Essam Al Nimer says nothing can stop him from cooking up Ramadan’s most sought-after pastry for the people of Gaza - not even a war between Israel and Hamas.
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Every day from 6am to 8pm, he and the four other employees at the Abu Ramadan for Sweets bakery in Gaza City toil in the summer heat. Heidi Levine for The National -
Walnuts, almonds, cinnamon and powdered sugar are ground up and mixed together to form a blend called hashweh that is folded inside a pancake and dipped into boiling syrup. Heidi Levine for The National -
The viscous pastry is specially made for Ramadan and is readily devoured across the Levant and other parts of the Arab world. Heidi Levine for The National -
Customers outside the Abu Qatayef Ramadan for Sweets bakery in Gaza City on July 14, 2014. Heidi Levine for The National -
Palestinian mother Fatma Dweak, with her daughters Mariam and Malak, and her son Wassim preparing qatayef. Heidi Levine for The National -
This year's Ramadan has been overshadowed by the destruction of entire families and their homes by punishing rounds of Israeli air strikes. Heidi Levine for The National -
Essam, left, and Achmed Nimer toiling at the Abu Ramadan for Sweets bakery in Gaza City on July 14,2014. Essam explains that keeping the store open during the war was not just for business, but also a duty. Heidi Levine for The National -
Ramadan would not be the same without qatayef, say some. Heidi Levine for The National
In pictures: celebrating Ramadan amid Israel’s bombardments
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