In brief
Qassem Abu Khalaf and Malak Hijazi create Mejana fragrances inspired by Palestinian history and culture.
Despite the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Gaza, a young Palestinian couple in Jerusalem has taken on the ambitious challenge of capturing their rich heritage through a new line of perfumes. Qassem Abu Khalaf and Malak Hijazi, residents of the Beit Hanina district in occupied East Jerusalem, aim to evoke memories of their homeland and reconnect Palestinians with their cultural identity through their fragrances.Abu Khalaf, an advanced materials engineer, developed a passion for perfume-making over the years, amassing a library of hundreds of ingredients. With their brand, Mejana—named after traditional Palestinian folk songs—they aim to convey joy through scent. “When you smell a special fragrance, you feel good, you feel happy,” says Malak, who teaches English and special needs.The couple has drawn inspiration from their heritage, naming their first two fragrances based on folk tales. Zaref Atool, a scent that embodies the nuances of Jerusalem's Old City, and Rozana, which harkens back to a ship that promised sustenance during a historical famine but instead brought tragedy, are both reflections of Palestinian folklore.The launch of their brand in September 2022 was interrupted by the recent outbreak of war, stifling their initial plans. While tourism in the Old City has dwindled, they found some success selling their fragrances to the Palestinian diaspora in countries like Australia. Their commitment persists as they develop new products housed in beautifully crafted wooden capsules that symbolize hope and memories of lost homes.Now, alongside their new fragrance line, the couple welcomes their first child, which brings mixed emotions for Malak, who struggles with feelings of stress and guilt amid the ongoing conflict. Despite the turmoil, they maintain hope for peace and healing through their art and embrace their identities as a means of nurturing a brighter future.
