At a time when job opportunities are shrinking and economic pressures are mounting, Yaqub al-Ghanem chose to create his own livelihood.
Al-Ghanem, originally from the southern West Bank city of Hebron and now based in Ramallah, launched a small kiosk selling Karabij Halab, a traditional Syrian sweet, turning a modest idea into a growing success story in the Palestinian capital.
A graduate of Al-Quds Open University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, al-Ghanem said limited employment prospects — particularly after Oct. 7, 2023 — pushed him to look beyond conventional career paths.
“I was searching for a real opportunity to rely on myself, instead of waiting for a job that might never come,” he said.
What began as a practical attempt to secure a dignified income soon developed into a serious business venture.
The early stages were marked by uncertainty. The kiosk initially operated without a municipal license, drawing skepticism from many who doubted the viability of such a project. Al-Ghanem said he was aware of the risks but pressed on.
“I knew there were many obstacles, and at the beginning there was no license,” he said. “But with determination and persistence, we continued until the municipality approved our permit.”
Securing the license marked a turning point, providing the project with legal standing and renewed confidence to expand.
From the outset, al-Ghanem said quality was his top priority. Rather than simply selling a product, he aimed to offer an authentic experience that preserved the traditional taste of the dessert.
“We focused on making Karabij Halab appealing while maintaining cleanliness and quality,” he said. “That’s the foundation of any success.”
Located in the al-Irsal area of Ramallah, the kiosk has gradually become a local attraction, drawing customers with its distinctive offering.
“People naturally like change, especially when the idea is new,” al-Ghanem said.
Community support played a decisive role in the project’s growth. Customers who tried the sweets shared their experience with friends and family, while social media exposure and endorsements from content creators helped widen its reach.
“Everyone who tasted the Karabij talked about it,” he said. “With support from friends and YouTubers, we were able to reach more people and succeed.”
Al-Ghanem now sees the kiosk not as an endpoint, but as a starting point. His goal is to expand the venture into a full shop in the near future.
“Our dream is for this project to grow and become something permanent we can be proud of, step by step,” he said.
The story was produced as part of the “Steps” project, funded by the European Union.
