Sadly, the terror attacks continue

November 30, 2022 / ז׳ בְּכִסְלֵו תשפ״ג

Horrific news of dual terror attacks in Jerusalem has sadly been shared around the world this week. While those responsible have not yet been discovered, Israelis mourn the loss of two civilians as they search for answers. Authorities are investigating the meticulously placed bombs they believe were detonated remotely. The first explosion occurred a few minutes after 7:00 am at a bus stop just a short distance from the main entrance of the capital. The second went off about half an hour later at a busy intersection in Ramot. A 15-year-old yeshiva student, Aryeh Sheschopek, and a 50-year-old father of two, Tadesse Tashome Ben Ma’ada, were killed in the attack. Sheschopek held dual Israeli-Canadian citizenship, and Ben Ma’ada moved to Israel twenty years ago from Ethiopia. The blasts toll included 19 injuries and thousands of devastated hearts worldwide. New prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited with the victim’s families, vowing to help bring the terrorists to justice.

“We let you join the party -- but you're not invited here.” This is the message conveyed to Israeli reporters attending the 2022 World Cup. Newly established flight routes from Ben Gurion to Qatar have increased tourist revenue and made attending the matches possible for thousands of soccer fans. Yet, Israeli journalists have been inundated with degrading comments when they mention their home country. Tal Shomer, a reporter from Channel 13, shares that he and his crew were told to “lie low” at the games. He believes the historic direct flights were arranged due to pressure from FIFA authorities and not as a sign of goodwill. Sharing disappointment in what they thought would be a more friendly atmosphere, Israelis say Qatari locals and other Arab nationals are wasting no time in making their hateful positions clear. Physical and verbal threats are occurring more frequently, with numerous incidents broadcast on social media. An estimated twenty thousand Israeli fans are expected in Doha. Let's hope the next World Cup videos to go viral are only about those who love the game.

Purists say the only way to make it is with farm-churned butter and pure cane sugar. More adventurous chefs have created a version served with homemade soft ice cream and marshmallow toppings. But, whichever way you like it, Knafeh is a food trend that will not be going the course of “the nearly forgotten churros” anytime soon. Knafeh’s original recipe stems from Turkey. It is a mouthwatering delicacy made from sweet, softly rolled dough filled with cheese and topped with sugared nuts. Only recently, enterprising businesses sought to produce the exotic dessert with Rabbinic certification, making it accessible to Kosher consumers. Quickly gathering a cult following, the joy of Knafeh has created long lines of enthusiastic customers throughout Machane Yehuda. “No other aroma calls me this strongly!” exclaimed one happy foodie. As they say in Israel -- B’tei Avon!

ARIEL BUSSO

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