For more than seven decades, Kazem ice cream parlour was a beloved fixture in Gaza. Established in 1950, it was known not only for its sweet, creamy scoops but also for its iconic barrad—a refreshing, citrus-flavored slushy drink that became part of Palestinian cultural memory. But when the Israel-Hamas war escalated in 2023, the doors of this cherished shop were forced to shut, silencing a community tradition that had survived generations.

Now, in a new chapter of resilience, Kazem has reopened in Ajman, a small emirate about 45 kilometers north of Dubai. For its loyal patrons, the reopening is more than a culinary revival—it is the preservation of Palestinian heritage and identity in exile.

Owner Mohammad Kazem Abu Shaban, whose father founded the business, said the decision to open in Ajman was deliberate. “Every time they come here, people say it brings back memories of 30, 40 years ago,” Abu Shaban shared. “It brings back memories of the days when they used to go to Gaza and drink the barrad that I’m famous for.”

Ajman, home to a well-established Palestinian community, provides the perfect backdrop for this revival. The shop has quickly become a gathering spot where families reconnect with flavors of their homeland. The ice cream, smooth and rich, paired with the tangy, icy barrad, offers more than refreshment—it brings with it a wave of nostalgia and belonging.

Kazem briefly reopened in Gaza earlier this year, but shortages of raw materials and the instability of war made it impossible to sustain operations. “By God, the situation in Gaza is bad,” said Abu Shaban, who has endured personal tragedy in the conflict, losing both his brother and niece.

For him, continuing the family business abroad is not only about survival but also about honoring memory. “It is an indescribable feeling. Your family, relatives, and friends come, and they bring back the memories we lost in Gaza,” he said.

The shop has also begun to draw attention beyond the Palestinian community. Dubai resident Mohammad Khamis Ali Al Mazrouei, after tasting both the ice cream and the barrad, immediately understood the excitement. “I mean, it is special,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many first-time customers who quickly become regulars.

Looking ahead, Abu Shaban hopes to expand Kazem across the UAE, with plans to open branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These expansions, he believes, will help keep the tradition alive, ensuring future generations can experience a piece of Gaza’s culinary culture, even far from home.

Kazem’s story is one of resilience, memory, and continuity. In Ajman, the iconic ice cream parlour has found a way to serve more than just dessert—it serves comfort, nostalgia, and an enduring connection to Palestine, one scoop at a time.