A tribute to the victims of the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel is being organized by the Culinary Institute of Israel, called ASIF. The initiative is aimed at keeping the memories of the 1,400 people killed by Hamas terrorists alive by sharing their favorite dishes. The online resource, titled “A Place at the Table,” is part of this memorial project. A special dinner event was promoted in New York ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack, and the family of Shani Gabay, one of the victims, attended. Michelin-starred chef Gabriel Kreuther prepared the feast at his restaurant, which included the 25-year-old Gabay’s favorite dish, a spicy fish stew.
Shani Gabay’s brother, Aviel Gabay, described his sister as being like the spicy fish stew – a spicy girl. He highlighted the uniqueness of experiencing memories through food, emphasizing that eating and tasting what she liked brings her to the table in a special way. The purpose of “A Place at the Table” is to serve as a memorial project, healing the victims’ loved ones and survivors. ASIF CEO Chico Menashe explained that families need to commemorate their loved ones’ memories and stories in order to move forward into the future. The project aims to share memories and stories with the Israeli public and a global audience through their favorite dishes.
ASIF is planning to continue this initiative for as long as the families want to participate. Menashe shared that as more families reach out to join and share their stories, the project is transforming into a national commemorative cookbook. The platform will have a long-lasting presence online and on platforms like Instagram, as well as potentially being turned into a physical memorial. The organization is also sending a video team to families who want to share the story of preparing the meals, further spreading awareness and keeping the memories alive.
The special dinner event was attended by former “Everybody Loves Raymond” star Patricia Heaton and her husband, actor/producer David Hunt, along with Kreuther’s business partner and his wife. Both Heaton and her husband are involved in a non-profit organization called 07C, which aims to encourage Christians to fight antisemitism and support their Jewish friends as conflicts in the Middle East continue. Heaton expressed admiration for the strength and love shown by the Gabay family in the face of unimaginable tragedy, highlighting the beauty of remembering Shani in a sacred and honorable way. The family of the victim was visibly uplifted as they spoke about their daughter and sister during the event, reflecting on her life cut short by pure evil.
The overall message of the memorial project is to remember and honor the victims of the tragic massacre through the sharing of their favorite dishes. Providing a platform for families to come together and share their memories, the initiative aims to help them heal and move forward. By combining food, memories, and stories, ASIF hopes to create a lasting tribute to those lost in the attack and keep their memories alive. The project’s transformation into a national commemorative cookbook signifies the potential for a broader impact, offering a way to ensure that the victims are never forgotten. Through initiatives like this, the power of food and storytelling is harnessed to pay tribute to those whose lives were taken too soon.
