Middle East Vegan Society

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and coming together with loved ones. However, navigating traditional festive customs as a vegan can sometimes be challenging, especially in a region where plant-based lifestyles may not yet be fully mainstream. Here are some tips and strategies for enjoying a compassionate, vegan Christmas in the Middle East. 🌲🌱 ✨communicate and educate ✨support local vegan businesses ✨plan for social gatherings ✨mindful gift giving ✨connect with like-minded individuals for support Get the full list of tips on our blog at middleeastvegansociety.org! Happy compassionate Christmas! 💚 #veganchristmas #choosecompassion

It’s about time we started celebrating sustainable and plant-based holidays! 💚🌱 Middle Eastern cuisine is inherently rich in plant-based ingredients like legumes, grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. You can incorporate traditional flavors into your Christmas feast while veganizing popular dishes. Here are some delicious ideas: ✨hummus and falafel ✨tabbouleh and fattoush ✨stuffed grape leaves (dolama) ✨vegan shawarma ✨makdous ✨majuddara ✨kibbeh ✨baklava Use the holiday season as an opportunity to educate and inspire others about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Share delicious recipes and show how easy and enjoyable it can be to celebrate compassionately. 🌲🤗

A dedicated vegan activist and journalist, Zena has been instrumental in promoting plant-based living and animal rights in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. Based in Lebanon, she has been vegan since 2019 and specializes in media and journalism. Zena is actively involved with Lebanese Vegans NGO in their relief campaign in distributing ready-meals and clothes to the homeless in Beirut region and especially lately distributing ready meals to the displaced people caused by the Israeli heavy bombing in the South of Lebanon and some areas in Beirut. Zena is also involved with us at the Middle East Vegan Society, where she contributes to the V-Label (Vegan label) distribution project in Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. She writes for platforms like Choose Compassion, where she addresses various topics related to animal rights and veganism. Zena's work focuses on raising awareness about animal rights, the benefits of plant-based diets and the ethical treatment of animals, aiming to create a more compassionate and sustainable world. Read the full interview with the amazing Zena Rkein on our blog at https://lnkd.in/gi_gj9c9 💚

Did you know? 💭🤔🌱 A recent study on dietary preferences in Saudi Arabia revealed that 4.7% of the population sample followed a plant-based diet, highlighting a notable shift in dietary habits within the country. The study also found that 79.6% of the vegans surveyed were women, 77.8% were aged between 18 and 30, and 85.2% were graduates. The primary reason for adopting a vegan diet was animal ethics (37%), followed by weight control (31.5%) and health improvement (18.5%). 🩺🌎🐷 None of the vegans had been following the diet for more than four years, and 72.9% had been vegan for less than a year. A significantly higher proportion of vegans reported never consuming fast food, fried food, or fizzy drinks. There was a moderate positive correlation between BMI and the consumption of fast food, fried food, fizzy drinks with meals, and canned food.

After spending two months in a small Beirut apartment with an animal rights group, the young lion cub finally reached a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. Her journey involved traveling by yacht and planes, escaping both war and an abusive owner. Animals Lebanon first discovered Sara on social media in July. Her owner, a Lebanese man from Baalbek, posted videos of himself parading with the cub on TikTok and Instagram. Lebanese law prohibits the private ownership of wild and exotic animals. "Sara was really just being used as a show-off prop," said Jason Mier, executive director of Animals Lebanon. Animals Lebanon collected donations from supporters and rights groups worldwide to fund Sara's journey. Towards the end of November, she arrived at the port of Dbayeh, just north of Beirut. Mier and his team were relieved but also emotional at her departure. She traveled by yacht to Cyprus, then flew to the United Arab Emirates, and finally arrived in Cape Town. Mier expects Sara will be monitored for health and disease control but will soon join a community of other lions. "She'll be integrated with two other lions we've previously sent from Lebanon, forming a group of three. That's where she will live out the rest of her life. It's the best option for her," he said.

The origins of falafel are contested, with several Middle Eastern countries claiming it as their own. However, it is widely believed to have originated in Egypt. Some theories suggest its roots trace back to Pharaonic Egypt, but the earliest written references from Egyptian sources date to the 19th century. 🧆🌟 Archaeological discoveries have unearthed evidence of falafel's early existence, with chickpea and fava bean remnants found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Ancient texts, such as "The Tale of Sinuhe" from the 12th Dynasty (1991–1802 BCE), reference a similar dish called "Ta’amia." This dish was more than just food; it held ritualistic importance and was often offered to deities in temples. Across the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and North Africa, different countries have their signature falafel recipes. In Syria, chickpeas are usually the key base ingredient, while in Jordan, recipes tend to use fava beans or chickpeas. In Turkey, chickpeas are common, but some regions also use lentils to make the popular snack, typically served as part of a mezze feast. 🌱 Falafel, often vegan by default, is a nutritious food choice made from beans or legumes. Chickpeas, fava beans, and lentils are all good sources of fiber, essential for supporting gut and digestive health. They also contain protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants like flavonoids. However, one key issue with falafel is that it is often deep-fried, which can increase its saturated fat content. Healthier ways of preparing falafel include baking or air frying.

Sustainable and cruelty-free holidays 💚

Over the past five years, Australia has exported an average of around 700,000 live sheep annually to the Middle East. However, with Australia planning to ban live exports by 2028, this number is beginning to decrease. Public concern over the treatment of sheep on export ships has significantly contributed to the decision to ban the trade. Animal rights groups have been vocal about the inhumane conditions animals face during transport, including overcrowding, heat stress, and high mortality rates. 💔 These groups have campaigned tirelessly for years, highlighting the suffering of animals and pushing for legislative changes. Their efforts have played a crucial role in bringing about the ban. ✊ With live sheep exports from Australia already decreasing, Kuwaiti importers are urgently seeking alternatives to meet the growing demand in the Middle East before the ban takes effect. As the ban approaches, let’s continue advocating for plant-based alternatives and transitioning to a healthier, more sustainable food system 🌱

Have you ever considered the impact of dietary choices on the planet? Shifting towards a more plant-based diet has a hugely positive impact on the environment—plant-based foods generally require fewer resources like water and land compared to animal-based products, reducing the strain on ecosystems. 🌱 Additionally, livestock farming is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so opting for plant-based meals can help combat climate change. ⚡️By embracing plant-based eating, we not only support sustainability but also promote biodiversity and reduce pollution. Let’s reconsider what’s on our plate to create a healthier planet for future generations. ✊

Dubai is emerging as a hotspot for the vegan movement 🌱 Darren Awol, CEO of House of Vegan, chatted about why Dubai is the perfect place for vegan cuisine 📍 House of Vegan Dubai aims to meet the growing demand for vegan food, offering protein substitutes, fresh vegetables, and plant-based dishes with bulgar wheat, quinoa, plantain, coconut dumplings, and more! Awol believes that food nourishes both the body and soul, and his brand is dedicated to creating delicious, wholesome plant-based options that support health and the environment. 🥑 Dubai's vibrant lifestyle, including a thriving fitness community, further enhances its appeal as a vegan food hub. As more people adopt healthier lifestyles, the demand for vegan options has surged. 💚✨