THE American President’s official trip to Israel, Palestine and Jordan has sparked disagreements between Palestinians and Israelis on various social communication sites. Apparently, the main point of contention is the type of food that should be served to President Barack Obama. Israeli President Shimon Peres, who is considered a ‘very good friend’ by Egyptian President Mohamad Morsi, is Obama’s host during his two-day visit in Israel. It has been reported that Peres intends to serve humus, falafel and olive oil for breakfast. According to reports published in different Israeli media outfit, famous Israeli chefs Meggi and Tuly have been tasked to prepare the menu.

Up to this point, we can say the story is typical. However, there is a bizarre side of what seems to be a common story — the Palestinian uprising in Palestinian territories and sectors against Israel. It appears that this uprising is not caused by land grabbing, blockade or rights denied to the people for 60 years. These are not the main factors which sparked the recent Palestinian uprising. This time, the uprising was caused by the alleged Israeli attack on Palestinian culture by presenting its famous dishes — humus and falafel — as Israeli cuisine. These dishes are considered part of Palestinian heritage; a must on the tables of both the poor and rich Palestinians, so how can the Jews claim them as their own?

In retaliation, some Palestinian intellectuals have mounted attack on Israel through food. Abdul Khaleq, a well-known Palestinian chef, has suggested to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who will also host a dinner for Obama, that they should prepare traditional Palestinian dishes like musakhan, maftoul, frikeh soup, mijdara, maqlooba, akoob, za’atar and spinach; in addition to the famous Nablus kunafa for dessert.

Unfortunately, this is how the issue concerning all Arabs in relation to the Palestinian cause has been downplayed. The revolution slogan has been reduced to ‘hummus and falafel until victory’. People are now laughing at the triviality of nations!

Email: Ali-albaghli@hotmail.com