Salwa Rishmawi is a 60 year old mother of three children.  She lives in Beit Sahour, a city near Bethlehem with her family.  Selwa and her family began selling vegetables in bulk in 2003, after taking a loan for USD $5,000 from Asala. Selwa, her husband and her son did well prior to the first Palestinian uprising in 2000 making and selling clothing. The political unrest made it impossible for them to continue with this business, but they noticed, while traveling through the West Bank, marked differences in the prices of vegetables.  It occurred to Selwa that they could bring in vegetables from other towns in the West Bank to sell in Bethlehem.

In 2006, Selwa took a second loan from Asala for USD $10,000 to open a vegetable shop; now called Rishmawi for Vegatables.  Selwa says that this project is doing very well and has enabled her to provide and ensure quality of life for her family.  Her husband and son, who graduated from university, and three employees now help her with the business. Selwa said, ‘I'm not surprised that our shop is successful.  We've put so much time and effort into it.  Our produce is always fresh and the very best available.  Asala has always been very helpful, and with Asala's support and our dedication, the shop is very successful.'

Selwa will finish repaying her second loan in December 2008.  She plans to take a third loan from Asala to purchase a truck which will enable her to buy vegetables directly from Palestinian farmers.  ‘This way, I won't have to buy from the market, who mark up prices for a profit.  I can buy directly from the source and save myself and my customers some money.'