Syrian-Kurdish Restaurateur Opens Israeli Cuisine Spot Despite Threats

Billal Aloge, a Muslim and Syrian Kurd living in Freiburg, opens 'Jaffa' to promote coexistence after facing backlash for highlighting Israeli dishes.

Billal Aloge, a Syrian-Kurdish restaurateur in Freiburg, has launched an Israeli restaurant named 'Jaffa' despite receiving threats and boycott calls.
The decision follows negative reactions he faced after listing an Israeli dish, Baba Ganoush, on the menu at his previous restaurant.
Aloge says the new venture is a response to societal antisemitism and aims to foster multicultural harmony in Freiburg.
The restaurant's name, 'Jaffa,' pays homage to Freiburg’s Israeli partner city, Tel Aviv, which has historical ties to Jaffa.
Though Aloge has not visited Israel, he has hired an Israeli chef to ensure authenticity in the Mediterranean menu.