After a Palestinian activist protests a series called Two Plate Solution, organizers pursue a conversation with her rather than letting it play out online.
Nesrin Abaza, left, co-owner of El Secreto del Rosita, and Palestinian activist Jinan Deena talk at the restaurant. The two women behind a Palestinian-Israeli pop-up this week in Washington, D.C., knew their event had the potential to draw protests, given the humanitarian crisis created by Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. But the pair wasn’t fully prepared for the backlash generated by their $95-per-person fundraising dinner, dubbed the Two Plate Solution.
By Wednesday, just a day into the scheduled three-day pop-up, Two Plate Solution organizers were scrambling to explain themselves, their motivations and even the name of their event. El Secreto took down its Instagram post for hours while Nesrin Abaza, the Palestinian co-owner of the restaurant and one of the Two Plate organizers,in which she suggested, “We must engage with all sides and be able to communicate, to discuss our differences, to bring humanity back to the table.
Rosner told diners about her own formative experiences living in Israel for 29 years. During her time there, she often visited Palestinian and Bedouin villages to talk to farmers, herders, cooks, olive harvesters and others about foodways that have changed little since biblical times. Rosner became close friends with Balkees Abu Rabiya, a Palestinian cook from Nazareth, whom the writer has called her culinary mentor.
Deena said part of her distaste for the Two Plate Solution dinners was how the organizers framed the meal as a showcase of Palestinian and Israeli cuisines.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
ICJ to open hearings into Israeli occupation of Palestinian landsSix days of hearings have opened at the top United Nations court into the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of lands sought for a Palestinian state. Foreign Affairs Minister Riyad al-Maliki is expected to open the presentation by Palestinian representatives at the International Court of Justice on Monday.
Read more »
The Israeli Settlers Attacking Their Palestinian NeighborsWith the world’s focus on Gaza, West Bank settlers have used wartime chaos as cover for violence and dispossession, Shane Bauer writes.
Read more »
Israeli Military 'Terrorizing' Palestinian Children in Detention, Aid Group SaysJake Johnson is a senior editor and staff writer for Common Dreams.
Read more »
Israeli soldiers strip Palestinian woman naked in humiliating searchFatema Tambora recalls abuses, torture at hands of Israeli soldiers after being arrested in Gaza City.
Read more »
Palestinian children die as famine engulfs Gaza under Israeli siegeThe dire consequences of Israel's blockade unfold in Gaza as malnutrition-related deaths surge, particularly impacting vulnerable children.
Read more »
Israeli army left infants to die and decompose: Palestinian doctorChildren were on ventilators when Israeli forces raided Gaza's al-Nasr Children's Hospital and forced doctors to vacate.
Read more »