Open Tables, Open Hearts

30 March 2016

Punta G’abar and Emilie Moatti are planning the shared meal that they are going to prepare for their children, their family, and their friends, all Jewish and Arab. Once at Emilie’s, and once at Punta’s. They will spend the whole day cooking.

Punta is the project initiator and a social activist who previously appeared on the Israeli TV show Big Brother; Emilie is a media adviser and social activist. They are organizing the meal as part of the “Open Table, Open Heart” project, which received a grant from NIF following a special call NIF issued for proposals that promote equality and cooperation between Jews and Arabs in Israel.

“Had enough of complaining? Of accusing the politicians? Of sitting and crying about the violence and racism on the television? You haven’t yet despaired of the possibility of living together in this land? Of the chance of building a better future? Are you ready for a human and social adventure? Curious to meet people? To make friends? To present to your children and friends a model of partnership instead of hostility and hatred?” ask the project initiators. “Hundreds of families, thousands of Israelis — Jews and Arabs — are trying to start fresh and want to prove that a different way is possible.”

“The terrible situation between Jews and Arabs which prevails today in Israel is exactly the right time to give personal encounters a chance and to realize that the difficulties are what will make the connection better and more meaningful,” Punta says. “We can begin to cure this sickness with homemade food and conversation around the kitchen table.”

“A whole generation of Jews and Arabs don’t meet one another and base their view of the other side on negative images from the media,” Emilie says. “There is a dominant component here of paralyzing fear and unfamiliarity of those who are right next to you. “Open Table, Open Heart” has something that brings people together – via the basic activity of cooking we can create a dynamic of closeness.”

Families who are interested in taking part in the project register on the website, which connects them to families nearby. Afterwards, they sign up to host their own host families in return, further strengthening the relationship, and showing that personal encounters (especially involving food!) are the best way of defeating fear, despair, and hatred.