Interview with Sharbel Balloutine, A vegan activist and fitness coach from Palestine
Sharbel Balloutine is a Palestinian vegan activist who created the word الخُضْرِيّ (al-khodri) which entered the Arabic lexicon at the intersection of health and ethics. This word was first introduced in his book, entitled “الخُضْريّة - تعامل أسمى للإنسان مع الأرض والحيوان” which translates to “Veganism - a supreme treatment of Man with Land and Animals." Additionally, he founded an organization called "Vegans for Humanity" that promotes veganism.
Sharbel Balloutine is a fitness instructor and founder of the Balloutine Method, an exercise method that uses gravity to improve physical fitness and overall health. Sharbel uses his coaching platform to advocate for a plant-based lifestyle.
Translated from Arabic
“Many think veganism is a restrictive way of life, but my choices have increased! My sensory perception has expanded! And my values have been boosted. I have not found a deeper choice than to live my life in a way that glorifies life! Which finds grace in every living being and searches for life with the least degree of violence.”
- Sharbel Balloutine
This interview was conducted in Arabic and translated into English
What inspired you to become vegan? Can you share the moment that prompted you to adopt this lifestyle?
Throughout my life, I was always ready to help others. Whenever I felt like someone was being mistreated, I would jump in to help and be there for them, especially with my friends. There was a significant incident that occurred when I was 11 or 12 years old. I witnessed an older guy harassing a cat, and it deeply affected me. The cat was hit and thrown away violently. This situation shocked me and I felt empathy for the cat. After witnessing this incident, I started thinking to myself why would someone treat animals like that and what are the reasons and motives behind these cruel actions?
At 27/28 years of age, I came across a book called "Slaughterhouse" by Gail A. Eisnitz. In this book, Gail spoke with slaughterhouse workers who revealed what they would do to animals out of boredom and for the fun of hurting them. This reflects a lot on what runs into the minds of those who accept working under such conditions. After reading this book and discovering that the author is vegan, it affected me in an unimaginable way. This book was my last sign to turn vegan overnight.
I am not violent, but our culture has led us to disregard the link between the food on our tables and the process.
What drove you to become an activist?
To make awareness more accessible to a wider audience, I wrote a book. “الخُضْريّة - تعامل أسمى للإنسان مع الأرض والحيوان published in 2012.
This book is about 3 main topics. The first goal would be to highlight the inhumane treatment of all animals.
This book also evokes and elaborates on the idea that human beings can live without animal-based products to thrive and survive. And finally, the third goal would be to examine how animal agriculture negatively affects the environment.
الخُضْرِيّة - تعامل أسمى للإنسان مع الأرض والحيوان (ektab.com)
Aside from the book, I have participated in and organized several peaceful protests and marches starting in 2013 for animal rights.
What were the challenges and how did you face them?
At first, these marches and protests made an impact on the mainstream media and social media. But it was not enough, and it stagnated. Among the challenges we have faced was a striking comment about all other injustices in the world, especially in Palestine. Why focus on animals in the presence of everything else happening? Those recurrent comments shifted my strategy from street activism to organizing around 100 conferences and lectures until Covid-19 hit the world. In these conferences and lectures, a selection of plant-based food would be available for attendees to introduce them to vegan lifestyle and show them that it has a variety of options and to change their mindset about veganism and plant-based food.
Unfortunately, I was driven to shift my campaigns to the health aspect of following a plant-based diet because we speakers had to show an audience the benefits. In addition, I always mention and speak of animal rights in all of my speeches.
One of your most prominent lectures is "All Oppression Is Connected". How did the approach that all other injustices are linked to animal oppression come about?
Let me begin by saying “An anti-oppression person is one who recognizes all oppression." In other words, an anti-oppression person is one who stands up to all injustices and not whichever he/she feels targeted by.
World peace cannot be achieved if we fail to reject human supremacy and stop contributing to the largest injustice, oppression, and violence toward animals.
What would you advise the younger generation of activists?
What I would say is to stay realistic. To avoid failing as activists, it is imperative to not give up on our cause, and not get upset and hopeless. You should be strong and show love with your approach, no matter how others bring you down.
What are your future plans?
I am currently immersed in my latest project: writing a book slated for release later this year. The book delves into ethics and guides readers on how to interact respectfully with women, children, and all individuals in their surroundings. It is titled "Al-wa'd Bil Salam," which translates to "A Promise of Peace." Through this book, I aim to promote harmonious relationships and foster a culture of compassion and understanding in our interactions with one another. Having the opportunity to share these valuable insights is an honor for me, and I hope it will positively impact the audiences that read it.