03/06/2026
Some people pass through. Omar stayed. ๐ค
Three months. Thirty-one Suhoors with Ehab (his words, not ours). One unforgettable, delicious meal cooked for the whole family. And more laughter than we can count.
Over the steams of this meal, we started listening to his story!
๏ฟฝOmar is Egyptian with Palestinian roots, but has spent his life belonging to neither place fully; carrying two homes in his heart without ever truly landing in one. He came to Alexandria for routine paperwork. So naturally came the question: 'Why did you stay this long?' His answer was simple: 'I stayed for the people.'
And honestly? Our people were here for you the whole time, Omar.
The first thing I heard about Omar before meeting him was, 'He's a story on his own.' One conversation in, and I completely understood why.
Lamia calls him her youngest brother and best friend.๐
The staff was genuinely competing over whose shift he'd stay longest on. He helped hang Ramadan decorations with us. He's friends with every long-term guest. He cooks. He gives. He just... shows up.
When we asked him about his experience in Ithaka, he said, โBest family vibes.โ
Even though he checked out, he kept coming back. Because that's what family does. ๐
This was supposed to be one person's opinion. But then we saw how much everyone here loves Omar, and it became what it had to be: a thank-you card from every single one of us. ๐
Thank you for the joy, laughter, moments, Suhoors, food, and the warmth you brought into this place. ๐๐
We'll be here, waiting for you to come back to Egypt and to your Ithaka family.
(P.S. Yes, he's a cat person. The photo says everything.)๐ฑ
