Hamsin is the hot desert wind that periodically blows through the countries of the Middle East, causing extreme temperatures and affecting the moods and tempers of the people.

In an old farming village in the Galilee, the Birmann family, consisting of mother, son, and daughter, lives together with Hailed, their Arab worker. Gedalia, the son, works hard, building his farm on land he inherited from his father, and to which he added some land rented from the Abass family in the Arab village nearby.

When there are rumours of confiscation, Gedalia tries to buy the rented land, but tension between Jews and Arabs leads to violence and the sale is cancelled.

In the meantime, Hailed has fallen in love with Hava, Gedalia's sister. Hailed is torn between his love for the girl and nationalism, but it is Gedalia who finally resolves the situation.