Building back home and dignity can work with local, sustainable materials

Somalia faces one of the world’s most persistent displacement crises, with millions uprooted by conflict, drought, and climate-driven instability. As emergency camps grow into semi-permanent settlements, the need for long-term, affordable, and culturally grounded housing becomes urgent. A new proposal, Shelters of the Future, offers precisely that: a mud-brick modular framework rooted in Somali building traditions yet designed for resilience, dignity, and community.

Developed by designer Rabie Al Ashi in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Kengo Kuma & Associates, Shelters of the Future won first prize in an international competition led by Somalia’s Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing (MoPWRH), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Young Architects Competition (YAC). It stands out for its elegant simplicity: a shelter system that relies on local materials, local skills, and local cultural logic.

With so much goodwill going into designing new refugee shelters from the western world –– see our 2014 article on refugee shelters from IKEA and designers in Jordan, we are still seeing Gazans and Somalis living under tarps.

Read our article: Refugee shelters we hate to love

Still, we celebrate ideas and appreciate this design because it works with vernacular materials and takes into account the local.

At the heart of the design is a flexible 4×4-meter module, a human-scaled unit pairing two enclosed rooms with a semi-open central space and a private garden. This small footprint is deceptively powerful: it gives each household privacy, a safe outdoor space, and the ability to arrange interior life according to Somali social norms. The module becomes a building block—units can be combined into courtyards, linear clusters, or circular compounds that echo traditional Somali settlement patterns. Compare this to the shelters Somalis have built in Yemen, below.

Materiality grounds the system firmly in place. Structures are built from mud bricks, acacia logs, palm leaves, and earth-based plasters—materials that are renewable, inexpensive, and readily available. Mud bricks in particular offer thermal mass, keeping interiors cooler during the day and warmer at night, an essential feature in Somalia’s hot, arid climate.

Construction is intentionally low-tech: shelters can be built by residents themselves, strengthening local craftsmanship and reducing reliance on imported humanitarian products that often fail in desert climates.

The design also incorporates passive cooling strategies—cross-ventilation, shaded openings, and breathable walls—to make life more comfortable without the need for electricity. Gender-sensitive layouts support safety and cultural expectations. Small gardens, livestock spaces, and shaded communal zones help rebuild livelihoods and social cohesion.

We’ve spent weeks in Sinai in the simple hushas there made from palm fronds and bamboo. They can be remarkably comfortable even at night when the cold winds blow.

Rather than treating displacement as a temporary emergency, this project is reframed as a human condition requiring stability, community, and dignity. By combining vernacular wisdom with adaptable modular planning, the project offers a model for refugee housing that is scalable, low-carbon, and deeply respectful of local identity.

For Somalia’s displaced families, a mud-brick home may be the most modern solution of all.

::IOM

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Houthis missiles backfired and hit Sanaa

On Sunday, April 21st, a deadly blast rocked the historic heart of Sanaa, Yemen—steps away from its ancient Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its multi-story tower houses built from rammed earth and adorned with white gypsum. The Houthi-run health ministry claimed a U.S. airstrike killed 12 civilians. Yet, U.S. Central Command insists the explosion was the result of a misfired Houthi air defense missile. The blame game continues, but what remains clear is this: civilians are dying, history is eroding, and extremism is winning.

History Bombed

This isn’t the first time war has torn through our shared cultural fabric. In recent decades, militant groups—from ISIS in Iraq and Syria to the Taliban in Afghanistan—have turned historical and archaeological treasures into battlegrounds. Ancient ruins like Palmyra, Nineveh, and Bamiyan’s giant Buddhas were deliberately demolished in acts of ideological warfare meant to erase memory and rewrite history through the lens of extremism. Islamists wanted to erase all history before the religion of Islam began.

In one Green Prophet piece we reported how ISIS blew up Palmyra in Syria, reducing statues and relics dating back to the Roman Empire.These were not just Syrian artifacts, they were were humanity’s.

The attack on Sanaa is part of this disturbing trend, where entire civilizations are held hostage by politics, religion, and power. In Yemen, it’s compounded by relentless proxy wars, foreign interventions, and internal strife.

Who Are the Houthis?

The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, are a Zaidi Shia Muslim group originating from northern Yemen. Their grievances—decades of political and economic marginalization—led them to rise up against Yemen’s central government in 2004. But it was during the Arab Spring in 2011 that the group capitalized on growing instability.

