KarunaNews Story

In the midst of recent surges in antisemitism and Islamophobia, owners of an Israeli-Palestinian restaurant in Berlin decided to re-open as "an island of peace". Jalil Dabit, a Palestinian, and Oz Ben David, an Israeli, are friends who own Kanaan, a restaurant that serves a menu representing the "best of both sides". The Israeli-Hamas war has taken a deep emotional toll on both Dabit and Ben David, but they have chosen to support each other and provide a safe place for people affected by antisemitism and Islamophobia. Dabit and Ben David will also soon meet with Germany's president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier to share ideas on ways of reducing tensions between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinians. "If you are closing up, you are surrendering to terror," said Ben David. "We will not agree to this kind of language of fear."