December 2024
Wendy Schneider

The only thing Maro Al Chamaa knew about Jews before walking into a 2013 Stratford performance of Fiddler on the Roof was the antisemitic propaganda he had absorbed while growing up in Lebanon, but he walked out of that theatre several hours later profoundly changed. The fear and prejudice he once harboured gave way to a sense of connection and shared humanity, especially as he recognized parallels between his own values and those depicted in the play—most notably in Tevye’s struggle with his daughter Chava’s marriage to a gentile.

“You have to remember, I’m Druze, and Druze don’t marry outside the faith ... I was already married out, so right away, I’m looking at her and thinking, this is my story.”

Maro Al Chamaa is the dynamic owner of Bohemian Beirut, a newly opened restaurant in downtown Dundas that radiates Middle Eastern charm and hospitality. Sitting in the restaurant’s sunlit alcove on a November morning before opening hours, he shared his journey with the Hamilton Jewish News—a journey defined by bold choices and a fearless embrace of life’s possibilities. From moving to Canada at 17 and converting to the Baháí Faith, to twice marrying and divorcing Iranian women, building a reputation as a celebrated Oakville restaurateur, and falling in love with a space that became Bohemian Beirut, Al Chamaa’s life is a testament to following one’s heart.

Bohemian Beirut marks Al Chamaa’s third foray into the restaurant world. His two Oakville establishments, Maro’s Bistro and Narenj, have become beloved community gathering spots, and he’s determined to make his latest venture just as inviting—a place where guests feel truly at home. Judging by the full house during the Hamilton Jewish News’ lunch visit, he’s well on his way to achieving that goal.

Bohemian Beirut, Al Chamaa explains, is his tribute to the city that shaped him. “I brought Beirut here. This is Beirut,” he said, “It’s a place where everybody can come, connect, laugh, and be themselves. You have to be yourself. You can’t connect with anyone if you can’t be yourself. I understand that Israelis and Jews are wary but all that my message is is be yourself.”

This philosophy of acceptance and coexistence hasn’t come without challenges. Al Chamaa’s Oakville restaurants faced social media backlash during earlier clashes between Israel and Gaza, and the hostility has only intensified in the past year.

When asked if the negative campaigns have hurt his business, Al Chamaa is resolute. 

“Absolutely not. I’m a businessman. I tell the haters that 95 per cent of Middle Eastern people who come to my restaturant are Israelis.”

Despite the criticism, Al Chamaa rejects political labels. “I’m not pro-Israel. I’m not pro-Palestine. I’m pro finding solutions so we can live together. We are very rich cultures. You have no idea how much the world can benefit from us. I mean Arabs and Jews.”

Aware that a feature in a Jewish publication might spark further backlash, Al Chamaa remains undeterred.

“I believe that if you want to hate, no matter what I do, you will hate.  Yes, I’m going to lose lots of Arab customers,  but on the other side, I’m achieving what I believe in. The reality is we have to learn how to live together.”

For Al Chamaa, the restaurant is more than a business—it’s a platform for connection. “This is my goal, the restaurant is a front. The food is the minimum requirement. You’re fascinated with the vibe, with the décor, with the food? Done. Now I catch your eye. Can we build connection?”