If Israel wants to be known not just for the tiring Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but for its boundless creativity, it might do well to borrow a page or two from Thailand’s cookbook.
Not many people know that Fish and Chips comes out of the Jewish community and fewer know anything about the particular community that created it, the Chuts of London. An interesting group, well worth reading about.
If Thailand had every one of its Asian neighbors either try to murder it's citizens or relentlessly demand they give away half their country to a death cult and if the vast majority of the world accepted the big lie that Thailand and not the death cult is responsible for the conflict, I doubt the exporting of Pad Thai would do much to change anyone's mind.
That would be a dream come true - the world welcoming and embracing the multicultural diversity of Israeli cuisine. Unfortunately, Israeli-owned restaurants (at least in Toronto, a current hotbed of antisemitism) are already experiencing boycotts, review-bombing and spray-paint protests by haters. Not the most welcoming market for Israelis. They should have started 40 years ago (also when Thai cuisine took off in North America) before the anti-Israel propaganda took hold.
I don't think the Thais suffered from 2000 years of adverse publicity or prejudice as we Jews have suffered from antisemitism. However, it was very pleasing to have won the public vote at Eurovision this last Saturday night. It shows that we do have a lot of support in spite of all the calls to boycott Israel and kick us out of Eurovision. It appears that it is the media and western liberal leaders who have a problem with Israel, not the wider public.
It's a wonderful beginning! We (Israel and its lovers) need a coordinated new story to tell. A dream and a vision people can get behind -It will be easier after the war
"It is not a simple offering, but an entire conversation on a plate." An absolutely fabulous line. Anyway, Eyal Shani opened a restaurant in downtown West Palm Beach a few months ago. No, I haven't been there yet because it's impossible to get a reservation!
I think that starting with cuisine isn’t the way to go. “Best Thai” is our favorite restaurant - and it’s in our neighborhood - literally five minutes away. It’s always packed with Thai and Jewish diners. And - the restaurant and its guests are not harassed outside the restaurant by Cambodian terrorists chanting, waving hateful, anti-Thai placards and jostling and attacking patrons in the parking lot. Israeli restaurants, promoting mideastern cuisine will be targeted by the usual subjects, claiming that Israel not only stole “Pal” dancing (Debka), but stole Arab street cuisine (manat felafel b’vakashah). What Israel ought be sending to the U.S. is cadres of young male an d female, Ethiopian Jews, Druze, Muslim Arabs and perhaps American lone soldiers (Jewish and Christian) who’ve completed Army service from all walks of life and occupations - and maybe accompanying musicians who will talk about the “Real Israel” and opportunities for American tourists and prospective college students (who will be shocked how low tuition is in Israel, compared to the U.S. and how Muhammed states in the Koran that “the land of Israel was given by Allah to Bani Israel). A show not once a year on Israel Independence Day, but dozens of troupes who perform in venues (and dare I say college campuses) throughout the U.S. every week. That’s my idea. We need Producers and funders. The rest is not difficult.
I agree that these are excellent suggestions, although remember tourists will not come unless there is peace and security. And as you said, it can't be whitewashing, and no amount of culinary branding can compete against images of starvation and suffering. The situation in Gaza has to first be addressed, or a campaign to promote Israeli foods would appear insensitive and potentially even backfire.
Hamas is certainly part of the problem, but maybe, just maybe if the IDF could stop bombing hospitals, universities, refugee camps, schools, children; send the tanks home, the attack choppers, ground the jets.... I've seen enough dead children in my feeds to last a few lifetimes.
Hamas is certainly part of the problem, but maybe, just maybe if the IDF could stop bombing hospitals, universities, refugee camps, schools, children; send the tanks home, the attack choppers, ground the jets.... I've seen enough dead children in my feeds to last a few lifetimes.
Ha, I have been to Thailand and loved the food. Even the street food was delicious! I went with my daughter, world traveler and ESL teacher. She knows her way around Thailand. In fact, she is there now teaching at an International school. We stayed at a hostel. It was great! I had my own room and bathroom plus the lovely owners made me breakfast and gave me the newspapers. It was an adventure!
Not many people know that Fish and Chips comes out of the Jewish community and fewer know anything about the particular community that created it, the Chuts of London. An interesting group, well worth reading about.
