Interviewing Roqaia Albeesh: Bridging Veganism and Social Justice in the Middle East
Roqaia Albeesh, aka The Syrian Vegan, is a prominent figure in the vegan community, celebrated for her efforts to promote veganism within the Syrian community and across the Middle East. A passionate Damascene activist, her work extends beyond animal rights and environmental sustainability; she is also an advocate for the vulnerable people in the Levant and beyond, uplifting the demands for freedom and safety.
Through conferences, workshops, and podcasts, she raises awareness about the impact of animal agriculture on the environment while highlighting the ethical and cultural benefits of veganism.
A noteworthy aspect of her work is her engagement in the Vegan Islam Initiative, which connects vegan principles to Islamic teachings on compassion and stewardship.
Recently, she founded the Syrian Vegan Community, demonstrating her dedication to inclusivity, equity, and justice for all beings.
By weaving together cultural heritage and a deep sense of compassion, Roqaia is transforming perceptions of veganism, championing it not merely as a diet but as a way of life rooted in justice, inclusivity, and care for all sentient beings.
The Green Collaborations Conference, hosted by the @syrian_climate_pioneers in Damascus
1- What sparked your interest in vegan activism? Was there a particular event or experience that inspired you to pursue this path?
My journey into vegan activism comes from a deep concern for the ethical treatment of animals, especially in Syria, where awareness of animal rights is still limited. I believe veganism is more than just a personal choice—it’s a moral responsibility to prevent harm. Animals are sentient beings who feel pain and joy, and I want to help people see them as individuals rather than products.
2- You’ve been active in spreading awareness about climate change and the negative impact of animal agriculture. What are some key messages you aim to convey in your talks and workshops?
When advocating for veganism, I emphasize that human suffering does not justify harming others. Many discussions focus on the environmental or health impacts, which I consider bonuses, but my main concern is the cruelty animals endure. In a region where people face so many challenges, it’s easy to believe that concern for animals is secondary. But I argue that compassion should not have limits. A more just, peaceful world must include care for all sentient beings.
"As long as there are slaughter houses there will always be battlefields." ~ Leo Tolstoy (Russian author and philosopher)
Through my activism, I’ve come to see how interconnected these issues are. Billions suffer needlessly, and I want to challenge the normalization of their exploitation.
"For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love." ~ Pythagoras (Greek philosopher and mathematician)
We cannot claim rights over animals that live on land, that eat the same food, breathe the same air, drink the same water as we do; when we kill them, they embarrass us with their terrifying cries and make us feel ashamed of our action. ~ Plutarch (ancient Greek philosopher)
3- Can you tell us more about your involvement with the Vegan Islam Initiative and how it connects veganism with Islamic teachings?
I engaged with the Vegan Islam Initiative, which connects veganism with Islamic principles of compassion and stewardship. Islam teaches us to preserve resources and avoid waste, especially of water and land. Some debates suggest that Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) followed a plant-based diet, as reflected in his words: "Do not make your stomachs graves for animals."
4- You recently launched the Syrian Vegan Community. What are your goals for this initiative?
With the Syrian Vegan Community, my goals are to:
Educate people about veganism’s ethical and cultural significance.
Ensure plant-based alternatives are available and accessible, not as a luxury.
Highlight Syria’s rich history of plant-based cuisine, showing that veganism is not foreign to our culture.
Advocate for policy changes that promote sustainable food systems.
Build a supportive network for Syrians who want to transition to veganism, and those who are already vegan in the area.
5- Your activism includes support for vulnerable communities in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. How do you see the intersection between veganism and social justice? Do you believe that working towards a more compassionate and sustainable world requires addressing both animal rights and human rights issues?
For me, veganism and social justice are deeply connected. I support vulnerable communities in the Levant and beyond and believe that when we stop exploiting animals, we naturally become less exploitative toward humans. Compassion should not have limits, and I hope my work encourages more people to reflect on how we treat all sentient beings.
6- Can you share some of the future initiatives you're most excited about and how you hope they will promote veganism and cultural appreciation?
One of the initiatives I’m most excited about is opening Syria’s first vegan restaurant. This restaurant won’t just serve food—it will serve as an educational space. By offering traditional favorites, we can invite people to experience familiar flavors in a new, kinder way. I believe that sitting down to a meal can open the door to reflection. It allows people to understand that embracing compassion doesn't mean sacrificing culture or enjoyment; it enhances it.
Beyond that, I’m working on a cookbook that features both originally vegan Syrian recipes and veganized versions of beloved classics.
Conclusion:
Roqaia Albeesh’s activism is a beacon of hope for a more compassionate, sustainable future in the Middle East. Her work, rooted in ethics and justice, challenges societal norms and inspires a shift in perceptions toward veganism. By fostering dialogue on the environmental, social, and cultural significance of veganism, Roqaia continues to empower communities to embrace change. Her dedication is a powerful reminder that compassion knows no boundaries—extending to all sentient beings, human and animal alike.