As Shavuot approaches, the Forum of the families of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas on 7 October has published the cookbook ‘Shavuot of Longing’ ‘Shavuot of desire’, but also of waiting, of nostalgia. The volume, available in paper and online, is produced in collaboration with Be’eri Print, the printing house of one of the kibbutzim most dramatically affected during the October 7 massacre; all proceeds will go to support the Forum. A cookbook that is undoubtedly not a simple collection of recipes, but a tribute to the hostages and their families, a way to raise awareness and a means to support the Forum.
Scrolling through the 180 pages you will find 75 recipes and as many personal stories of the kidnapped people: typical Israeli dishes that are presented in the words of the parents or children of those who are or have been in captivity in Gaza.
Spicy fish balls served with challah and couscous are one of Eli Sharabi’s favorite dishes. Eli is a much-loved figure in the Kibbutz Be’eri community, a family man, a loving man who has always embraced life with wisdom and positivity. Eli, 51, has been missing since October 7, when Hamas terrorists attacked the kibbutz, killing, burning and kidnapping many residents. His wife and daughters were killed and his brother Yossi, who was also kidnapped, was declared dead on January 16, 2024. Eli is still among the unheard of, his family’s thoughts and prayers are with him and his family every day. Luis Har returned home after 129 days of captivity, his words of hope and his smile accompany the recipe for ‘Grandpa Luis’ Pizza’.
The recipe for Moroccan Matbucha, the cooked salad of peppers, tomatoes and onions to which spices are added, is dedicated to Amit Esther Buskila. The Israeli army recovered her body on May 17 in a Hamas tunnel during an operation conducted near the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Strip. Amit Esther lived in Ashdod, she was 28 years old: in the book, in a few lines, she is presented in all her joy of living, her love for travel and cooking thanks to which she participated in last year’s edition of the program television Master Chef.
Ohad Yahalomi, 49 years old, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, is still a prisoner of Hamas, he was captured after shooting at terrorists and being wounded in the legs. Their 12-year-old son Eitan was also kidnapped and released on November 27.
Chaim Peri was declared dead in captivity on 3 June. The Shakshuka recipe is dedicated to him with words of infinite humanity. Chaim lived in NirOz with his wife, 5 children and 13 grandchildren. He had created an art gallery at the entrance to the kibbutz in which the works created by Jews, Arabs and Bedouins all residing in the vicinity of the kibbutz were displayed. A place of harmony today totally destroyed by the perfidy of terrorists.
