What images does “humanitarian crisis” conjure in your mind? For me, it’s the stories of the siege of Leningrad during WWII, which some of my family members experienced first-hand.
The face of a humanitarian crisis
The Hamas and its supporters (especially in the media) would like us to believe that something of the sorts is happening in Gaza. Then, last week, the Israeli Government Press Office spoiled the show by sarcastically inviting the foreign press corps in Gaza to visit the Roots Club and get a first-hand glimpse of the humanitarian situation in the strip.
The owners of Roots have reportedly invested over US 1 million into the site, which leaves us with two options: either they are stark-stupid, throwing money to the wind or there is no shortage of clients for this posh establishment.
Lest you think this ritzy restaurant is one-of-a-kind place for the rich and famous (as Palestinians have been claiming since the publication), think again. Just in case you should ever find yourself in Gaza with nothing to eat, here is a sampling of YouTube videos from Gaza restaurants in a variety of price ranges (use Google Translate to verify Arabic captions). Note that all videos are from 2008 and on (well into the Israeli blockade of the strip).
Lighthouse Restaurant – Gaza
Pay attention to the fountain and the manicured lawns (in view of the severe water crisis in Gaza).
Key West Restaurant – Gaza
If you’d like something simpler, this Gaza-style Kentucky Fried Chicken should suit your fancy. (I do hope the Hamas doesn’t burn them down for identifying with enemy values).
Almat’haf Museum and Restaurant
Man doesn’t live on bread alone. At Almat’haf Museum and Cultural House cultural experiences and fine dining go hand in hand. Note the planned construction of a boutique hotel, which seems to be unhampered by the alleged Israeli embargo on building materials.
Falafel – Gaza Style
Finally, no Gaza dining guide would be complete without some first-class falafel with an assortment of pickled vegetables.
Wow, that looks appetizing!
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that was an absolute wealth of info. i love the variety, the video embedding and (especially) your commentary. thanks much! in other news, i’m now officially craving *real* falafel!
great article!
We’ll be coming to the US in a month. Can bring you some from falafel. In pita or in lafa?
[...] Ingathered takes a look at the reported humanitarian crisis in Gaza. [...]
found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later
Ok, first the lighthouse fountain is recycled. It uses the same water over and over again. And they only open it at night usually. I would know cause my family owns the restaurant. Besides Just because there is a blockade does not mean they arent allowed to live and make the best out of what they have.
And why don’t you post a video about all the little kids in hospitals. Or the the orphans. Or the hundreds of destroyed buildings that were once called home. Here its so so polluted. The roads are horrible. All because of the war and constant airstrikes. Here because people get airstrikes all the time they think its ‘normal’. And everytime there is an airstrike I almost pee in my pants while the little kids just continue playing. Here every day there is no electricity for 12 hours. You have NO idea how hard it is to live here. Im just spending my summer here and i feel so damnd depressed. Restaurant like the lighthouse are one of the few places where people can enjoy themselves.