A man who once considered leaving Belfast after experiencing a racist attack has successfully found a new home in another part of the city. Jamal Ghabes, 29, no longer feels safe in the area where his butchery business was targeted during a wave of racist violence in August last year. However, a fresh start in west Belfast and a chance meeting with a friend from his homeland have helped him rebuild his life.
“I’m better now. I’m glad I stayed,” he said.
The news outlet foot-careNews NI first interviewed Mr. Ghabes following the violent incidents. At that time, he stood outside the damaged Sham Supermarket on the Donegall Road, where he had operated a butchery counter. He mentioned then that his job was “finished” and that he did not feel safe in the area.
After fifteen months, Mr. Ghabes is back in business on the Andersonstown Road in west Belfast. He has opened a supermarket named Zain, which means “beautiful” in Arabic.
Jamal arrived in Northern Ireland in 2021 from Syria and was granted asylum. In the weeks following the racist attack, he met a childhood friend from Damascus in Belfast city center. Garry Barakat, 26, now lives in Londonderry and they have remained in contact.
Garry shared, “It’s like a miracle… meeting a really old best friend of yours in a new country. How small a world is it? Things have turned out very differently (for Jamal). Now he’s way better. I’m really happy for him.”
Garry also found success in Northern Ireland, where he now considers Derry his home. He said, “I call Derry home. That’s it. All my mates are from Derry and I love them so much. Some of my mates say I sound more Derry than them.”
Rising Race Hate Crimes in Northern Ireland
Recent data from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) indicates that race hate crimes are at a record high in Northern Ireland. In a 12-month period from June 2024, there were 1,329 crimes motivated by race. This included two cycles of street disorder in Belfast and Ballymena linked to protests over immigration.
Mr. Ghabes feels welcome in west Belfast. “I would like to thank Andersonstown because they helped so much,” he said. “They supported me and are so warm towards me.”
The new Zain supermarket specializes in halal meat, spices, fresh fruit, and vegetables. His business partner in the west Belfast venture is Dr. Raied Al-Wazzan, originally from Iraq.
Dr. Al-Wazzan praised Mr. Ghabes for his resilience in the face of adversity. “The vast majority of asylum seekers and refugees want to work. They don’t want the state to provide for them, they want to work hard for it,” he said. “Jamal is an example of that. Even after a racist incident and his shop was burned down, he stood up again and started a new business.”
Dr. Al-Wazzan emphasized the need for more support to protect ethnic minorities. “People want to feel welcomed by local communities and that’s why they are moving to different areas where they feel more safe than other areas,” he said.
Community Support and Resilience
Mr. Ghabes’ story highlights the importance of community support and resilience. His journey from a traumatic experience to a successful new business reflects the strength of individuals who choose to stay and rebuild rather than leave.
The challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in Northern Ireland continue to be a topic of discussion. Many families ask, “When do we stop being immigrants?” following recent riots and incidents of racial tension.
Reports indicate that race hate crime is at a “shameful” record level in Northern Ireland. The rise in such incidents has prompted calls for greater awareness and action to ensure that all residents feel safe and accepted.
Conclusion
Mr. Ghabes’ experience serves as a reminder of the power of community support and personal determination. His story shows that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find a new beginning and thrive. As the conversation around race hate crimes continues, the importance of fostering inclusive and welcoming communities becomes ever more critical.