The father of eight had been laid off after working as a butcher for much of his life. Using his $10,000 severance pay, he leased a tiny space next to the Ann Arbor District Library.
With old-world recipes, he and his wife began making hummus, kabobs, and falafel sandwiches. Customers came quickly — downtown workers, Community High students (some of whom later worked for him), and professors and students from the University of Michigan. It was a place without pretense, where everyone was welcome.
Jerusalem Garden’s founder Ribhi Ramlawi was a quiet man who welcomed anyone into his tiny restaurant. His spirit of kindness and openness imbued the place he established in 1987 to support his family.
Born in 1934 in a village near Jerusalem, the founder and his family fled to Jordan in 1948 during the diaspora. In 1962, he moved to the United States in search of greater opportunities. His family eventually settled in the metro Detroit area.
“He was definitely a positive influence in a lot of people’s lives and in the community too… always smiling,” said his daughter, Nan Ramlawi. "He peeled garlic almost as a meditative exercise."
Ribhi did not live long enough to see Jerusalem Garden grow into what it is today — a unique place with a loyal and vibrant community. He passed away unexpectedly in 1993, leaving the restaurant as his legacy.
Today, three of the founder’s children remain actively involved in the business.
Ali Ramlawi, who joined at 18 to honor his father’s legacy, still makes hummus using his father’s original recipe and serves as manager and head of operations.
Nadyia works as an assistant manager, and Mustafa focuses on making falafel.
The spirit of Jerusalem Garden traces back to a big-hearted immigrant who cared deeply about people and wanted to create something lasting for his family.
“He had a heart of gold,” said Ali Ramlawi.
Jerusalem Garden’s founder, Ribhi Ramlawi, was a quiet man who welcomed everyone into his small restaurant.
His spirit of kindness and openness shaped the place he established in 1987 — a place created to support his family and serve the community.
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