From Tragedy to Triumph: How an Israeli Druze Survivor is Reviving Life with a Kosher Restaurant in NYC After the October 7 Hamas Attack

Raif Rashed is bringing a taste of Druze culture to New York City. He prepares traditional Druze food at the New Meadowlands Market in East Rutherford, NJ. His culinary journey has been shaped by personal tragedy since the heartbreaking events of October 7, 2023.

“Kosher means everyone can enjoy it,” he tells the Times of Israel, explaining his mission to serve a diverse clientele. Rashed, originally from a Druze village near Haifa, left his engineering job in New Jersey in 2019 to help his brother, Radda, run a food booth. But everything changed during the Nova Festival in October 2023, where he witnessed unimaginable horrors.

Separated from his brother, Rashed hid behind a car as he saw friends suffer in a brutal attack by Hamas. “I was in crisis [for] a year,” he recalls, feeling the weight of guilt and trauma. His brother survived, but the scars from that day linger on.

In the midst of his grief, Rashed found solace in cooking. When he returned to the U.S., he transformed his pain into his passion, focusing on Druze cuisine. His catering business, Taboonia, which features beloved family recipes, has evolved. The new restaurant blends traditional Druze dishes with a New York flair, including unique items like ‘everything bagel’ borekas.

Rashed’s restaurant has a special significance. It’s vegetarian to easily achieve kosher certification. He anticipates receiving this certification from Rabbi Zev Schwarcz soon. Serving the Jewish community is particularly meaningful for Rashed; he grew up with Jewish friends and shares a deep connection to the community.

Recently, the restaurant opened on October 5, 2024, almost a year after the tragic attacks. Rashed partnered with Ray Radwan, also a Druze, to open a permanent eatery that represents unity amid adversity. They aim to show that people from different backgrounds can come together through food.

Interestingly, Taboonia will be the first kosher Druze restaurant in New York City. Previous Druze establishments, such as Gazala’s, have served meat and shellfish, making kosher certification impossible. This new venture symbolizes hope and resilience, particularly in light of the support Rashed received from the Jewish community after recent attacks on other Druze-owned businesses.

Rashed believes that sharing food can foster understanding and healing. “We can change the narrative,” he asserts, emphasizing the power of community and cooperation. His restaurant, located at 832 Sixth Avenue, stands testament to that belief, welcoming all who seek comfort in good food and shared experiences.

This story resonates beyond the culinary space; it reflects a broader trend where food becomes a bridge between cultures, especially in today’s climate of division and conflict. As more individuals embrace multicultural dining, restaurants like Taboonia are pivotal in nurturing unity and friendship across communities. For more insights on cultural and culinary collaborations, check out the BBC’s report on the rise of multicultural dining.

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