In 2016 Rahaf Alakbani, and her husband Esmaeel were one of the many Syrian refugee families escaping the humanitarian disaster of their country's civil war. Even as one of the lucky ones to find their way to Canada, at that time they were stuck in hotels on the outskirts of Toronto with scores of other families. Fate brought us together and they became instrumental in helping us co-create Newcomer Kitchen, a non-profit social enterprise that ran at The Dep for 3 years, and was able to put over $150,000 into the pockets of more than 80 newly-arrived Syrian families.
The intervening years have been bittersweet; Rahaf and Esmaeel had 2 beautiful children and have been able to pursue their academic and musical ambitions, all the while hopeful that peace would return to their homeland. In late 2024, with the fall of the Assad regime, optimism and possibility reigned, and plans to reunite fractured families began to be drawn. Sadly by mid 2025, things had taken a tragic turn. On July 14, armed militias loyal to Ahmed Al-Sharaa invaded the towns of their home province of Sweida under a false claim of bringing stability. What they brought was terror; homes were bombed, families massacred.
Residents of Sweida — including Rahaf and Esmaeel's immediate family — have faced increasing terror, military attacks, and severe restrictions. Entire towns have been cut off, leaving people without access to basic necessities — no water, electricity, fuel, or even food. It has quickly become a dire humanitarian situation, and families are struggling to survive under what can only be described as a siege.
Tonight our beloved Rahaf returns to The Dep with a new purpose: to share a special dinner in solidarity with her community. It is both a gathering to share culture and a fundraiser whose proceeds will go directly to support families in Sweida, helping them access essential items like food, medicine, and clean water. It’s a small act of care from afar, but it can make a meaningful difference for those living in hardship.
For all the years I have known her, Rahaf has given so much to so many affected by the violence in Syria; this is our call to step up and return the favour and help her family in their moment of need. The Dep will be donating 50% of its share of proceeds towards the fundraising effort.
To support to the fundraiser donate here.
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This menu is inspired by the dishes of Rahaf’s family and the traditions of Sweida.
'Mama'-ganouj (mutabal kousa)
Rahaf's mother’s recipe and a dish close to her heart — a smoky roasted zucchini dip with tahini, garlic, and lemon. It’s simple, delicious, and deeply rooted in her home cooking.
Makloubeh
This was the one of the first celebratory meals that Newcomer Kitchen cooked and ate together, a festive layered rice dish of eggplants, shredded poached chicken, and a topping of seasoned ground beef, garnished with toasted nuts. It is often prepared at large family gatherings where it is turned out onto plates with great fanfare. Makloubeh, meaning "upside down" in Arabic, gets its name from this moment of high culinary drama. Vegetarian option available.
Khyar bil Laban
This cooling and refreshing cucumber-yogurt salad perfectly complements the main dish.
Basbousa
Another family recipe, this golden semolina cake is soaked in fragrant orange blossom syrup and topped with almonds.
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Rahaf Alakabani hails from Sweida in southwestern Syria. She arrived in Canada in 2016 with her husband Esmaeel Aboufakher, and together they were instrumental in helping co-found Newcomer Kitchen, Nai Syrian Children’s Choir and Haneen Women’s Choir as part of their ongoing work to support their community. Rahaf continues to nurture her twin loves of Syrian cooking and culture in workshops, choirs and concerts across the GTA, sharing songs and recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother. Rahaf and Esmaeel have recently completed their Masters in Arts and Humanities at York while raising their two young children.
@the_rahaf_kitchen | @haneen_choir_ca
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Every week, The Depanneur invites TO’s best culinary talents to lead fun, hands-on workshops.@thedepanneur
