Mission Statement
A Palestinian organization fostering food sovereignty. Working to achieve self-sufficiency and restore our land.
Thamra, which means “fruit” in Arabic, was created in 2024 by two Palestinians: farmer Yousef Abu Rabea and photographer Leena Almadhoun. Displaced as a result of the genocide, Yousef managed to hastily collect dry seeds and seedlings before evacuating his family farm. Yousef and his brothers later sowed the seeds and planted the seedlings, eventually allowing them to feed their family and share fresh vegetables with the surrounding community. Understanding self-sufficiency as a path to dignity during a painful time, Thamra supports Palestinians who lack the resources necessary to grow fresh, nourishing food.
Thamra mourns the losses of our co-founder Yousef Abu Rabea, 24, and Zakaria Abu Sultan, 30, a member of his team. Both were killed this past October, in an Israeli airstrike targeting Yousef’s home. His father and best friend were also injured.
Yousef used his talents as a farmer and agricultural engineer to feed hundreds of Palestinians during the ongoing famine in North Gaza. Zakaria worked beside him. As we grieve their passing, Thamra will continue our humanitarian mission under the stewardship of co-founder Leena Almadhoun. This is what Yousef and Zakaria would have wanted.
We appreciate your support in carrying their legacy forward.