency in Palestinian territories. Using simple tools like glue and an X-Acto knife, he meticulously restores bills that are fragile from prolonged use.
The scarcity of cash has arisen due to Israel’s blockade of money transfers and the destruction of financial infrastructure in Gaza, leaving few banks operational and ATMs inaccessible.
The ongoing war and blockade have exacerbated Gaza’s cash crisis. The destruction of banks and restrictions on transporting cash have led to widespread use of damaged banknotes and coins, which many vendors refuse to accept due to their condition or suspicions of forgery.
Residents face additional hardships when even having money doesn’t guarantee the ability to make purchases, contributing to a pervasive sense of frustration and indignity.
With most banks non-functional and cash transportation dangerous or impossible, alternative economies have emerged. Money brokers operate in informal markets, charging hefty commissions to convert digital payments into cash.
Brokers profit significantly, but their services are essential for residents who struggle to access or use physical currency. Some, like Mohammad Al-Tawashi, sacrifice nearly a third of their income to secure cash, while others resort to bartering or selling possessions to survive.
Jeweler-Turned-Money Repairman Helps Gaza Residents Navigate Cash Crisis Amid War and Blockade
The situation has also fueled opportunistic crime. Criminal gangs extort residents by controlling ATMs and charging fees for access, adding to the burdens faced by Gaza’s population. With much of the territory’s infrastructure destroyed and the population displaced, daily life remains precarious. Amid these challenges, reliance on cash remains paramount, yet its availability and usability are severely limited.
Amid the chaos, Al-Ashqar’s work as a money repairman offers a rare solution to a pressing problem. His shop, initially intended for jewelry repairs, now sees long lines of customers seeking to restore their damaged currency. Charging modest fees, Al-Ashqar and his assistants repair hundreds of bills daily, providing a crucial service that enables residents to continue participating in the cash-based economy.
Al-Ashqar finds personal satisfaction in his work, which has become both a livelihood and a hobby. By restoring unusable banknotes, he not only earns an income but also helps alleviate some of the everyday frustrations for his neighbors. His efforts reflect a small but meaningful response to the broader crisis, demonstrating resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity.
As Gaza continues to endure the devastating effects of war, displacement, and economic hardship, the efforts of individuals like Al-Ashqar highlight the human capacity to adapt and support one another in even the most challenging circumstances.
