Sat Mar 29 19:21:43 UTC 2025: ## Addis Ababa’s Syrian Community Shares Ramadan Spirit, Offers Free Meals to the Needy

**Addis Ababa, Ethiopia** – In the heart of Bole Michael, a working-class Addis Ababa neighborhood, a small but vibrant Syrian community is making a significant impact this Ramadan. Facing their own challenges as refugees, Syrian restaurant owners are embracing the spirit of giving by providing free meals to those in need.

Driven by the centuries-old tradition of Iftar, where free food is offered to break the daily Ramadan fast, Syrian chefs like Ahmed Ibrahim, owner of the restaurant “Syria,” are extending a helping hand to their Ethiopian neighbors. Ibrahim, who arrived in Ethiopia five years ago after fleeing unrest in Sudan, says his restaurant provides free meals throughout Ramadan, reflecting the generosity he experienced growing up in Syria. His story mirrors that of many Syrian refugees who have found a home, albeit a challenging one, in Ethiopia.

While official numbers are unavailable, it’s estimated that fewer than 1,500 Syrians reside in Ethiopia, many unregistered and living in precarious circumstances. Despite this, they have established a presence in Bole Michael, a neighborhood also home to refugees from Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Syrian businesses, adding their distinctive flavors and culture to the area, have become a part of the local fabric.

Zeynab Mohammed, a Syrian mother who recently fled Sudan’s civil war, describes the free meals as a reminder of home, highlighting the importance of shared generosity. Her experience is echoed by others, showcasing how the tradition of sharing food during Ramadan transcends borders and provides comfort in difficult times.

Ahmed Abdulkader, a 21-year-old owner of the popular restaurant “Syriana,” uses his TikTok channel to promote his business and also to highlight his Ramadan initiative of donating food to the less fortunate. His success story demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the Syrian community, even while acknowledging the considerable challenges of finding work and navigating a new environment.

Despite the hardships faced by many, the generosity displayed during Ramadan underscores the spirit of community and resilience within this small Syrian community in Ethiopia, showcasing how they are not only building a life for themselves but also enriching their adopted home.

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