By 2014, they had seized the capital, Sanaa. Soon after, a Saudi-led coalition—armed and supported by the U.S.—intervened militarily, fearing Iran’s influence through the Houthis. The result has been a catastrophic conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and left 80% of Yemen’s population reliant on humanitarian aid.

Despite ceasefire talks and intermittent negotiations, violence continues to erupt. And since November 2023, the Houthis have launched drone and missile attacks on Red Sea vessels they claim are connected to Israel, in “solidarity” with Palestinians in Gaza.

The Red Sea, Gaza, and the Bigger Picture

The Houthis’ recent alignment with the Palestinian cause has raised both support and scrutiny. While some hail them as defenders of an oppressed people, others view their actions as cynical, destabilizing, and deeply dangerous—particularly to maritime security and regional peace.

These Israelis have written a song for the Houthis in return.

The United States has responded with intensified airstrikes aimed at degrading Houthi military capabilities. But these campaigns, as with so many others in modern Middle Eastern conflicts, carry devastating costs for civilians.

According to human rights advocates, these attacks—whether carried out by the U.S. or others—have not adequately distinguished between militants and civilians. Democratic senators have demanded accountability for the mounting civilian toll.

Sanaa and Its Silent Witnesses

The Old City of Sanaa, continuously inhabited for more than 2,500 years, is not just a place of prayer or residence. Its narrow alleyways, intricately patterned facades, and stone carvings tell the story of Yemen’s vibrant Islamic and pre-Islamic heritage. They stand as silent witnesses to civilizations that predate today’s politics by millennia.

But each blast and each shattered home chips away at that heritage. In 2015, UNESCO condemned the Saudi-led airstrikes on Sanaa that damaged historic homes. Today, the pattern continues, despite global warnings.

What do the Houthis want? Depending on who you ask, the answer varies: some say autonomy, others say revolution, others claim it’s purely power. They are undeniably embedded within regional power dynamics, bolstered by Iran and fought by Saudi Arabia and the U.S.

But amid all these high-level chess moves, ordinary Yemenis continue to suffer. Children die of preventable diseases, women give birth in bombed-out clinics, and ancient structures crumble under missile fire.

And for what?

While the military debates over who launched what continue, Yemen’s cultural and human history is being erased in real-time. It’s time for the international community to prioritize preservation—not only of life, but of the collective heritage that connects us all.

There must be accountability for attacks on civilians, regardless of the perpetrator. And there must be global recognition that a destroyed minaret in Sanaa or obliterated statue in Nineveh is a loss not only for Yemen or Iraq, but for humanity.

Let’s not wait until all that remains of these sites are photos in textbooks or ashes in the wind.

The post How Houthi Violence and Extremism Are Destroying the World’s Heritage—and Its People appeared first on Green Prophet.

Rainwater tanks have become an essential item in Israel where people are afraid that an Iranian attack will threaten their domestic water supply. But like the ancient Nabateans who knew how to sequester water in the desert, the modern Swiss collect water from farm roofs and homes to water their gardens. They may pay a tax in Switzerland, but the rain is either free or cheap and it’s charged with beautiful ions that plants love.

It might seem obvious but in countries starving and on the brink of disaster from an internal terror group taking over, Yemeni farmers are finding relief in growing their harvest but getting access to basic farming tools such as rainwater collection systems. The UN is helping give them the know how to build rainwater tanks. The Houthis in Yemen are using water as a weapon in war. But a not so sophisticated water pool can pull people out of misery

The UN reports that Yemen’s agriculture sector, a lifeline for millions and a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, has been severely affected by extreme climate change. Continued conflict with the Houthis has further exacerbated the situation, contributing to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and widespread food insecurity.

In an effort to address water scarcity caused by climate change, two rainwater harvesting tanks were constructed in in Bait Al-Samhi Village, Dhamar Governorate, improving access to water for community members. Each rainwater tank has the capacity to hold 940 cubic metres of water.

Fouad, a farmer in Bait Al-Samhi Village, is confident that the project will significantly increase production in the coming season. He explains, “We rely on rainfall to irrigate our crops. During the winter, our lands become dry, and agriculture ceases due to the lack of irrigation water. Before the project, the situation was very difficult. We had no source to irrigate our crops after the rains stopped, which led to crop failure and financial losses. Now, after the project, the situation has changed. I can farm even after the rainy season.”

Rainwater harvesting tanks enhance food security for families by supporting farmers to reclaim degraded agricultural lands, and improve irrigation systems. Mutee, the coordinator of the local community committee, says, “Climate change has affected agricultural lands in the region. Due to water scarcity, many people have abandoned farming.”

