Since the October 7 attacks, Gazala's, a Druze-Israeli restaurant on the Upper West Side, has faced significant challenges but has also received remarkable support from the local Israeli and Jewish American community, according to Ynet.
Gazala Halabi, originally from Daliyat El-Carmel in northern Israel, proudly introduced Druze cuisine to New York City. "I brought Druze cuisine all the way to NYC, and this is the only Druze restaurant in the United States," Halabi shared with the Ruderman Family Foundation, which works to strengthen Israel and Jewish American ties.
The restaurant endured attacks following the October 7 incident. "Initially, it was tough. They broke our door, came inside shouting and cursing. I received many hate calls and threats," Halabi recalled.
Despite these challenges, the Israeli and Jewish American communities swiftly rallied to support Halabi and her establishment. "When they heard what happened, suddenly there was a line around the corner! Israelis and Jewish Americans all came to dine. They came to show their support because I'm Israeli-Druze, demonstrating the strong bond that exists between Druze and Jews," she emphasized.
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