The recent “protests” at the Gaza-Israeli border have me worrying about the economic future of our cousins on the other side of the fence. We all know that the reasons for this latest round of violence have nothing to do with what Israel did, is doing or will do. It is all about internal strife between the PA and Hamas and the fact that Hamas is flat broke and that Gaza is a broken entity. Their patrons of terror have all but abandoned them so what can Gaza do to revive its economy? High-tech agriculture doesn’t seem to be the answer. The greenhouses Israel graciously left after the withdrawal were immediately destroyed. How about creating beautiful housing for its citizens? Too bad all that concrete that Israel trucks in goes to building bunkers, tunnels and fortified underground command centers. How about auto dealerships? Oh, that won’t work. All available tires have been requisitioned for burning on Tire Day. Wait! I’ve got it! I see a bright future for the Gazans in the movie industry. They have the script writers, seasoned actors, up and coming videographers and a world-class PR unit. If the fake news they are peddling this month on social media is any indication, Pallywood has real commercial potential. I would start with soap operas, as that is what they are currently selling, but soon they could be at the Indies. And by the way, perhaps Hamas can repurpose those useless million-dollar tunnels. Maybe wannabe jihadists would pay to stay overnight and live the revolutionary dream (hey, it worked renting out the Lincoln Bedroom) or perhaps a new twist on the escape room? With a little help from Israeli imagination, the sky’s the limit! (Uh oh, speaking of skies, what to do with all those rockets?)

Laura Paley

Paramus