Large fire in Paterson injures 2, damages several Middle Eastern shops
Businesses that were damaged include Al Mazaq, the city's first Iraqi restaurant and bakery, Star Halal Meat, and Alhamadanya Sweets.
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Several Middle Eastern businesses are picking up the pieces tonight after an overnight fire tore through their shops.
This wasn’t just a fire on a random night. It was a fire right at the start of the holiest month for many of the business owners and community members who are Muslim and observe Ramadan. Many of them shop at these businesses for the holiday.
"It’s painful. It’s very, very painful," says Mohamad Elsayed,
Elsayed’s family has owned New Star Halal Meat since 2012. They're well known in the community and a staple.
"I’m throwing everything out. I couldn’t salvage anything. I could not have anything to resell to the customers; everything is going to have to be thrown out."
A three-alarm fire tore through the row of businesses on East Railway Avenue around 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
Four businesses were destroyed: an appliance repair shop, Al Mazaq - the city's first Iraqi restaurant and bakery, Hamadany Sweet Shop and Elsayed’s shop, where he sold frozen meats and dry goods and groceries.
This is particularly devastating for the shops and the community who are observing Ramadan.
Raed Odeh isn't just the city's deputy mayor, but he's also a patron. He says he's devastated by the situation.
"To lose such businesses that the community needs at this moment, this is the busiest month of the year for the sweet shop and the butcher," he says.
Elsayed is staying strong in his faith and remaining optimistic that his shop and his staff will be able to get back to work sooner rather than later.
"I’m praying for everything to be back the way it’s supposed to be better than before I could not lose hope it’s everything in God’s hands at the end of the day", Elsayed said.
For now, customers will have to find other places to shop.
