Burekas
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Snack attack: Finding free food in the Knesset
Parliamentary aides may deal with issues of national importance on a daily basis, but they also have to eat; to that end, a WhatsApp group has been set up to alert them on where to find free food in the Knesset, and their tummies have never been fuller.
The Knesset commemorative ceremony marking 11 years since the disengagement from the Gaza Strip piqued the interest of many of the parliamentary aides working there, not just because of the what was said or the dignitaries who attended the ceremony, but because of the burekas, cakes and beverages provided for the guests. In fact, the spread was so attractive that it warranted a slew of messages sent to the aides’ private WhatsApp group, detailing the refreshments that were provided and including pictures to drive the message home.
The group, titled “Pinuknesset” (Knesset Treats), was founded by Shai Doron, a former parliamentary correspondent for the Nana10 News site, who had wanted to keep all the parliamentary aides abreast of the latest smorgasbord: The Knesset is a big, multi-corridor building, and as such an event held in one area could remain unbeknown to those working at a different part.
A burekas spread (Photo: Rafi Aharonovich)
During its first few months of operation, the group became increasingly active, and the idea was even adopted by the German Reichstag. Then Doron was made correspondent to the Rabbinate courts, and the group’s continued existence was thrown into question. Indeed, it nearly died out, but then the baton was passed to MK Erel Margalit’s aide, Shai Friedman, and now the WhatsApp group is once again alive with gastronomical updates.
To celebrate the group’s relaunching, Doron sent the following message to its 75 members: “Welcome to everyone in the Pinuknesset. The rules are simple: If you spot a chance for a snack attack, you update the group and include the event’s location, type of food served there and whether there are guards there to protect it. If possible, include a photo. Bon appétit to us all.”
A few minutes later, the next message was sent: “BREAKING: Burekas spotted outside the Finance Committee room. More details to follow.” It was later reported, “The Negev Hall is now offering cookies (both savory and sweet), juice and hot beverages.” Wondering what kind of security detail this food had or how to evade them? The answer was quick to follow: “If you find yourself blocked off, you can use the elevators on the right to go down. They lead straight to the refreshments, with no guards to stop you.”
“There are so many events held at the Knesset,” said Doron. “You have lobbyists, conferences, ceremonies, endless venues where an event can be held, and in the Knesset you don’t just get burekas: when the French ambassador visits, you pop open the champagne; if the Dairy Council throws an event, you get the best cheeses; when a Druze delegation comes by, they bring excellent baklava with them.”
Doron insists that he and his friends only take part in the group chats for amusement. “We’re not really hungry,” he said. “It’s really for laughs and to pass the time. I mean, what’s the harm in having some fun along the way?”
