'Belfast has become my true home': Restaurant owner thanks community after own abuse and prays for stabbing victim
The owner of a popular Belfast city centre restaurant has thanked the public for an overwhelming outpouring of support following recent disturbances across Northern Ireland.
Nora Rashwan, owner of Nora's Palace on Amelia Street, announced on social media that the restaurant would remain closed as a mark of respect and personal reflection following the unrest which spread across parts of Northern Ireland after the stabbing of a man in Belfast.
Originally from the Middle East, Nora runs the family-owned restaurant alongside her husband, Mourad. The restaurant has built a loyal following for its authentic Egyptian, Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine.
In a message shared online, Nora said her “heart was heavy” for everyone affected by recent events and offered prayers for peace, healing and unity across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
She also expressed concern for Belfast victim Stephen Ogilvie, the man injured in the attack.
In an earlier post, Nora also addressed what she described as “false accusations, harmful comments, and attempts to damage my reputation and the reputation of Nora's Palace”.
She continued: “For over 10 years, I have worked hard to build this business with honesty, dedication and passion. My success comes from the support and trust of my customers, for which I will always be grateful.
“I would also like to make something very clear: over 70% of our customers are local people from Belfast and Northern Ireland, while the remaining 30% are respected members of the Arab community across Belfast, Northern Ireland and London. The actions of a few individuals do not represent the many wonderful people who have supported us throughout the years.”
She added: “When I left my country many years ago, I did not know what fate had in store for me or where life's journey would take me. Today, I thank God from the depths of my heart for leading me to Belfast – a city that is no longer just a place where I live, but has become my true home and the homeland that embraced my dreams, joys and sorrows.”
Her posts have attracted hundreds of comments, many expressing solidarity with the family and praising the contribution Nora's Palace has made to Belfast's food scene and wider community.