Abe 2020

Abe Discovers His Passion

At the young age of 12, Abe discovers his true passion for food while living in Brooklyn, New York. He boldly ventures into the family kitchen, experimenting with various ingredients and culinary combinations, showcasing his creativity and love for cooking.

Family Heritage Overview

Abe, also known as Avraham or Ibrahim, comes from a unique cultural background. He is the son of a Muslim father, Amir, and a Jewish mother, Rebecca, which gives him a rich tapestry of familial and cultural influences from both Israeli and Palestinian sides.

Growing Up and Cultural Expectations

As Abe matures, he becomes increasingly aware of the religious rituals that his grandparents want him to observe. His Israeli grandfather emphasizes the significance of a Bar Mitzvah, while his Palestinian grandparents stress the importance of fasting and abstaining from alcohol.

Abe's Online Culinary Inspiration

While navigating adolescence, Abe finds solace and connection in his online food blog, Abecooks. He admires an online chef from Brazil who blends culinary traditions, inspiring Abe to dream of uniting his family through food.

Aiming for Unity Through Food

With culinary ambition, Abe aims to merge Israeli and Palestinian food to create an inclusive Thanksgiving meal. He believes that by inviting both sides of his family, he can foster understanding and unity amidst their differences.

Thanksgiving Meal Preparation

Abe dedicates time and effort into preparing a Thanksgiving feast that reflects the rich heritage of both his Israeli and Palestinian roots. He experiments with various dishes, hoping to impress his family and facilitate a moment of connection.

Family Gatherings and Resistance

On the day of the Thanksgiving meal, all invitees arrive with their own expectations and reservations. Instead of acceptance, the family members display resistance to Abe's innovative dishes, highlighting the deep-seated tensions in their relationships.

Confrontation at the Dinner Table

During the meal, tensions escalate as Abe's grandparents express their discontent with the unfamiliar food. The atmosphere becomes charged, with Abe caught in the middle trying to mediate the situation between his family members.

The Breakdown of Abe's Plans

Abe experiences a harsh reality check as he realizes that his dream of family unity through food is not easily achieved. Despite his heartfelt efforts, the ingrained family conflicts surface, and harmony eludes him during what was meant to be a joyous occasion.

Lessons in Conflict and Family

In the aftermath of the Thanksgiving meal, Abe learns valuable lessons about cultural differences and deep-seated family dynamics. He understands that bringing people together requires time, patience, and acceptance of their complexities.

Reflection on Identity and Heritage

Following the tumultuous dinner, Abe reflects on his identity and the weight of his cultural heritage. He begins to embrace the complexities of being part of two worlds and realizes that food, while powerful, cannot erase historical conflicts overnight.