Interview with Yal Solan and Samer Beyhum, the creative duo behind Alternative Kitchen
We recently had the chance to interview Yal Solan and Samer Beyhum, the creative duo behind Alternative Kitchen.Yal, a Lebanese singer‑songwriter, multidisciplinary artist, and vegan activist, and Samer, a filmmaker, educator, and vegan chef, co‑founded this platform to highlight Levantine cuisine through plant‑based recipes, giving a nod back to our culture while carrying the environmental and ethical advocacy it represents. Together, they use recipes, podcasts with guests, and live cooking events to make vegan living accessible and culturally rooted, while also tackling broader issues such as consumerism, gender dynamics, and environmental justice. In this interview, they share how their journeys and creativity converge to position food as a cultural and ethical statement, a silent rebellion that challenges traditions, opens new paths for compassion and justice, and inspires a shift toward a kinder, more sustainable future.
Interview with Sharbel Balloutine, A vegan activist and fitness coach from Palestine
Sharbel Balloutine is a Palestinian vegan activist who created the word الخُضْرِيّ (al-khodri) which entered the Arabic lexicon at the intersection of health and ethics. This word was first introduced in his book, entitled “الخُضْريّة - تعامل أسمى للإنسان مع الأرض والحيوان” which translates to “Veganism - a supreme treatment of Man with Land and Animals." Additionally, he founded an organization called "Vegans for Humanity" that promotes veganism.

