From Hummus to Hate: A Palestinian Food Stall’s Struggle in India
In the bustling streets of Delhi, a small hummus stall run by Palestinian students Ahmed and Yara became an unlikely flashpoint in India’s polarized political climate. What started as a cultural exchange through food quickly turned into a controversy—with their stall vandalized and their lives upended simply for being Palestinian during the Gaza war.
The Rise and Fall of Falafel Dreams
Ahmed and Yara, scholarship students at a Delhi university, launched Falafel Dreams in November 2023 to share authentic Palestinian cuisine—creamy hummus, crispy falafel, and fresh tabbouleh. Initially, their stall was a hit among locals and expats. But as the Israel-Hamas war escalated, so did scrutiny of anything tied to Palestine.
In December, a viral social media post accused them of “supporting terrorism” because of a small Palestinian flag at their stall. Online harassment followed, then a physical attack: masked men destroyed their stall, shouting slogans linking them to Hamas. Police intervened, but no one was arrested.
Why Food Became Political in India
India’s domestic politics often mirrors its foreign policy, and the Gaza war has deepened divisions. The ruling BJP government backs Israel, while opposition parties demand a ceasefire. This rift has spilled onto the streets, where even a falafel stand can be seen as a political act.
“People assumed we were activists just for serving our food,” Yara told NextMinuteNews. “We’re students, not politicians.”
Yet neutrality is scarce in today’s India. Right-wing groups have protested Palestinian solidarity events, while left-wing critics accuse the government of ignoring Palestinian suffering. The hummus stall, unintentionally, became a pawn in this wider conflict.
A Global Backlash Against Palestinian Identity
India isn’t alone. Worldwide, Palestinians in the diaspora have faced repercussions since October 7. In Germany, Palestinian cafes were vandalized. In the U.S., pro-Israel groups pressured universities to cancel cultural events. Even hummus—a shared Middle Eastern dish—has been politicized, with some Israeli influencers accusing Palestinians of “cultural appropriation.”
“This war has turned everything into a battleground, even food,” said Dr. Sameer Khan, a political analyst. “When identities are weaponized, ordinary people pay the price.”
Hope Amid the Hate
Despite the backlash, Ahmed and Yara’s story also inspired support. Crowdfunding helped them reopen, and many locals rallied behind them. “Food should unite, not divide,” said Riya Mehta, a regular customer.
Today, Falafel Dreams operates cautiously—without the Palestinian flag, now replaced by a “Peace for All” sign. But their ordeal begs the question: In a hyper-polarized world, can anything—even hummus—escape geopolitics?
As Ahmed said: “We just wanted to feed people. Is that too much to ask?”
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— By NextMinuteNews
