Last year community members in Cardiff organised a HOPE not hate solidarity dinner to support two brothers Faruk and Ferudan, who were running a popular restaurant in the city. The Home Office’s refusal to renew Faruk’s visa meant he and his brother faced a £20,000 fine if they continued to serve people on City Road.
Meal coordinator Andrew said: “We wanted to show solidarity with Faruk, and we thought a solidarity meal would be a good way“.
The solidarity meal kick started a massive campaign, supported by local MP Jo Stevens, with thousands calling on the Home Office to do the right thing.
Over a year later, and after a long campaign of support from the local community, a Home Office U-Turn means that the brothers are back on their feet, and re-opening their award winning restaurant.
Ferudan said: “We had so many opportunities to open a place in Swansea or in England, but because people here supported us so much through the hard times we decided to stay in Cardiff.”
HOPE not hate will be organising another meal to celebrate with the brothers. If you live in Cardiff and would like to come along, let us know by emailing [email protected]
