Quote from Alex bobby on December 24, 2024, 8:14 AM

Nabil Attar: A Story of Resilience and Hope in Orleans, France

In the heart of Orleans, France, a city known for its historical ties to Joan of Arc, a small restaurant named Narenj tells a tale of resilience and hope. Its owner, Nabil Attar, stands in the kitchen sprinkling sesame and pomegranate over creamy mutabal, a roasted eggplant dip from his native Syria. Nearby, plates of stuffed grape leaves await the lunchtime crowd. For Attar, Narenj is more than a restaurant; it’s a testament to his family’s journey from despair to renewal.

Once a successful businessman in Damascus specializing in electronic fund transfers, Attar’s life took a harrowing turn nearly a decade ago. Bashar al-Assad's regime kidnapped one of his sons, forcing Attar into extortive dealings to secure his son’s release. In 2015, faced with escalating dangers and a war-torn homeland, Attar and his family joined the wave of Syrians seeking refuge in Europe. They eventually settled in Orleans, a tranquil city about an hour’s train ride from Paris.

Starting Anew in Orleans

Life in France offered safety but required adaptation. After receiving asylum, Attar immersed himself in learning French and navigating a new culture. By 2018, he and his wife opened Narenj, named after the bitter orange tree, a symbol of Syrian heritage. Today, the restaurant’s authentic dishes and warm hospitality have earned it a loyal customer base.

Sophie Martinet, Attar’s former French teacher and now a close friend, speaks highly of his culinary talents and determination. “He’s undeniably talented,” she says. “And people like Nabil.”

Attar’s journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges. Even in France, Assad’s regime attempted to exert influence, demanding money and tracking refugees abroad. Attar describes these extortive practices as a “network of organized crime.” Now a French citizen, he feels secure but remains keenly aware of the struggles other refugees face.

A Changing Political Landscape

The recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad has sparked hope among Syrians worldwide. In Orleans, videos of celebrations capture Attar and his compatriots rejoicing over the dictator’s downfall. “I never imagined in my lifetime it could happen,” Attar says, expressing optimism for Syria’s future.

However, the political shift has also triggered debates across Europe about the fate of Syrian refugees. Countries like Germany and Austria are reconsidering asylum policies, with some suggesting financial incentives for refugees to return home. In France, public sentiment is shifting; a recent CSA poll revealed that 70% of French citizens support suspending new Syrian asylum claims.

For many Syrians in Europe, the prospect of returning is fraught with uncertainty. “The situation in Syria is extremely volatile,” warns Olivia Sundberg Diez, an advocate with Amnesty International. Shattered infrastructure, ethnic tensions, and a fragile political climate make repatriation a complex and risky proposition.

Community and Integration

In Orleans, the Syrian community grapples with mixed emotions. Ehad Naily, a Syrian rights lawyer, emphasizes the challenges of rebuilding a life in an unstable homeland. “You can’t force people to leave host countries if there’s no stability there,” he says. After nearly a decade in France, many Syrians, like Naily’s daughter, have built new lives and lost touch with their roots.

Attar’s outlook, however, remains hopeful. He believes that Syrians who have integrated into their host countries and contributed to society will not face undue pressure to leave. His own family’s story is a testament to this belief. His older son, once kidnapped, is now a pilot, while his youngest continues his education in France. “We never had any problems here,” Attar says, crediting the welcoming nature of Orleans residents.

Looking Ahead

For Attar, Syria’s future holds promise, but his life is firmly rooted in France. While he dreams of visiting his homeland to reconnect with family and friends, he sees his future in Orleans. “I believe that Syria will be better — much, much better than before,” he says. Yet, the streets of Orleans, where he has rebuilt his life, are now his home.

Narenj’s success symbolizes more than a culinary journey; it reflects the resilience of refugees who have transformed adversity into opportunity. For Attar and his family, Orleans is not just a place of refuge but a community that has embraced them, allowing them to thrive while keeping the spirit of Syria alive.

Conclusion

Nabil Attar’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. From enduring the horrors of war to building a new life in a foreign land, his journey highlights the potential of resilience and hope. While the political landscape continues to evolve, Attar’s experience underscores the importance of compassion and support for refugees striving to rebuild their lives. As Narenj continues to serve as a beacon of Syrian culture in Orleans, it also stands as a testament to the enduring connection between heritage and the pursuit of a brighter future.