Lebanese Vegans Social Hub
By the people, for the animals, the people and the environment
The Lebanese Vegans Social Hub was born in November 2020, 2 months after the Beirut explosion that killed more than 200 people and countless other animals. The center, formerly used as a social and cultural center by the Hayek family, was also the home of Hayek who was imprisoned and executed by the Turkish army of the ottoman empire for publicly speaking about the independence of Lebanon. Since its opening in late 2020, the center runs campaigns to raise awareness about animal rights, free workshops, documentary screenings, lectures and provides a co working space as well as free vegan meals in its caffe, The Collective.
Plant-based Cafe
Our 100% vegan cafe, The Collective, offers an amazing plant based menu and free meals on a weekly basis for those in need.
Co Working
Our center offers a big co working area with fast internet connection for anyone to come, hang out, get creative, meet others and get some work done!
Events & Campaigns
Each month, we organize events about animal rights, sustainability and health, social events, documentary screenings and more. Check out our Events page if you want to be up to date with everything and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter!
History of the building
The building was built in 1885 and initially used as a house where Father Joseph Hayek resided with his family. He put all his efforts to free Lebanon From the Ottoman Regime. On December 24, Christmas eve, 1914, Ottoman soldiers kidnapped Father Hayek from his doorsteps in front on his wife and children. He was kidnapped and taken to Damascus, Syria, where he was jailed for several months, while the Ottoman regime tried to convince him to let go of his will for an independent Lebanon, with no success.
Father Hayek was executed, hanged in Damascus in 1915. Kicking himself the table he was standing on while having the rope on his neck, screaming, long live Lebanon, dying as a martyr for his country.
He is recognized as one of the very first martyrs of the new Lebanon and we are proud that our work for justice takes place within the walls of his home.