Entrepreneurship in Palestine: A Sustainable Way To Give Back To the Homeland

posted on: Mar 31, 2021

By Ruqyah Sweidan/Arab America Contributing Writer

Palestinians living outside of Palestine feel an everlasting connection to their homeland. Yet, there are not many ways to express it proactively. This article features an interview from the perspective of Marwan Abdelhamid when he spoke with me in January 2021. We talked about the value of entrepreneurship as a way to create real change for Palestine, as well as how Palestinians struggle to have their issues resolved properly. Unfortunately, most attention is focused solely on the conflict. This article describes our discussion about productive avenues for Palestinian expression, growth, and connection around the world.

Introducing a Palestinian Entrepreneur

Marwan Abdelhamid was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Gaza before the brutal blockade. He has lived in Jordan since 2007, and now attends the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). Marwan also comes from a multiethnic family; his mother is French Algerian, and his father is Palestinian Serbian. Growing up, he experienced some confusion related to his identity. He spoke French at home, English in school, and Arabic in the streets. Once be began studying in the US, he was more comfortable being different. He embraced all his ethnicities and realized the great blessing of being Palestinian.

The Beginning of the Platform

Marwan is a content creator, artist, music maker, and business owner. The app which he and his best friend and business partner, Timothy Motte, founded is called GrowHome. This application connects diaspora communities, such as the many Arabs living in the US, with entrepreneurs from their home countries. I asked Marwan about his inspiration for creating this platform. He described it as a form of “survivor’s guilt” which reflects how many Palestinians feel about still living under a brutal occupation.

Marwan searched for ways to help but only found links to charities and petitions. He did not think this was sustainable because it enabled dependency. Forty percent of Palestine’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been made up of donor aid since the Oslo Accords. Ultimately, this cycle of charity is not in the best interest of the Palestinians.

The Goal of the Platform

Marwan and Timothy began their work at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. They discussed relevant topics to Arabs, and from this they gained 60,000 followers. Thus, Marwan and Timothy quickly connected with people online. Sadly, the pandemic has hurt Palestine in a distinctly devastating way, as it added to the already existing issues. Nevertheless, Marwan and Timothy continued to stay connected to Palestine, and did so through spreading awareness and encouraging engagement with GrowHome.

Entrepreneurship in Palestine has been growing since 2004, born out of necessity. Since Israel’s blockade policy cannot hinder Gaza from exporting technology, the area is home to many software engineers. What Marwan and Tim wanted to do was link the diaspora living outside Palestine to the entrepreneurs back home. Entrepreneurs in Palestine need support, funding, and brainpower, all of which the app will deliver to help the economy. From Marwan’s perspective as a Palestinian in America, he knows certain things which a Palestinian in Gaza does not.

Getting Involved

“We need to be democratizing opportunities. Attach these opportunities to the people, not the clouds. Being Arab is so much more than a shirt. It is not your fault that you are disconnected from your people. But your privilege means that you have a responsibility,” said Marwan.

Palestine is not just a geographical entity. It is a global empire of 11 million people. In this regard, unity and willingness are more important than another Intifada. Palestinian Americans need to use their privilege to help the cause. Marwan intends to continue this endeavor until he reaches his full potential. The duo’s brand is aligned with who Marwan and Timothy are, and their ability to see opportunities in problems. Thus, being Palestinian is an asset, not a burden.