From left: Al-Azhar cleric Osama Al-Azhari, Makram, and Gaid
The first branch of a restaurant providing free meals to families in need is now open in Maadi.
Fratello is cozy, fancy, and resembles any upper-end restaurant with a group of attentive young volunteers ready to serve customers.
An initiative by the Human Fraternity Foundation (HFF) and the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the restaurant aims to enhance community solidarity and provide food in a way that preserves the dignity of its patrons. The restaurant’s lengthy slogan: “If your single loaf of bread is not enough for you, share it with a hungry person and it will be enough for both of you and more.”
The Ministry of Solidarity will contribute 20 per cent of the restaurant’s funding. The rest will be covered by donations. Moreover, besides serving those in need, the restaurant will be providing meals to other customers for LE125 a meal.
Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine Al-Qabbaj and HFF President Yoannis Lahzi Gaid inaugurated the venue. The opening was part of a protocol signed between the ministry and HFF in May 2023.
Al-Qabbaj described the restaurant as “a model of community solidarity and contribution to social justice” and that the concept of brotherhood “is the universal bond of humanity in which class, religious and political differences dissolve and which helps bridge societal gaps. This also develops a sense of society’s responsibility towards others and contributes to strengthening the idea that good nutrition is a right for the poor.
“There are many poor people who dream of entering a restaurant just like anyone else,” Al-Qabbaj said during the inauguration.
People and organisations wanting to help the restaurant will be able to charge prepaid cards or donate via the project’s bank account, to name a few donation methods.
“We all desire to be better, to be useful to ourselves and others, and to leave some good marks or traces on the paths of life, and we hope to reduce the burdens and suffering that we see and surround us,” Gaid said, adding that they target to feed 5,000 families every year. “Our foundation aims at uniting all and serving all without discrimination.”
The restaurant offers a unified menu for all, containing several options. There are meals intended for children with complete nutritional and health value, similar to the Happy Meal experience in commercial restaurants.
Al-Qabbaj stated that the state is keen to adopt such programmes that consolidate the principles of social justice on top of its cash support programmes, and food supply programmes for local communities.
Ambassador Nabila Makram, founder and chairperson of the board of trustees of the Fahim (understand) Foundation for psychological support, referred to the concept of human fraternity restaurants as a form of psychological support for the neediest groups, and support for the family in light of the soaring cost of living. “It’s like patting people on the back,” she said during the inauguration.
The HFF was established as a result of the Human Fraternity Document signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb in 2022. The organisation created several projects, including medical convoys, the Bambino Cesu Children’s Hospital, and the Human Fraternity School for People with Disabilities, in addition to the current chain of restaurants.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 25 January, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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