This week sees workers and businesses across the Irish hospitality sector come together to show solidarity and provide practical help to those living in absolute desperation in Gaza.
They’re participating in One Plate for Palestine a week-long campaign that sees restaurants, cafés, bars, food trucks, market stalls, and other food outlets adding a special Palestinian-themed dish to their menus to raise funds for those experiencing hunger and starvation in Palestine.
As part of the initiative, food outlets will be compiling their own innovative dish combining Irish and Palestinian food cultures, with others plating up ‘Prátaí do Phalaistín’, aka ‘Potatoes for Palestine’, made using new season Irish potatoes with Palestinian Za’atar, Sumac, Labneh, Palestinian Olive Oil and Olives. Seasonal, simple, delicious and very symbolic, all funds raised from the sale of each special dish will go to the One Plate for Palestine fundraiser.
In a post on Instagram, organisers Barbara Nealon of St Francis Provisions Cork and Beverly Matthews of L’Atitude 51 Cork, said, “We’ve been watching in horror at the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Palestine which worsens as each day passes, and we feel helpless. The recent events where food is being used as a weapon, denying people access to food and water, is beyond comprehension – everyone has the right to safe access to food and water.”
“We believe that if we all come together as one voice, we can have a significant impact in supporting Irish/Palestinian organisations on the ground who are struggling every day to get food and water to the people in Palestine. Our industry can make a difference together by using our platforms as an amplifier in solidarity and support of the people of Palestine.”
The duo are hoping to raise at least €25,000 for charities working on the ground in Gaza, providing fresh water and meals in extremely challenging conditions. All revenue collected over the week is donated to a central fund and then distributed to small Irish NGO’s, charities and projects working on the ground who are actively providing aid. These include organisations such as Gaza Go Bragh, TEA Collective and other community projects.
Participating Dublin City centre venues include the Winding Stair, Kickys, Mani, Krewe, Canal Bank Cafe, Lena, Uno Mas, The Legal Eagle, Lotties Rathmines, Farmer Brown’s, Ór Dearg Micro Bakery, Fat Baby Cakes, Once Upon A Time Cakes, Mamo, Bread Naturally, L. Mulligan Grocer, Slice, Lilliput Stores and Green Man Wines, while The Woollen Mills have put together a delicious plate of Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil Oil and Pitta Bread, with all proceeds from this gorgeous dish going towards this very worthy cause.
A nationwide initiative, One Plate For Palestine runs until Sunday July 27th. Please support if you can.
Words: Martina Murray
@oneplateforpalestine #oneplateforpalestine