Thank you for enlightening me about the Chuts. Foie gras in France, I believe, was taken by Egyptian Jews to the Alsace
If Thailand had every one of its Asian neighbors either try to murder it's citizens or relentlessly demand they give away half their country to a death cult and if the vast majority of the world accepted the big lie that Thailand and not the death cult is responsible for the conflict, I doubt the exporting of Pad Thai would do much to change anyone's mind.
That would be a dream come true - the world welcoming and embracing the multicultural diversity of Israeli cuisine. Unfortunately, Israeli-owned restaurants (at least in Toronto, a current hotbed of antisemitism) are already experiencing boycotts, review-bombing and spray-paint protests by haters. Not the most welcoming market for Israelis. They should have started 40 years ago (also when Thai cuisine took off in North America) before the anti-Israel propaganda took hold.
Jewish cuisine: it's not just matzo anymore.
I don't think the Thais suffered from 2000 years of adverse publicity or prejudice as we Jews have suffered from antisemitism. However, it was very pleasing to have won the public vote at Eurovision this last Saturday night. It shows that we do have a lot of support in spite of all the calls to boycott Israel and kick us out of Eurovision. It appears that it is the media and western liberal leaders who have a problem with Israel, not the wider public.
It's a wonderful beginning! We (Israel and its lovers) need a coordinated new story to tell. A dream and a vision people can get behind -It will be easier after the war
"It is not a simple offering, but an entire conversation on a plate." An absolutely fabulous line. Anyway, Eyal Shani opened a restaurant in downtown West Palm Beach a few months ago. No, I haven't been there yet because it's impossible to get a reservation!
I think that starting with cuisine isn’t the way to go. “Best Thai” is our favorite restaurant - and it’s in our neighborhood - literally five minutes away. It’s always packed with Thai and Jewish diners. And - the restaurant and its guests are not harassed outside the restaurant by Cambodian terrorists chanting, waving hateful, anti-Thai placards and jostling and attacking patrons in the parking lot. Israeli restaurants, promoting mideastern cuisine will be targeted by the usual subjects, claiming that Israel not only stole “Pal” dancing (Debka), but stole Arab street cuisine (manat felafel b’vakashah). What Israel ought be sending to the U.S. is cadres of young male an d female, Ethiopian Jews, Druze, Muslim Arabs and perhaps American lone soldiers (Jewish and Christian) who’ve completed Army service from all walks of life and occupations - and maybe accompanying musicians who will talk about the “Real Israel” and opportunities for American tourists and prospective college students (who will be shocked how low tuition is in Israel, compared to the U.S. and how Muhammed states in the Koran that “the land of Israel was given by Allah to Bani Israel). A show not once a year on Israel Independence Day, but dozens of troupes who perform in venues (and dare I say college campuses) throughout the U.S. every week. That’s my idea. We need Producers and funders. The rest is not difficult.
I agree that these are excellent suggestions, although remember tourists will not come unless there is peace and security. And as you said, it can't be whitewashing, and no amount of culinary branding can compete against images of starvation and suffering. The situation in Gaza has to first be addressed, or a campaign to promote Israeli foods would appear insensitive and potentially even backfire.
The suffering in Gaza is primarily because of Hamas, not Israel.
And because of Fascists like Netanyahu
Democratically elected fascist? Did he lose an election we aren't aware of and then use the military to retain power?
Imbecile.
Hamas is certainly part of the problem, but maybe, just maybe if the IDF could stop bombing hospitals, universities, refugee camps, schools, children; send the tanks home, the attack choppers, ground the jets.... I've seen enough dead children in my feeds to last a few lifetimes.
Hamas is certainly part of the problem, but maybe, just maybe if the IDF could stop bombing hospitals, universities, refugee camps, schools, children; send the tanks home, the attack choppers, ground the jets.... I've seen enough dead children in my feeds to last a few lifetimes.
You and I know the facts .. but the distorted media and politicians continue their quest
Ha, I have been to Thailand and loved the food. Even the street food was delicious! I went with my daughter, world traveler and ESL teacher. She knows her way around Thailand. In fact, she is there now teaching at an International school. We stayed at a hostel. It was great! I had my own room and bathroom plus the lovely owners made me breakfast and gave me the newspapers. It was an adventure!