The 'Hit Piece' Against Israeli Restaurants in New York: 'Palestinian Cooking'

A special issue of New York Magazine dedicated to Arab and Muslim culture in New York has sparked outrage. Critics say the issue portrays Zionism as a threat, embraces the 'genocide' claim in Gaza, and excludes Mizrahi Jews from Middle Eastern identity. The food article was accused of presenting Israeli cuisine as Palestinian appropriation.

A special issue of New York Magazine titled 'Habibi City,' dedicated to the flourishing of Arab and Muslim culture in New York, has sparked outrage and sharp criticism from Jewish organizations, pro-Israel activists, and even former writers of the magazine. Critics argue that the issue portrays Zionism as a threat, embraces the claim that Israel is committing 'genocide' in Gaza, and excludes Mizrahi Jews from Middle Eastern identity. The cover story, by author Zeina Arfat, presents October 7 as a starting point for community solidarity, rather than as a massacre committed by Hamas. It lists among the community's beliefs that 'Palestinians deserve human rights' and that 'what happened in Gaza following October 7 constitutes genocide.' The criticism also extended to a food article about Arab, Iranian, and Israeli restaurants in the city, which was accused of presenting Israeli cuisine as Palestinian appropriation and excluding Mizrahi Jews. A consultant involved in preparing the article told the New York Post that it was a 'hit piece against Jewish and Israeli chefs, disguised as a story about Middle Eastern food and culture.'