Chios
This Greek island was home to thousands of Syrian refugees during the Syrian refugee crisis. The restaurant we visited, Gargantoua’s, is where local volunteers came to refuel in between shifts of receiving refugees from beaches. My family and I met with the founder of the NGO who oversaw these volunteers. She explained to us how lunch at Gargantoua’s was a time of reflection and healing. After sitting with her and hearing countless emotional stories, the restaurant felt familiar. It was a space rooted in kindness and community. Though far from Syria, the restaurant stood as a reminder that during a time when Syrians often felt forgotten by the rest of the world, there existed communities that welcomed them with dignity, care, and compassion.
Below you can see volunteers’ names on the awning at the restaurant.
