Celebrating Palestinian Heritage in Los Angeles
On October 5, local organizations in downtown Los Angeles held a workshop on Palestinian cuisine, using food as a means to reflect on the region’s history and mark the one-year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas War.
As evening approached, participants gathered at All Power Books, a community-run bookstore in South Los Angeles. This event was a joint effort between the Peace and Freedom Party, which describes itself as California’s “Feminist Socialist Political Party,” and Gogoroot, a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable homemade Middle Eastern food, with profits going to Gaza’s needy.
Inside the bookstore, two chefs from Gogoroot, Aiya Kanawati and Maribel Chavez, were busy preparing a meal for attendees.
Cooking with History and Tradition
Chavez skillfully plated mashed grilled eggplant and boiled chickpeas, each dish topped with vibrant pomegranate seeds. As they worked, the chefs shared insights into the cultural significance of these dishes—hummus made from chickpeas and baba ghanouj, an eggplant dip. They explained that both are staples in Palestinian and broader Middle Eastern cuisine.
While cooking, the chefs not only demonstrated the techniques to make these traditional dishes but also offered insights into the deep-rooted history of Palestinian food culture.
Food Shortages and the Struggle for Survival
According to the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP), severe food shortages have plagued Gaza. In late 2023, 48% of households in northern Gaza experienced “severe levels of hunger.” Reports from Human Rights Watch indicate that Israel has blocked essential supplies, exacerbating the crisis.
For Kanawati, food is a symbol of both sustenance and resistance. “During the first Intifada, Palestinian prisoners used food as a form of protest against their unjust imprisonment,” she explained.
She also discussed how some traditional Palestinian dishes, like Mlukhyeh Stew, have been altered due to these shortages. The stew, typically made with Mlukhyeh leaves and chicken broth, is now sometimes prepared with grass due to agricultural devastation in Gaza.
Reviving Authentic Palestinian Recipes
Kanawati highlighted the importance of preserving authentic Palestinian flavors, especially with popular dishes like hummus. “A lot of stores claim they sell Arabic food, but it’s often not made by Arabs or follows the true Arabic recipe,” she said.
Reflections on the War and Community Resilience
Chavez reflected on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, expressing heartbreak but also resilience. “The longer the war continues, the more we fight. We’re not giving up,” she stated.
One attendee, Anthony Yen, an instructor at ABC Technical College, attended the workshop after discovering it on Instagram. He described the experience as both delicious and enlightening. “It’s crucial to learn about Palestinian culture and history. We need to stand in solidarity with them,” Yen said.
Highlighting Palestinian Culture Through Food and Art
Peace and Freedom Party member Aaron Reveles shared his own experiences of organizing similar events in college to highlight Palestinian culture. “We often view Palestinians as victims, but we forget they are people living their daily lives,” Reveles remarked.
In addition to the workshop, Reveles mentioned that his organization has planned other cultural events, including Dabka dance lessons and a Palestinian art exhibition, as part of the month’s efforts to raise awareness and support for Palestinians.
Roddy Connor, a musician who attended the event, echoed the sentiment of solidarity. “It’s always great to find new ways to collaborate and support the Palestinian community,” he said.
This workshop, rich in both flavor and history, served as a meaningful way for attendees to connect with Palestinian culture and reflect on a year marked by conflict and resilience.
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