It's A Small World

On Monday night, a group of ladies from the Lions Of Judea Northeast division traveled to Netivot for a taste of some ethnic cooking, Israeli hospitality, and Philadelphia Love. Gabby and I are the only individuals from the Philadelphia area and Shaina will be joining the City of Brotherly Love next fall while attending University of Pennsylvania. Rachel, Gabby, Mike, Shaina and I walked to the Mercaz where we would be meeting the ladies for a gourmet dinner.


During the meal, I sat next to three women from the Philadelphia area. One of them was the aunt of my neighbor. It really is a small world! They were very excited to hear about my experiences thus far on Otzma; so impressed they wanted me to persuade our mutual friend to venture to Israel. Throughout the evening, women would come up to me and ask if I was from Upper Dublin(…which I am!). Earlier in the night they had spoken to Gabby who had told them where in the Philadelphia area I reside. The women were excited to know that I attended the same school as their children! Upper Dublin Township is the same size as the town of Netivot (both have 25,000 residents).


Now down to the actual meal, the food was INCREDIBLE. The chefs of the evening are women who enjoy sharing their ethnic dishes with various guests in Netivot. The women come from a variety of countries including Tunsia, Ethiopia, and Moroco. Instead of being on wealthfare, the women earn money by doing what comes naturally to them…Cooking Ethic Foods. I am not alone when I say I wanted to try EVERY DISH! My favorite dish was the couscous with the raisin glaze. My plate looked like it had eaten a rainbow; there was bright pink Kubay, Yellow chicken, Red chicken, Green peas, and Orange cooked Pumpkin. The Lions of Judea were surprised and pleased by the variety of choices and amazing flavors that accompanied each dish. I can honestly say no one left hungry and luckily we got to take home leftovers. I know I am excited for sweet potato and couscous tomorrow!