ALBAWABA - A spice named Za'atar which is mostly used in Levantine cuisine by Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese people is the talk of social media after a 2019 article claimed it as an "Israeli Spice" setting social media platforms ablaze.
Za'atar is used in many ways in Levantine cuisine due to its rich flavor. People eat it and incorporate it in all kinds of ways including dipping it with olive oil using bread, pastries, fusions with cheese or labane, and many more.
The 2019 article was shared on My Jewish Learning's 'The Nosher' under the category "Jewish Cooking 101," following a sentence saying, "Our favorite Israeli spice is subtle and so versatile."
"Za'atar is not Israeli!" Jewish cooking website sparks outrage
A screenshot of the article recently resurfaced causing a stir among pro-Palestine users on social media due to the website claiming it was an Israeli spice. On a similar note, in the past Israeli people tried to claim Falafel, Hummus, and other Levantine cuisine as their own which also sparked outrage among Arabs from the area.
One user wrote, "My grandma has been making fresh za’atar longer than that state has existed btw."
Many pro-Palestine social media users claimed that what Israel is doing is the "erasure of Palestinian culture through many forms" including their food, culture, and land while referencing the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in the killing of more than 44,000 Palestinians and the injuring of at least 104,000.
Another added, "Za'atar is a LEVANTINE HERB belonging to Arabs, it is a type of thyme or sometimes wild oregano. It’s also a spice blend we use mixed with olive oil, it’s deeply rooted in our lands and cultures, AND STOP FREAKING PUTTING IT ON EVERYTHING."
