The Beautiful Syrians
The Beautiful Syrians Initiative is a community project organised by CG in celebration and support of the success of Syrians living in Canada. These individuals, who we refer to as "Beautiful Syrians," have achieved great things in a variety of fields, including acting, painting, music, community work, and profitable endeavours. At our meetings, we dedicate a special paragraph to highlight one of these beautiful Syrians and listen to their experiences, offer them love and support, and express our pride and admiration for them, and to also have their stories inspire others to follow suit.
· One of the beautiful Syrians we have celebrated is Rabih Abu Al-Dahab, a distinguished chef with over 20 years of experience. After building a good reputation in Canada through catering services under the name "Shamiyat Kitchen" and his own kitchen, Chef Rabie opened the first showroom to sell his Syrian and Middle Eastern dishes and sweets in Mississauga, Ontario. You can learn more about Chef Rabie's work on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/shamyatcuisine
· We have also highlighted the work of Syrian food stylist and blogger Safannah Al-Zuhaili, who launched a social initiative called "Syrian Canadians" to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive Syrian community in Canada. Through Instagram posts and personal meetings, Al-Zuhaili aims to bring Syrian youth together and encourage positive change in their lives through effective communication, relationship building, and group activities. You can view Al-Zuhaili's Syrianwork on Instagram.
https://instagram.com/syrian_canadians
· Another beautiful Syrian we have celebrated is Khaled Halabi, an oud maker who has established a workshop in Toronto after years of experience in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Halabi is a member of the Syrian Canadian Arts Council and has participated in exhibitions in Canada, including an oriental exhibition at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, where a documentary film was made about oud making and an oud was placed in his name in the museum's sales hall. Halabi aims to establish a factory for the production of ouds and to spread the appreciation for this traditional oriental musical instrument in the West. You can learn more about Halabi's work on his Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/tarablic
· Among the beautiful Syrians is the creative playwright and actor Ahmed Merei. Ahmed graduated from the Academy of Arts in Egypt and continued his work in theater after moving to Canada, where he wrote a number of plays and received funding to showcase them. Ahmed's plays reflect the experiences of many Syrians around the world today, particularly those of Syrian youth living through war, migration, and seeking asylum. His work also explores themes of homeland and belonging. We are proud to highlight Ahmed's achievements and the meaningful impact of his art within our community. You can connect with Ahmed through his personal Facebook profile:
https://www.facebook.com/mereeahmad
· "Jabel Fine Foods is a unique store that caters to the culinary needs of Middle Eastern communities. Founded in early 2020 by Syrian entrepreneurs, the store aims to provide a wide range of cultural foods and ingredients that are essential for traditional Middle Eastern cooking. In addition to its selection of grocery items, Jabel Fine Foods also features a bakery and patisserie section where customers can purchase freshly baked pastries and other sweet treats. But that's not all - the store also has a restaurant service that serves up delicious dishes inspired by Syrian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether you're looking to stock up on pantry essentials or enjoy a hearty meal, Jabel Fine Foods has something for everyone to enjoy."
https://www.facebook.com/jabelfinefoods