In Paris, a Palestinian-Israeli restaurant to share the 'Taste of Peace'

In Paris, a Palestinian-Israeli restaurant aims to share the 'Taste of Peace'. This establishment, founded by a Palestinian from Gaza and a Franco-Israeli, opened its doors on Saturday, coinciding with a renewed sense of hope in the Middle East.

Guests, seated on carpets or at tables, enjoy Middle Eastern flavors prepared from six in the morning by Radjaa Aboudagga and his team. "Everything is handmade, from A to Z," explains the Franco-Palestinian from Gaza, as he prepares 'managuish', a type of sandwich filled with cheese, minced meat, or zaatar (a type of thyme).

This restaurant, open four evenings a week until June, was envisioned in partnership with the Franco-Israeli Edgar Laloum and the organization "Nous réconcilier". Laloum expresses joy at the opening, noting it comes at a time when there is hope for peace, referencing the ceasefire in Gaza and the anticipated return of Israeli hostages and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The menu features dishes that both Israelis and Palestinians enjoy similarly. Laloum, who lived in Jerusalem for thirty years, emphasizes that both peoples share customs, dreams, tears, and sorrows. Aboudagga adds, "We share the same land; we must live together on this land," while also appreciating France and other countries' recognition of the State of Palestine.

At the Consulat Voltaire, where the restaurant is located, the Palestinian, French, and Israeli flags hang from the ceiling. A customer named Raphaël finds the display symbolic, explaining to his son that people can live together. Henri Poulain, 57, sees it as a sign of reconciliation between France and the two states, despite ongoing conflicts.

Psychosociologist Joëlle Bordet disagrees with the term "reconciliation," suggesting it's too strong. "Being together in the same space, despite being enemies, is already extraordinary," she says, reflecting on her own experiences.

Nour-Eddine Skiker, president of the association "Jalons pour la paix," appreciates the collaborative spirit among volunteers aiding the restaurant. A young volunteer, Mboreha Ahamed, adds that being under the three flags symbolizes unity around a meal.

As the day progresses, a long line forms for mezze orders. The inaugural day also features poetry readings in Hebrew, Arabic, and French, conversation circles, and concerts, all intended to celebrate life, the meaning of "Sababa" in both Israel and the Palestinian Territories.