Related: The man from Japan who watered Afghanistan

Mutee explains that the project was implemented to ensure continued farming activities of the local population, which is their primary source of income.

He adds, “The project has positively impacted community members by expanding their cultivated lands, increasing crop production, and improving their living conditions.”

Saeeda, a mother of five, pictured below, was strongly affected by land degradation due to climate change.

She says, “I grow corn and vegetables during the rainy season, but in winter, farming stops due to water scarcity.”

She explains how the rainwater harvesting tanks will enable her to continue farming after the rainy season.

“Now, I have been able to cultivate two plots of land and will increase the cultivated area with the irrigation from the tanks. Things have changed, and I feel happy when I see my farm green and the crops thriving without damage.” Saeeda hopes her land will remain green enough to cultivate several times in a single season.

The project has created job opportunities for local community members in Bait Al-Samhi, providing income and helping them to acquire new skills through a cash-for-work program.

Related: can clay jugs filter water?

Bader, a father of six and a community member who worked on the rainwater harvesting tanks project, says, “The project provided me with a temporary job for 45 days, which helped me support my family and meet their basic needs while serving the community.”

“In addition to improving agricultural production in the long term, the rainwater harvesting tanks have created job opportunities to help people financially,” says Abdullah, an engineer and project officer with UNDP’s local partner, SFD. Pictured below.

Related: 5 ways to use air conditioning water

The project has increased local farming areas and improved food security by providing approximately 124 farmers with access to alternative water sources.

A great start. Now how can all farmers get access to this beautiful and easy opportunity?

Study the opportunity to help Yemen below (in Arabic).

UNDP Yemen — Rainwater tanks bring relief to farmers in Dhamar, Yemen [AR]

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On Yemen’s West Coast, families endure long daily treks to collect water – a lifeline that remains scarce for millions. Photo: Moayad Zaghdani 

Families on Yemen’s West Coast often rely on unsafe water sources, increasing the risk of disease as clean water remains difficult to access. Photo: Moayad Zaghdani 

IOM’s water projects in Hays and Yakhtol are providing vital relief to thousands of displaced families and local residents, ensuring access to clean water in one of Yemen’s most water-scarce regions. Photo: IOM/Moayad Zaghdani 

Sami, a father of twelve in the Hays displacement camp, constantly worries that his children will miss school to fetch water. Photo: IOM/Moayad Zaghdani 

Despite the challenges in accessing water, Yemeni parents hold onto hope for a future where education can be prioritized. Photo: IOM/Moayad Zaghdani 

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Coral reef hunters find 10 human pharmaceuticals in the Red Sea

Coral reefs are being bathed in common household pharmaceuticals from blood pressure medication to laxatives antidepressants: A new study from Tel Aviv University at the Red Sea detected traces of 10 common medications in coral samples collected from both shallow and deep sites in the Gulf of Eilat.

Sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic used for respiratory and urinary tract infections, was found in as many as 93% of the sampled corals.

The researchers obtained a list of the most commonly used pharmaceuticals in Israel from their health services. Testing for 18 of these compounds, they detected 10 of them in the coral samples. Not even a single sample, retrieved from either shallow or deep water, was found to be drug-free.

The 10 pharmaceuticals found in the corals belonged to different categories: antibiotics, blood pressure medications, antiplatelet agents, calcium channel blockers, laxatives, proton pump inhibitors, statins, and antidepressants.

The alarming study was led by Prof. Noa Shenkar and her PhD student Gal Navon, in collaboration with the Hydrochemistry laboratory led by Prof. Dror Avisar. The results were published in the prestigious journal Environmental Pollution.

“In this first-of-its-kind study, we conducted a large-scale investigation for detection of pharmaceuticals in corals,” says Prof. Shenkar. “We sampled 96 reef-building stony corals representing two types, Acropora sp. and Favites sp., in shallow sites (5-12 meters) as well as deeper sites beyond the limits of recreational diving (30-40 meters).

“We were surprised to find an extensive presence of medications even in the deep-water corals – which usually escape contaminations affecting corals in shallower areas.”

“What does the presence of pharmaceuticals in corals actually mean? Clearly, the corals did not receive a prescription for antibiotics from their doctor,” explains Prof. Shenkar. “These medications are taken by humans to affect a certain receptor or biological pathway, and they can also impact other organisms.

“Previous studies, conducted by both our lab and others, have revealed many examples of this negative impact: estrogen from birth control contraceptive pills induces female features in male fish, impairing reproduction in certain species; Prozac makes some crabs aggressive and reckless; and antidepressants damage the memory and learning abilities of squids.

