The Embassy of Israel in Nepal initiated the Zoom Webinar on “The Israeli Food Diversity through the Shakshuka Spices,” which was conducted by the famous Israeli chef and TV Personality Gil Hovav on 17th August 2020. At the invitation of the Embassy, Kathmandu Marriott Hotel joined the webinar for an excursion through Israel’s culinary history and Israeli culture. The Executive Chef of Marriot hotel, Mr. Sanjeev Ranjan along with Mr. Gaurav Agrawal, Director MS Group, Assistant Director Food and Beverage Mr. Subarna Thapa and Marketing and Communication Manager Ms. Swastika Ghosal had a virtual meeting over the Zoom, with Israeli Chef Hovav. The staffs of the hotel learnt about the Israeli cuisine and took inspiration from the Israeli Chef.
The Embassy of Israel in cooperation with Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, then delivered delectable healthy and freshly packed vegetarian Israeli food to the organization named “Manav Kalyan Samaj” on the occasion of “Fathers’ Day” today, 19 August 2020. The organization houses 73 people. Upon learning few interesting recipes about Israeli cuisine, the Marriott Hotel prepared the Israeli dishes, taking full care of safety measures during COVID-19 pandemic.
Besides, the Embassy of Israel donated hand sanitizers, hand sanitizer dispenser, hand wash, surgical masks and gloves to the organization hoping to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Expressing happiness and satisfaction to be able to contribute, Ambassador Benny Omer said, “Food can bring human beings from different countries and cultures closer to each other and thus, contribute to a better understanding and tolerance towards each other that we all need so much.”
Chef Ranjan believes that through his kitchen, one can garner a better sense of how food serves as a tool of soft power and communication – when language alone is not enough. He believes that food brings countries closer with growing responsiveness.
Thanking the Embassy of Israel, Ms. Sumitra Chaulagain, Founder Chairperson of the organization said, “Our organization works for those groups of people, who have no one and have nothing. With an objective of bringing smiles on the faces of these mothers, fathers and children, the Embassy of Israel has provided a day meal of Israeli food on the special occasion of Father’s Day along with goods to ward off COVID-19. Manav Kalyan Samaj really appreciates and is very thankful to the Embassy for its contribution during this challenging time. ”
The Embassy of Israel is hopeful that this festive lunch, on the special occasion of Father’s Day, has succeeded in bringing smiles on the faces of the little children and psycho-socially challenged people and made them feel valued.
Note: Manav Kalyan Samaj is the non-governmental organization working for the welfare of street children born from psycho-socially challenged mothers and people suffering from mental disorder. The organization identifies these groups of abandoned people on the street, brings them to the organization and provides them shelter, food, clothes, security and good health. Children are also given formal education by enrolling them in the schools.