Manal
July 2026
I was born in Jordan, with roots in Palestine. In 2014, I moved to New Zealand with my husband, hoping to build a new life together.
Everything changed after a tragic shooting in which I lost my husband. My life stopped in that moment. I went through a very difficult period of trauma, grief, and emotional struggle.
After the shock, I also developed psoriatic arthritis, which still affects my mobility today. Some days are harder than others, but I continue to move forward and do what I can to live a meaningful life.
A year ago, I made a decision to change my path. I refused to stay stuck in pain and slowly began rebuilding my life, step by step, with determination and hope.
I hold a Master’s degree in Educational Technology, and I continued studying English in New Zealand. Today, I am studying bakery at Ara Institute, following my passion for cooking. I love making Middle Eastern sweets such as baklava and kunafa, as well as traditional Palestinian dishes like maqloubeh. I also once had a stall at the Sunday Market.
Outside of cooking, I find peace in gardening, caring for more than 150 plants, herbs, flowers, and fruit trees.
A year ago, I remarried. My husband is also a baker, and we share a dream of opening a café bakery together in the future.
I joined Share Kai because I wanted to be part of a supportive food community where people share skills, culture, and kindness through cooking. My hope as a member of the Cooks Collective is to keep learning, grow as a baker, and contribute my Middle Eastern food traditions while building something meaningful with others.
Looking back, my journey has been difficult, but it shaped my resilience, strength, and hope for the future.