“There is no reason to believe that corals should be immune to such effects. For instance, if our pharmaceuticals should disrupt the spawning synchrony of coral populations, it would take us a long time to notice the problem, and when we do, it might be too late.”

“Stony corals build coral reefs, and the types we studied are very common in the Gulf of Eilat,” adds Gal Navon. “Coral reefs are a cornerstone of marine biodiversity. They provide food, shelter, and spawning sites to numerous species, and support the human fishing and tourism industries. Today this delicate ecosystem is under pressure as a result of climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The presence of pharmaceuticals in coral tissues adds another layer of concern, indicating that human activities even contaminate faraway marine environments.”

“Clearly these medications save lives, and we have no intention of requesting people to reduce their use,” says Prof. Shenkar. “However, we must develop new sewage treatment methods that can effectively handle pharmaceutical compounds. Also, each of us must dispose of old medications in ways that do not harm the environment. Ultimately these drugs come back to us. I know people who avoid medications, but when they eat a fish, they might unknowingly consume a ‘cocktail’ of drug residues absorbed by the fish from the marine environment.”

Houthi attacks on Red Sea vessels make the Red Sea more vulnerable than it ever was.

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The Soqotri people are the indigenous inhabitants of Socotra, an island archipelago in the Arabian Sea, part of Yemen. They are ethnically distinct and have their own language, Soqotri, which is part of the South Arabian group of the Semitic languages. The Soqotri people have a rich cultural heritage and a unique way of life shaped by the island’s isolated and diverse environment and nature including the strange Socotra trees that bleed when cut. They are believed to have incredible medical benefits.

Ancient Times

Socotra has a long history of human habitation, with evidence suggesting settlement as far back as the 1st century BCE. The island’s strategic location made it an important stopover for ancient trade routes linking the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and India.

Early Colonization

1. Ancient Greeks and Romans: The island was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who called it “Dioscorides.” According to some historical accounts, Socotra was colonized by the ancient Greeks, possibly as early as the 4th century BCE. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a 1st-century CE Greek navigational guide, mentions Socotra as a trading hub for various goods, including frankincense and myrrh.
2. Christianity and the 6th Century: During the 6th century, Christianity spread to Socotra, likely due to contacts with the Byzantine Empire and the Kingdom of Axum (in modern-day Ethiopia). The island’s Christian community was reportedly established by Thomas the Apostle, although this is more likely a legend than a historical fact.
3. Islamic Influence: By the 10th century, Socotra had come under the influence of Islam, like much of the Arabian Peninsula. This transition was relatively peaceful, and the island’s inhabitants gradually converted to Islam over the following centuries.

Medieval and Early Modern Period

1. Portuguese Period: In the early 16th century, the Portuguese briefly occupied Socotra. They were interested in the island as a strategic base to control the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean trade routes. However, they abandoned it by 1511 due to its harsh environment and lack of resources.
2. Mahra Sultanate: Following the Portuguese departure, the island fell under the control of the Mahra Sultanate, based in mainland Yemen. The Mahra ruled Socotra for several centuries, integrating it into their sultanate which included parts of southern Arabia.

British Influence

1. 19th Century and British Protectorate: In the 19th century, the British Empire showed interest in Socotra as part of their broader strategy to protect their sea routes to India. In 1886, the Sultan of Mahra signed a protectorate treaty with the British, making Socotra part of the British Aden Protectorate. The British influence was mostly indirect, focusing on naval and strategic interests rather than direct administration.

Modern Period

1. Post-Independence: After the British left South Yemen in 1967, Socotra became part of the newly independent state of South Yemen. In 1990, South Yemen unified with North Yemen to form the Republic of Yemen, which includes Socotra.

Current Status

Today, Socotra is renowned for its unique biodiversity and is often referred to as the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean” due to its high number of endemic species. The island’s isolation has allowed it to develop a distinct culture and ecosystem, which continue to attract researchers and ecotourists. Despite the political instability in Yemen, Socotra has remained relatively peaceful and continues to be a symbol of Yemen’s natural heritage.

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CABI, an international research group that identifies and solves problems for invasive pests in agriculture and forestry, has published a ‘Guide to the naturalized, invasive and potentially invasive plants of Socotra, Yemen,’ a place designated in 2008 a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site rich in flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world.

The guide, written by Dr Arne Witt, CABI’s Invasives Coordinator, South, and co-authored by Ahmed Said Suleiman Abdullah, provides detailed descriptions of 50 invasive alien plant species, including more than 200 colour images, with information on their impacts and management.

