Book Launch and Conversation with Hana Assafiri Moroccan Soup Bar Friday 14 February

Friday 14 February 2025

The Audacity to Be Free resonates deeply with the values we hold at Moonacres. Community, empowerment, and connection through shared experiences. 

We are delighted to launch Hana's new book here at the school followed by a shared tabled of food created with Hana.

In her memoir, Hana Assafiri invites readers into a powerful journey, blending personal liberation with social activism through the transformative act of cooking and gathering. Just as Moonacres believes in the restorative capacity of soil to nurture food, Assafiri’s narrative emphasizes that healing and empowerment flourish when people come together around a shared table.

Her restaurant, Moroccan Soup Bar, embodies a similar ethos: marginalized women working together to create change, not only nourishing themselves but also their community. At Moonacres, we see this mirrored in the way food connects us to the land and to each other, cultivating a sense of belonging and fostering positive impact.

Hana's story is a reminder that individual actions—like those we practice at Moonacres—can ripple outward to inspire broader societal change. Her narrative captures the essence of community resilience, showing that meaningful change begins with small, intentional steps, much like tending to soil for a bountiful harvest. 

The raw emotional depth of the book captures the fierce struggle for autonomy and belonging. Her escape from oppressive circumstances and her journey to empower others through food and community is transformative. It shows how acts of courage, however small, can ignite profound social change. This book will leave you inspired to not only seek freedom but also to create spaces where others can flourish.

Hana's story is a deeply inspiring call to live authentically and fearlessly, no matter the obstacles. Her restaurant demonstrates that kitchens can become sanctuaries of healing and shows how collective strength emerges when people gather, share and nurture each other.

This evening with Hana starts at 6pm.

Hana and the team at Moonacres look forward to seeing you for this very special event. Her books "Hana: The Audacity to be Free" and "Moroccan Soup Bar" will be available for purchase.

She will be joined by Nick Rheinberger from ABC Illawarra for a beautiful interview and conversation. 

For a very fortunate few, Hana is hosting a cooking class the following day at 2pm.

Hana Assafiri

Hana has dedicated her professional and private life to removing barriers that prevent women from living prosperous lives. By opening her first restaurant in 1998, the popular Moroccan Soup Bar in North Fitzroy–now an institution for many Victorians, Hana has provided employment opportunities for marginalised members of the community.

Hana's approach to business is both unconventional and effective, being passionately grounded in an understanding of community and generosity. Hana introduced the concept of a verbal menu and communal eating to dining in Melbourne, contributing to a unique culinary culture which has been embraced by Melburnians from all backgrounds, creating the sense of community Hana always strives to uphold.

In 2015, Hana was awarded TimeOut's Legend Award for her flair for innovation and entrepreneurship. Her successful career was forged by her drive and passion to dispel misinformation and negative cultural stereotypes to create a supportive Victorian community. Hana is also known for her vibrant and outspoken style, she is celebrated for her ability to articulate social concerns confidently and compassionately, but without apology. Hana's forthright approach is met in due measure with her kindness. It is within this compelling position of strength and compassion that internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei, chose to include Hana in his famous collection of portraits of local social activists.

Hana continually stresses the need for greater intercultural understanding by creating opportunities via respectful cross-cultural relations. To foster such conversation and discussion, Hana holds monthly events coined 'Speed Date a Muslim' and 'Conversation Salons' to bring together academics, journalists and community organisations to debate and discuss contemporary issues, with a focus on women's issues, racism and the need for plurality and a progressive vision. And with that vision she has been a mentor for many young women, particularly from marginalised backgrounds.

Hana has made long-term and notable contributions to greater intercultural understanding between diverse community groups. She has played an extraordinary role in promoting the rights of Muslim women, and indeed of all women. Her vision is advantageous to the Victorian community and has inspired many others to work with her to implement that vision.

In March 2017 Hana was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, celebrating her contribution made to local communities and human rights. In 2019 hana was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her services to women and the broader community. In 2024, she published her memoir, Hana: The Audacity to Be Free, a powerful testament to her ongoing quest for women's empowerment & progressive social change.