As the conflict in Israel-Gaza nears its fourth month, Abdul Elenani and his wife Ayat Masoud, co-owners of the Palestinian restaurant Ayat, decided to host a Shabbat dinner to spark dialogue and forge ties with the local Jewish community.
The restaurant, which held the dinner on Jan. 26 at its Ditmas Park location, has come under fire in recent weeks, stemming from its criticism of the Israeli government. The owners have been subject to several harsh articles in the tabloid press — accusing them of antisemitism — prompting them to extend an olive branch to Jewish residents and organizing the Shabbat dinner.
The pair opened Brooklyn’s third Ayat location in Ditmas Park in December, and the restaurant quickly drew scorn from some locals.
Its menu has been condemned for including phrases such as “down with the occupation” written in English, Arabic and Hebrew. Additionally, the menu includes the phrase “From the River to the Sea” — a slogan which for some is a rallying call for the liberation of Palestine but for pro-Israel groups, including the Anti-Defamation League, is viewed as antisemitic, a call for the eradication of Israel.
The menu — and the fact that Elenani and his family are outspoken critics of Israel and its supporters — led to some calling for the restaurant to be shuttered. The hostility led to the idea to host a Shabbat dinner.
“After seeing all the negative articles that came out, I thought it was a good idea to host the Shabbat at this location,” Elenani said, in an interview with the Brooklyn Paper. “Actually, a lot of Jewish community came and supported [us] and they wanted to express their thankfulness and gratitude toward what we do and what we stand for in mentioning the occupation of Palestine. So, I thought it was a good gesture to show them my thankfulness with a Shabbat dinner.”
Elenani and his wife announced their plans to hold the Shabbat dinner on the restaurant’s Instagram, and word…
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