A pair of Syrians have established a community in Rome that offers assistance to migrants and vulnerable individuals by sharing the tastes of their war-torn homeland.
Initially conceived in 2018 as a “humanitarian catering service,” HummusTown was created with the primary goal of raising funds for families and friends in Syria.
Over time, it has evolved into a thriving small business that has transitioned from sending financial support to aiding new migrants in assimilating into Italian society, all while building a loyal following within Rome’s culinary scene.
Amid the ongoing conflict in Syria, Shaza Saker, a U.N. employee in Rome, and Joumana Farho, her cook, sought to find a way to provide assistance to those in need in their homeland. Farho, aged 48, contributed her exceptional cooking skills, while Saker, aged 49, utilized her networking abilities.
Starting with 45,000 euros ($48,670) raised through crowdfunding, the non-profit has expanded to employ 13 full-time and 10 part-time staff at its kitchen kiosk near Rome’s train station and a small bistro, with future plans to open a restaurant.
In addition to offering cooking classes, cultural events, and catering services, HummusTown also donates food to the homeless each month and raised funds for earthquake victims in Syria.
As a growing number of refugees arrived in Rome, the focus shifted towards assisting Syrian asylum-seekers in finding employment and a support system, eventually extending aid to all vulnerable individuals, including Italians.
One such beneficiary is Mayyada al-Amrani, a Palestinian woman who fled Gaza with her daughter receiving cancer treatment. She now works alongside other Syrian and Palestinian cooks, providing for herself and her daughter in Italy while worrying about her children back in Gaza.
Fadi Salem, a Syrian refugee managing HummusTown, found a sense of belonging and integration within the community after arriving in Rome in 2022. Through his role, he interacts with various clients daily, practicing Italian, English, and Arabic languages.
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