Palestinian Food Pop Up Raises Awareness And Funds For Families In Gaza

DULUTH, Minn. — Welcoming customers and serving food is where Lyla Abukhodair feels right at home. She grew up in rural Duluth by Lake Superior hearing the stories of her father, who was born in Palestine. Together with her mother, they provided a home filled with love and support of one another and a unique love of cooking. As a little girl, her favorite dish was lemon garlic chicken soup with molokhia leaves.

“I was inspired by my mom who runs a small business called Fresh and she’s been doing farmer’s markets and sales,” said Abukhodair.

She remembers her parents opening their home and inviting guests to join at the table and break bread together. Those who gathered learned about Palestine, and the importance of traditional Arabic cooking. It was her mother who told Lyla not to be afraid, and to pursue whatever goals she wanted to achieve.

“She inspired me to go for what you want,” said Abukhodair.

Lyla majored in social work and held a number of different positions, as varied as teaching preschool to working for a non-profit organization. She still felt something was missing.

“I kind of just wanted to be an advocate in a different way,” said Abukhodair.

So, Lyla opened the pop up with her husband and mother. She learned from her childhood experience at their family table, that food is an easy way to connect with people. She wants to put a face and voice to Palestinian food. Especially now when she says Palestinians in Gaza don’t have the ability to speak out.

“They really don’t have a platform for their voices or for advocacy. Falastin, our pop ups, are just way to use that privilege that I have to talk about what is important and speak our truth and speak our narrative,” said Abukhodair.

Lyla speaks the narrative of fellow Palestinians who have no voice. Her band provides an outlet using both music and the spoken word, and also expresses support in other ways.

“My band is wonderful. We all wore Keffiyah’s at our last show. It was National Keffiyah Day last week. So, this is a sign of resistance so having just that is huge because as I’m sure you have heard, there were three men who were shot for wearing Keffiyah’s in Vermont not too long ago. So, music is a good way to be an advocate,” said Abukhodair.

In today’s divisive world and unpredictable climate, many Palestinians are afraid to be themselves.

“You can’t be Palestinian without it being political. If you say you are Palestinian to anyone, it is too complicated to talk about. But going with that narrative is why these things keep happening,” explained Abukhodair.

She wants the path she is taking to show another way forward. By continuing to speak up, she hopes others will too, and join in the conversation.

“This is a people struggle. And we need individuals to keep talking about it, because it really makes a difference,” said Abukhodair.