The story begins with a Jewish American family visiting Syria who found themselves dining exclusively on fruit for dinner. The hotel they were staying at did not offer kosher food, prompting the hotel owner to recognize the issue. In the wake of
the return of Jewish tourists to Syria amid the country’s new regime
, he decided, as reported by The New York Times, to offer a kosher menu for Jewish guests.
The Royal Semiramis, a five-star hotel in Damascus, reopened in April 2025 and has recently become a central spot for Jewish visitors after introducing its kosher menu. Reports indicate that it is currently the only place in Syria where kosher food is served. Although
Syria’s Jewish community is now composed of only a handful of people
, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Jews visiting Damascus since the fall of former President Bashar Assad’s regime, along with a growing demand for kosher meals.
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The Royal Semiramis, a five-star hotel in Damascus, reopened in April 2025
(Photo: Syrian News Agency)
Bachor Simantov, one of the last remnants of the Jewish community in Damascus, stated that the hotel has opened a kosher section in its kitchen. “The plates, the utensils — everything is new and kosher. Jews bring meat from America, but with God’s help, after Passover in April, a ritual slaughterer will come to provide kosher meat for the restaurant here in Damascus.”
Simantov mentioned that he often dines at the restaurant. He explained that the kosher section aims to encourage Jewish people to travel to Syria. “We want to motivate Syrians to return and invest in the country, start businesses, and pray at the synagogue. If anyone wishes to come back to their former home, there should be no issue with that — the government is supportive.”
Travel influencer Nick Maddock, boasting over 190,000 Instagram followers, stated on January 11: “One of the things that surprised me most and that I’ve come to appreciate about Syria is its remarkable diversity. It truly embodies a mosaic of cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. Damascus is at the heart of it all. Although few remain, Syrian Jews are an integral part of this mosaic — which is why I valued that this restaurant offers a completely kosher kitchen.”
In a video, Maddock showcases the kitchen, where he notes the presence of entirely separate utensils for kosher foods, along with distinct preparation methods. A sign can be seen that reads, “Kosher food only, do not touch.” He emphasizes that this was likely the cleanest kitchen he had encountered throughout his time in Damascus.
Conclusion
This evolution in the culinary landscape of Syria reflects a growing openness and an acknowledgment of the rich heritage of Jewish culture within the region. The initiatives taken by hotels like the Royal Semiramis signify a hopeful step toward welcoming visitors and revitalizing connections that had long been dormant.