This includes the species the authors consider to be the biggest threat to biodiversity – mesquite (prosopis juliflora)and erect prickly pear (Opuntia stricta) – as well as the most widespread and abundant species on Socotra, the medicinal herb billy goat weed (Ageratum conyzoides) and Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana).

‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’

The Socotra Archipelago, in the Northwest Indian Ocean is often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.’ Of the ca. 850 plant taxa known from the archipelago, 37% are endemic, while 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else on earth.

However, much of this unique diversity is threatened by Invasive Alien Species (IAS). To help raise awareness and build the capacity of people and organizations to manage IAS, CABI developed this field guide after working with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (Jordan).

The guide was funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) whose remit includes providing grants and finance for projects related to, amongst others, biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, sustainable forest management and food security.

Threatened by a host of factors

Dr Witt said, “The Socotra Archipelago is ranked among the richest island systems in the world in terms of biodiversity with a rich and distinct flora and fauna. Indeed, Socotra is among the top ten continental islands in the world in respect of botanical diversity alone.

“However, this extraordinary biodiversity is threatened by a host of factors including immigration, uncontrolled infrastructure development, poor governance at local and national level, over-use of the limited available natural resources (both marine and terrestrial) leading to increased land degradation, and plant and animal invasions.”

The authors say that several exotic species have been introduced to the Socotra Archipelago, either intentionally or accidentally, and are now widely established. Their impacts on Socotra are largely unknown but can be inferred from studies undertaken elsewhere. For instance, the black rat and brown rat are widely established and are known to have had dramatic impacts on island fauna and flora – having driven native species to extinction elsewhere.

Dr Witt and Ahmed Said Suleiman Abdullah added that there have been ongoing efforts to eradicate mesquite and erect prickly pear and the populations are low, but the seed bank, especially of mesquite, is a constant threat.

Another species, wild tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), has been eradicated, at least for now, the authors say. Other species, such as wild tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliquum) and Jerusalem thorn, are locally abundant. Then there are a few other species which they believe could become invasive in the future. In the guide, they include various species such as bush morning glory (Ipomoea carnea) and several Datura species.

Improving the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people

Co-author, Ahmed Said Suleiman Abdullah, said, “By managing invasive alien plants more effectively we will not only be contributing to biodiversity conservation, but also to improving the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people who depend directly on natural resources for their survival.”

The Guide, the authors say, will also contribute to Yemen meeting its obligations to various international agreements and treaties, such as the Convention on Biological Control (CBD). By managing IAS more effectively Yemen will also be facilitated in meeting many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Taofeg Abdulwahd Al-Sharjabi, Minister of Water and Environment, Yemen, said, “There is no doubt in my mind that this field guide will contribute significantly to our understanding and management of invasive alien plants in the Socotra Archipelago, and even more widely in the region. I thank all of the contributors and donors that made this possible.”

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On her way to collect water. Photo Credit: UNDP Yemen/2021

In Yemen there are “girls who don’t have an education because they must spend their entire day walking hours to carry back water that is far too heavy for their bodies.”

In a bid to control and subvert the nonviolent people in Yemen, Houthi rebels use water as a weapon, says a new report. Women and younger women are especially put in harm’s way.

According to New Security Beat the Houthis are blocking and restricting water to the Yemeni population.

“Water has absolutely had an impact on women in a much more acute way in Yemen,” says report co-author, Niku Jafarnia. “It’s an area where the gender discrepancy is obvious, particularly among younger girls.

“One large impact is that girls have had to drop out of school to go and get water. We published a short piece in November on a lack of water and electricity in Aden, where there’s evidence that girls have dropped out of school. Aden is the most well off and stable part of the country, yet you still see girls who don’t have an education because they must spend their entire day walking hours to carry back water that is far too heavy for their bodies.

“It’s a treacherous journey. Just by virtue of walking long distances in rural areas, there’s a higher likelihood that you might run into a landmine. There’s also obviously potential for encountering sexual and gender-based violence. Activists have told us that this wasn’t as large of an issue in the past, but has become more widespread recently.

Read Also: The Yemeni Jews write a song for the Houthis

“Globally, women are usually in charge of the household, and are the caretakers, and so they will be the last ones to drink and eat when there’s a shortage of something. So I would imagine across the board, it’s hard to track these sorts of impacts. But it’s going to have an impact on women’s health as well, based on the fact that they’ll probably be the last ones to take water for themselves.”

