In a poignant blend of culinary tradition and personal remembrance, Tel Aviv's Asif - Culinary Institute of Israel has embarked on a heart-wrenching journey to memorialize the victims of the October 7 attack. Their project, "A Place At The Table," invites bereaved families to share the favorite recipes of their lost loved ones, creating a tapestry of memories through food.
Chico Menashe, CEO of Asif, describes the project as emotionally challenging yet deeply important. "In every case we cried with them," he admits, emphasizing the significance of highlighting individual stories amidst the overwhelming scale of loss.
The concept, brainchild of Asif founder Nama Shefi, centers around the family dinner table - a powerful symbol of familial structure. "When one member is missing [from their place] that's so strong," Menashe explains, underlining the emotional resonance of preparing a loved one's favorite dish.
Among the participants is Ayelet Katzir, widow of David Katzir, who was killed at Kibbutz Kfar Aza. As she prepares his beloved cream puffs, Ayelet smiles through tears, reminiscing about her husband's sweet tooth and his "broadcaster's voice."
Eti Geta shares the recipe for makbouba, a Tunisian stew her daughter Stav loved. Stav was murdered while leaving the Nova festival. Eti's story, like many others, is a testament to the enduring pain of loss and the comfort found in culinary memories.
The project has grown organically, with families eager to participate. Menashe notes the team's sensitivity to each family's readiness to share their story, sometimes postponing filming as needed.
Asif's culinary director carefully tests each recipe, ensuring they remain true to the family's version while being accessible to others. Some dishes have found their way onto the menu at Asif's café in Tel Aviv, further honoring the victims' memories.
As the project continues to grow, Asif hopes to create a lasting archive of these stories and recipes, possibly in book form. They also encourage the public to cook these dishes and share them on social media, using #a_place_at_the_table, as a communal act of remembrance.
Through these intimate culinary narratives, "A Place At The Table" offers a unique and deeply personal memorial to the victims of October 7, preserving their memory one cherished recipe at a time.
Note: Other recipes, beloved to October 7 victims, can be found on Asif's website. They include cheese lasagna, hummus, beef tartare with herb aioli, Fasulia (white beans & beef stew) and Tomato Soup with Dumplings and Rakott Káposzta (Hungarian Casserole).
* The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this article.