Soufra

Soufra (Arabic: سُفرة) refers to the Arabic word for "dining table" or "feast." More broadly, it can represent the act of sharing a meal and the communal experience of dining together, embodying hospitality and gathering around food. In a contemporary context, the word has gained significance as the name of a social enterprise and a documentary film.

The term gained wider recognition through the "Soufra" documentary film (2017), directed by Thomas Morgan. The film follows the journey of Mariam Shaar, a Palestinian refugee living in the Burj el-Barajneh refugee camp in Lebanon, as she starts a catering business with the support of other women in the camp. This enterprise, also named Soufra, began as a means of providing employment opportunities and empowering the women, ultimately expanding into a food truck.

The concept of "Soufra" extends beyond just a literal table; it represents community, resilience, and female empowerment, particularly within challenging circumstances like refugee camps. It embodies the power of food to bring people together and create sustainable livelihoods. The Soufra project highlights the resourcefulness and determination of individuals to overcome adversity and build a better future through culinary initiatives.