Green Prophet has written about the Houthi conflict over the last years, mobilizing green groups like Greenpeace to help remove environmental dangers like the FSO Safer, a ship full of oil they captured, out of their control. We also were the first to ask Greenpeace why they haven’t been condemning the Houthis for sinking ships in the Red Sea. They have never replied.

Yemen has been water-starved for decades and was the first to have the world’s only waterless capital. If we want to help the starving, oppressed Yemeni people, the world needs to help stop the Houthis. They are global terrorists, the same as ISIS, Boko Haram, the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Al Qaeda.

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The Voices of Yemen, a group of Yemenite Jews who sing Jewish liturgical songs from Yemen, are tired of the Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea. On Tuesday this week, a Houthi missile, in solidarity with the Hamas, hit Israel’s southernmost town, Eilat.

Last week the Yemeni Jews were challenged to write a song for the Houthis before a recent performance at the East West House in Jaffa. And on short notice, they delivered. Watch the video below.

The Houthis are known for their vile antisemitism and wrote a song for Israelis and Jews in 2022. You can see the video here: “We will let them taste our might and the heat of the piercing swords, and tomorrow we will see Jerusalem cleansed of the filth of the Jews.”

The lyrics in the Jewish Yemenite song repeat:

Houthis in Yemen I feel sorrow and mercy for you

We want your songs

Not your rockets

Voices of Yemen was created in 2021 by Ravid Kahalani of Yemen Blues.

Born in Israel to a Yemenite family, Ravid was steeped in the rich tapestry of his ancestry from an early age. Yet, it was the music of his roots that truly captivated him. With each note sung by his grandmother, he felt the essence of Yemen coursing through his veins, a connection to a land he had never seen.

As he grew, Ravid’s passion for music flourished. He immersed himself in the diverse sounds of the world, from the soulful rhythms of Africa to the haunting melodies of the Middle East. His voice became a vessel for storytelling, a conduit for the experiences of his people.

It was this unwavering commitment that led Ravid to form the groundbreaking band, “Yemen Blues.” With its eclectic fusion of genres, the group quickly garnered international acclaim, captivating audiences from Tel Aviv to Tokyo. Through their music, they celebrated the beauty of diversity, inviting listeners to embrace cultures beyond their own.

Yet, for Ravid, the true measure of success lay not in fame or fortune, but in the connections forged through his art. Whether performing on stage or teaching workshops in underserved communities, he sought to inspire others to find their voice and embrace their heritage with pride.

Today, as the echoes of Ravid’s songs continue to resonate around the world, his legacy endures as a testament to the power of music to bridge divides and foster understanding.

Can a wish for music bring a more peaceful future?

The Voice of Yemen are: Yair Tzabari: vocals, percussion, oud, Aviad Yihye: vocals, percussion Ravid Kahalani: vocals, percussion Boaz Gadka: vocals, oil can, percussion.

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It seems like every week Neom, the Saudi Arabian-run company building The Line, the world’s first 15-minute city, is coming up with a new idea. Last week the fantasy was about Leyja, “sustainable” hotels in the desert. This week the fantasy is about Aquellum, a futuristic community for global nomads that will be completely encased in a mountain, invisible to anyone outside. But accessible from the Aqaba coast on the Red Sea though a “secret” location.

The coastal destination will be a hub for hotels, apartments, retail spaces, leisure and entertainment zones and innovative hubs, all in a vertical format, says Neom.

Aquellum follows the announcement of the project’s flagship regions, including Sindalah, its luxury island; The Line, a linear 15-minute city that represents the future of urban living; Trojena, its year-round mountain destination and the first outdoor ski experience in the GCC region; and Oxagon, a floating port city.

Some press bites about Aquellum: “A signature space, dubbed The Generator, houses unique research labs for disruptors, innovators, and creative thinkers, offering a platform where the future is reimagined.

“An omnidirectional internal transit system facilitates easy access to upper floors, transporting residents and visitors to their homes and hotels, ascending to rooftop gardens with breathtaking coastal views.”

Fun ideas, but nothing will be developed or populated by foreigners if Saudi Arabia can’t reign in Iran and the troubles with the Yemeni Houthi terrorists. The Houthis have been highjacking ships and firing at Saudi Arabia for years, and most recently taking the opportunity of the Hamas war with Israel to start shooting at Israeli-linked tankers. The Houthis held an oil tanker hostage for years and released it to international bodies just this summer to drain the oil cargo before it leaked into the sea. This was after several years of campaigns to get the Houthis to let the ship go.

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