'I feel safe again' - shop owner targeted by racists

Ahmad Alkhamran moved to Northern Ireland in 2016

A Syrian man whose south Belfast grocery shop was burnt out in a racist attack has said he feels safe again, after opening new premises in the west of the city.

Ahmad Alkhamran moved to Northern Ireland in 2016 and worked as a taxi driver before opening his own business.

In September, his shop on Donegall Road was targeted in an arson attack and he was forced to move out.

He has now opened a new premises on the Falls Road in west Belfast.

"People stand with me," he said.

"Both communities support me, it's a welcoming community. I feel comfortable and safe, and feeling safe is very important for me.

"It's the first thing I am looking for…people to stand with me.

"Since I opened on Saturday, I was so surprised by the response, just the show of love and respect, because I believe humanity comes first above any religion."

Mr Alkhamran's shop in south Belfast was attacked four times within a fortnight in September 2023. Police said they were treating the incidents as racially-motivated hate crimes.

Mr Alkhamran's previous business was on the Donegall Road

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) councillor Paul Doherty was among those who helped Mr Alkhamran find new premises.

"I think the day I saw Ahmad first off, his head was down and he had been traumatised by what had happened and I really wanted to help him and I knew that this community here in west Belfast, as I've seen, would really pull together," he said.

"From the day I went around and knocked doors of this community and introduced Ahmad he's had such a warm welcome, it was just a beautiful thing to see.

"So the overarching message is the fact that community solidarity, kindness and good people will always win over this racism and hatred that we've seen."

Mr Alkhamran sells Mediterranean food, fresh meat and coffee from his shop which currently employees three people.

He is hoping to expand the business in the future.