Food. It’s something that stirs up so many emotions and stimulates all our senses. When you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, turning to your favorite comfort food can be just what you need. If you love cooking, you’ve probably felt the excitement of trying a new recipe for the first time. And, of course, sitting outside with friends for a bite is one of life’s simple joys.
In Israel, food is definitely a big deal. Our cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and cultures. Ask any tourist about their visit, and they’ll always mention something about food – the hummus they had in Jerusalem’s Old City, the sabich in Givatayim, or the halva at the shuk.
Given how food connects people, it’s no surprise that this past year, since October 7th, has sparked so many food-related initiatives. From large-scale efforts to pack food for soldiers and families with the help of thousands of volunteers, to a special cookbook featuring recipes loved by our hostages, and even a coffee shop where all the staff are evacuees from the South. Here are two of these inspiring projects:
Flavors of Longing: Honoring Hostages Through Their Favorite Flavors
October 7th marked the end of the Sukkot holiday. While the sense of loss is something we all carry year-round, holidays magnify the ache, bringing absence into sharper focus. Something about this time, which should be filled with family, makes it even harder for those missing loved ones. On the last holiday of Shavuot, the Hostage Families Forum released a special cookbook called שבועות של געגוע (shah-voo-oht shehl gah-ah-goo-ah), a play on words that means both “Weeks of Longing” and includes the name of the holiday. The book is filled with the hostages’ favorite recipes, offering a way to connect with them through food and love. From the pastries they enjoy in the morning to the warm winter soups and that one dessert they can never get enough of. You can read more about the book and even order it through this link, supporting the families’ crucial mission of bringing their loved ones home.
Bringing the Kibbutz to the city
In an effort to keep their community close and bring the unique, tight-knit atmosphere of the kibbutzim to their temporary home in Tel Aviv, a new chain of coffee shops has opened in recent months. They’re called קפה עוטף (Kafeh Otef) – “Otef” refers to the villages near the Gaza border, which were deeply impacted by October 7th. There are currently two locations in Tel Aviv, one dedicated to Kibbutz Nativ Ha’asara and the other to Kibbutz Re’im. All the staff are members of these communities, and the cafes sell goods from the Gaza Envelope, like jams, wine, cheese, art, and more. These spaces not only offer a place for evacuees to gather, but also allow them to bring their spirit to the city while making a living.
Food has a way of making us feel at home, even in difficult times. With the care and flavor these initiatives bring, we deeply hope everyone will soon enjoy their next meal at home, surrounded by family.
