Just over a month ago, the tragic loss of seven members from the World Central Kitchen, a US-based non-profit, captured global attention and made international headlines. In a rare acknowledgment, Israel openly recognized the devastating impact of the war, admitting that such actions were deeply regrettable and “should never have occurred.” Rather than highlighting the plight of Palestinians, the global narrative was largely focused on the non-profit. Following the tragic incident, the story of Chef José Andrés’s culinary journey, founder of the World Central Kitchen, was featured by countless journalists, and he was also contacted by world leaders, including President Biden. In his interviews, Chef José Andrés hailed food as the “the great connector” and a “sign of hope and dignity”, yet if this was the case, why aren’t the stories surrounding Palestinian food and chefs more widely recognized? The story of Palestinian cuisine is more than about mere ingredients, their local sourcing, and origins. It is not solely about flavors or new culinary creations. Instead, it is a story of protecting, keeping and preserving a heritage that risks being forgotten. It is a story of resistance. Palestine’s agricultural…
