Israel

Independence Day

On the day the British mandate over Palestine expired – Friday, May 14, 1948 – the Jewish People’s Council gathered at the Tel Aviv Museum to declare the establishment of the State of Israel. There is no record of who attended the meeting, but 350 invitations were sent out instructing the recipients to keep the information secret. Word got it out, however, and people started singing Hatikvah in the streets even before David Ben-Gurion began reading the dceclaration he had written. The ceremony was held at 4 p.m. before the British left to avoid making the declaration on Shabbat. It took 17 minutes to read the entire document in a 32 minute ceremony. Some people signed the declaration later and one person signed twice. Four hours later, Egypt bombed Tel Aviv . The new state was recognize that night by the United States and three days later by the USSR.

Falafel

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans chick peas rinsed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves diced
  • 3 tablespoon diced parsley
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 egg beaten
  • olive oil
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • oil

Method:

 

In a large bowl mash chickpeas until thick and pasty.  In a food processor add peas onion, parsley and garlic pulse until smooth. In a small bowl combine egg, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and baking powder add to pea mixture and pulse until smooth add olive oil and slowly add bread crumbs until mixture is not sticky but will hold together form into balls as big as ping pong balls. Heat 2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat or use a deep fryer. Fry  in hot oil until brown on all sides. Serve with tomatoes, pita and yogurt.

Try with:

Arak or Sauvignon Blanc              L’Chaim!