{"id":6922,"date":"2022-06-15T18:45:11","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T17:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/?p=6922"},"modified":"2024-04-02T16:43:16","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T15:43:16","slug":"from-war-zone-to-restauranteur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/from-war-zone-to-restauranteur\/","title":{"rendered":"From war zone to restauranteur: the incredible story of Obada"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Each Syrian immigrant story reflects the power of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Yet when Obada shares his story, he smiles often, because as he reminds us, \u201cwe survived, we are still here.\u201d Here we speak to Obada to hear how and why he opened the successful WeExist restaurant in Brussels, making the incredible jump from war zone to restauranteur. Enjoy his fascinating story and find out how you can meet Obada for yourself on one of our unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER\u00ae<\/a> Experiences.<\/p>\n

Read more: MAKE TRAVEL MATTER\u00ae: Why developing meaningful travel experiences has never been more important<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[anemos_video video_link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=i0wPIA2VdTE”]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Obada\u2019s life in Syria before the war began was comfortable.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was studying and working part time in the factories that my parents owned. One factory recycled paper while the other made ice-cream. Everything changed when war broke out,\u201d he says. A complex conflict ignited that pushed over 80% of Syrian residents into poverty and led millions to flee to other countries.<\/p>\n

After challenging times in Syria, Obada left for Egypt, where he studied for four years. When the time came to leave Egypt Obada looked to Europe, but the sea crossings were treacherous, with many never reaching their destination. \u201cEither way meant death,\u201d he says, \u201cbut at least I would die trying.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A post shared by We Exist (@weexist_be)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>