Capturing the scent of Palestinian life in a bottle

In the heart of Jerusalem, a young couple, Qassem Abu Khalaf and Malak Hijaz, have embarked on a unique journey to create a line of perfumes that capture the essence of Palestinian culture and heritage. Despite the ongoing conflict and the distressing situation in Gaza, they remain hopeful that their fragrances can evoke memories of better days. Qassem, who is an advanced materials engineer, and Malak, an English and special needs teacher, have dedicated themselves to this project, which they call 'Mejana. ' The name is inspired by traditional Palestinian folk songs that bring joy and happiness to those who sing them while working in the fields. n The couple has spent years gathering a wide variety of ingredients to craft their perfumes. Qassem has a deep passion for creating high-quality scents, and he often works late into the night to perfect his formulas. He believes that each fragrance can serve as a tangible connection to Palestinian history, allowing people to hold a piece of their culture in their hands. The first two scents they launched are named Zaref Atool and Rozana. Zaref Atool is a rich, oriental fragrance that reflects the ancient streets of Jerusalem, while Rozana is named after a ship that was eagerly awaited during a time of famine, symbolizing hope and disappointment. n The couple faced significant challenges when they launched their brand on September 27 of last year. The war in Gaza began shortly after, halting their plans and making it difficult to sell their products. Many shops in the Old City of Jerusalem, which once thrived with tourists, are now struggling to survive. However, Qassem and Malak have found some success selling their perfumes to the Palestinian diaspora, particularly in Australia. They have recently introduced a new collection of three perfumes, beautifully packaged in boxes adorned with local artwork. The bottles are designed with a key that symbolizes the homes lost by many Palestinians during the conflict in 1948. As they navigate these difficult times, Qassem and Malak also celebrate the arrival of their daughter, Sadeel, and hold onto the hope for a peaceful future.