Resilience and Reinvention: The Inspiring Story of Taboonia's Triumph

In the bustling MetLife Stadium parking lot, a small food stall stands as a testament to the resilience of its owners, Raif and Radda Rashed. Taboonia, their Druze-inspired eatery, has emerged from the ashes of a devastating tragedy to become a beacon of hope and culinary excellence in the heart of New Jersey.

Overcoming Unimaginable Adversity: The Rashed Brothers' Harrowing Journey

A Fateful Decision and a Horrific Attack

Raif Rashed's plans to return home to Hackensack were upended when his brother, Radda, asked him to help cater the Nova music festival in the Negev Desert, near the Gazan border. Rashed, an engineer by day, agreed, unaware of the horrors that awaited them.As the brothers served their signature Druze dishes at the festival, the unthinkable happened. Hamas terrorists launched a deadly attack, leaving 260 people dead and dozens more kidnapped. Rashed found himself running for his life, separated from his brother in the chaos. After a harrowing ordeal, the brothers were reunited, but the trauma of that day would forever change them.

Navigating the Aftermath: Resilience and Reinvention

In the months that followed, Rashed grappled with the weight of the experience, dealing with post-traumatic stress and the anguish of knowing that many were still missing. The idea of returning to Israel to be with friends and family was tempting, but a change in jobs and a chance encounter with chef Gidon Ricardo soon set Rashed on a new path."In one week, everything changed," Rashed reflects, his eyes shining with a newfound determination. The brothers decided to revive their long-running food business, Taboonia, and bring their unique Druze cuisine to the United States.

Bringing Druze Flavors to the Meadowlands

Taboonia's grand opening at the New Meadowlands Market in the MetLife Stadium parking lot marked a significant milestone for the Rashed brothers. Here, they could share the rich culinary traditions of the Druze people with a new audience, offering a taste of their homeland thousands of miles away.The Druze cuisine, with its emphasis on freshness, nutrition, and the use of whole grains, quickly captivated the taste buds of curious customers. Rashed and Ricardo's menu featured a tantalizing array of Druze specialties, from the crispy, za'atar-topped muhammara to the lavash-like wraps filled with hummus, salad, and tangy labneh.

Educating and Delighting Customers

As Taboonia's popularity grew, so did the curiosity of their customers. Many had never heard of Druze cuisine, and Rashed was more than happy to educate them. "Once they taste, they know," he says with a proud smile, as customers eagerly sampled the vibrant flavors of his homeland.The Taboonia stand became a hub of cultural exchange, where people could not only indulge in delicious Druze dishes but also learn about the rich history and traditions of this unique Arab religious group. Rashed's passion for sharing his culinary heritage shone through, and his resilience in the face of adversity inspired all who encountered his story.

A Triumphant Return to the Meadowlands

As Rashed stands beneath the Taboonia tent, serving up his beloved Druze creations, he reflects on the journey that brought him here. "It's an historic day for me," he says, his gaze sweeping across the bustling market. From the ashes of tragedy, the Rashed brothers have built a thriving business that not only nourishes the body but also the soul, sharing the rich tapestry of Druze culture with a new community.Taboonia's presence at the New Meadowlands Market is a testament to the power of resilience, the transformative nature of food, and the enduring spirit of the human experience. It is a story that reminds us all that even in the darkest of times, hope can bloom, and triumph can emerge from the depths of adversity.