Gazala's, New York
(Video: The Ruderman Family Foundation | Production company: WIWU Productions)
Gazala's, a Druze-Israeli restaurant on the Upper West Side, has faced significant challenges in the wake of the October 7 attacks but also received remarkable support from the local Israeli and Jewish American community.
Gazala Halabi, the owner, hails from Daliyat El-Carmel in northern Israel and is proud to bring Druze cuisine to New York City. "I brought the Druze cuisine all the way to NYC, and this is the only Druze restaurant in the United States," Halabi told the Ruderman Family Foundation, which works to strengthen Israel and Jewish American ties.
The restaurant endured attacks following the October 7 incident. "At first, it was hard. They broke our door, came inside screaming and cursing. I got lots of hate calls and threats," Halabi recounted.
Despite these challenges, the Israeli and Jewish American communities quickly rallied to support Halabi and her establishment. "They heard about what happened, and suddenly I had a line around the corner! Israelis and Jewish Americans all came to eat. They came to show their support because I'm Israeli-Druze, and that's proof of the strong bond that exists between Druze and Jews," she explained.
The show of solidarity has been a testament to the enduring connection between the Druze and Jewish communities, strengthening Halabi’s resolve to continue sharing her unique culinary heritage.