Photos by Ariel Efrom and Ella Barak
My husband, Hezie, had an idea that we can make peace with our Arab neighbors through eating Humus together. In the wake of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, (the following day to be precise), Assaf and Yotam Doktor, the owners of Ha'Achim, a culinary gem in Tel Aviv, decided to help the best way they could: to cook. It was a very quick and unusual mobilization in the industry, which according to the brothers is not one that knows how to work together. Approximately 3,000 people were mobilized for cooking, packing, management and transportation positions in one of the most impressive civilian initiatives the State of Israel has seen.
Looking back over the past year of incredible humanitarian altruistic activism, perhaps one of their biggest achievements was the understanding of the importance of becoming kosher in order to have the impact they dreamed of, cooking for soldiers, displaced citizens, hostage families and more.
At the start, they were sending approximately 20,000 meals per day. I am quoting the brothers:
"This arrangement worked without a problem until a truck carrying 2,000 meals to the Nevatim army base was not allowed in since it was without a kosher certificate. The food was thrown away because it was not kosher and the soldiers went hungry."
"It was very frustrating for us and we did not understand why it happened."
Yotam said that in the name of Israeli unity, particularly after the divisive national debate over the judicial reform, he and his brother decided the restaurant would become kosher. And they made it happen.
"This war, like all the wars until now, will be won by Israeli society. One of the reasons we got into this situation is because Israeli society wasn't united. If we don't wake up and come together, our situation will get even worse. The IDF reflects all of Israeli society."
"Let's work together, let's cooperate." As of today, they have cooked over 2 million meals! *
Assaf and Yotam Doktor, were born in Karkur. At a very young age they moved with their family to Caesarea. While both parents worked hard and cultivated a career, the family's children (they also have an older sister) developed independence that was also reflected in the kitchen. The family's entertainment was mostly concentrated in restaurants. Around the age of 14 Assaf began to follow restaurant critics in newspapers and watch British cooking shows such as "Floyd" and "Two Fat Ladies". At the age of 16, he started working washing dishes in a cafe in Caesarea, and from there he progressed to become a cook. During his military service he used to cook for his friends inspired by books and TV shows. When he was released, he decided to take advantage of the release grant to study at "Cooking". After training and working at a few local restaurants, he interned in London for a few months at the classic British restaurant at The Goring Hotel.
In 2011 Yotam joined his brother Assaf and they opened Ha'Achim together.
Fast forward to Yom Kippur a year following October 7th, they initiated an additional attempt to foster unity in the growing rift, not only in the country but Tel Aviv itself. They decided for the first time ever to open their doors on Yom Kippur, with no food or drinks or music. They invited religious Jews from Jerusalem to join the secular Tel Aviv community for communal prayers, listening and inclusion.
Through Hezi, my husband's resourcefulness, we came for one of the most meaningful Kol Nidre services we have ever been to. Following the service, we heard guests including hostage family members, and a colorful collection of speakers representing different communities in Israel from all sides of the religious, political, and ethnic spectrum. Singing together Naomi Shemer's song "Lu Yehi," written after the Yom Kippur war, brought tears to Hezie and me.
One cannot help but be inspired by the unwavering solidarity and compassion shown by "the brothers"Assaf and Yotam.
"Being a part of this incredible community of volunteers at Ha'Achim, has been a blessing beyond words," said Jill Burkes, Ha'Achim volunteer. "It's not just about serving hot meals; it's about finding sanctuary in the company of people who understand what we're going through. In these trying times, it's our way to make a difference when we feel so helpless."
*The meals were prepared in a kosher annex of the restaurant, the restaurant itself is not kosher.