Famous Lebanese food vlogger, photographer and traveller, Anthony Rahayel, was welcomed by hundreds of crowds across Sydney’s Western suburbs. The “no garlic, no onions” influencer was warmly showered with cheers and claps at Burwood on Wednesday 23 November, as he met his adoring fans and followers. Councillor John Faker, Mayor of Burwood, Actor Antony Makhlouf, and the host Mr George Bousamra, Vice President of the Australian Arab Business Council were some of the prominent Lebanese Australians present at the event, which was sponsored by Harkola.
Mr Bousamra opened the evening with the following words:
“If you know Anthony, you’re connected to every Lebanese around the world through him, through his channel and through the work that he’s done.”
The unity and effect that Anthony has on people was evident in the speeches, hugs, tears, cheers and claps.
Local recognition
Councillor John Faker presented Anthony Rahayel with a plaque for his incredible abilities and talents to bring together global Lebanese communities back to their mother country. Faker spoke about the importance of heritage, traditions and ancestorial roots.
“Anthony is a national treasure and an icon in Lebanon,” says Faker. “Anthony [associates] us back to our roots, through his village travels, through those mountains, through the seas, through Beirut. You watch Anthony’s videos and you can smell the place – you can smell the air. Anthony is important for me, personally, because my children are second generation Australian: they have visited Lebanon, and they now watch Anthony’s videos and they feel connected back to the place where their grandparents came from.”
Anthony Rahayel was all-smiles, a gentle soul that spoke with every attendee on the night and made the time to hear their stories. As he humbly accepted the plaque, he said:
“You are more than my siblings. Thank you for your support, for your love, for your photos and connections with me. I travel all across Lebanon to bring Lebanon to those who don’t know the real Lebanon. I have travelled from across the globe, but the love I feel here tonight is like I’m home. I hope you all remember your roots and ancestry.”
Jennifer fondly recounts her memories of her parents watching Anthony in Australia, and travelling with him on his journeys around Lebanon through his show. She recalls her parents in their final years, with dementia, talking to the television while watching Anthony, and speaking with him as if they personally knew him, and as if he was part of their family.
Faker concluded:
“That’s why we need to continue to support people like Anthony, who are making a difference in people’s lives by telling a story. I want to say a big thank you to Anthony, because Anthony makes a big difference to allow us to continue to love Lebanon, those stories, smells and memories, and he won’t allow us to forget that.”
Original Article: https://keepingnewslocal.com.au/no-garlic-no-onions-anthony-rahayel-welcomed-by-australian-lebanese-community/