The Farran family is native to Galilee, a large region of Isreal.
The Farran family immigrated to the United States from Northern Israel in 1996. Their eldest son, Fadul, had been living in Portland since 1989 and was about to graduate from Portland State University. As a U.S. citizen, he helped facilitate his family’s move, allowing them to escape the instability of the Middle East and seek a more secure future. In 1996, Sliman and his wife Rozet, who do not speak English, came to the States to escape Israel's lackluster economy.
In November 1996, Sliman and Rozet opened their first Jerusalem Café in downtown Vancouver. Initially, business was slow, and they were uncertain about the restaurant's future. However, after 18 months, they found a sense of security and comfort in their growing establishment. The warm hospitality of the people and officials in Vancouver made their transition much smoother, and the friendships they formed were a significant source of comfort and support for the family.