The Restaurant of Rimal Neighborhood: A Taste of Home for Palestinian Refugees in Cairo
In the midst of displacement and uncertainty caused by the war in Gaza, one Palestinian businessman is bringing a taste of home to fellow refugees in Cairo. Basem Abu Al-Awn, who was forced to flee Gaza due to the conflict, has opened a shawarma restaurant in Cairo called “The Restaurant of Rimal Neighborhood.”
Named after his beloved neighborhood in Gaza, the restaurant offers a variety of Palestinian and Arab dishes, with shawarma being the star of the menu. Despite the challenges he has faced, Abu Al-Awn remains determined to return to Gaza once the war between Israel and Hamas comes to an end.
Rimal Neighborhood was once a bustling shopping center in Gaza City, known for its large malls and famous shawarma places. The new restaurant aims to recreate the authentic taste of Gaza shawarma, using unique spices that are scarce in Cairo. Manager Ahmed Awad, whose father mixes the spices to give the dish its special Palestinian flavor, ensures that customers feel like they are eating in Gaza.
Since the war began last October, thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge in Cairo, including families, students, and businessmen. Many, like Awad and his family, have had to start over in a new city, facing financial challenges and uncertainty about the future.
Despite the hardships they have endured, Palestinians in Cairo remain resilient. Awad encourages his fellow refugees to focus on rebuilding their lives and not lose hope. He believes that with perseverance and hard work, they will be able to return home one day and contribute to rebuilding their country.
One example of this resilience is Om Moaz, a Palestinian woman from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Struggling to make ends meet in Cairo, she started a successful home-based business offering Palestinian food through social media. Her delicious dishes have gained popularity among both Egyptians and Palestinians, providing her with a source of income and hope for the future.
As Palestinians in Cairo wait for a ceasefire and a chance to return home, they continue to adapt and find ways to support themselves and their families. Whether through opening restaurants, starting businesses, or pursuing education opportunities, they remain determined to overcome adversity and rebuild their lives.
The Restaurant of Rimal Neighborhood serves as a symbol of resilience and hope for Palestinian refugees in Cairo. It is a reminder that even in the face of displacement and uncertainty, the taste of home can provide comfort and strength to those who are far from their homeland.