An Israeli-Palestinian restaurant in Berlin, Kanaan, which became a symbol of coexistence after the 7 October attacks, will close in March. The owners, Israeli Oz Ben David and Palestinian Jalil Dabit, cite economic pressures, bureaucracy, and a fraught political environment as reasons for the closure.
The restaurant, located in Prenzlauer Berg, gained international attention for its message of 'unity over hate' following the Gaza war. Despite its closure, the owners' dream will continue through a TV series titled 'Breaking the Binary', a dramedy produced by Traumfabrik Babelsberg, described as politically charged with echoes of 'The Bear'.
Kanaan, meaning Canaan in German, was founded in 2015 and served remixed specialities like shakshuka lasagne. It became a neighbourhood staple and a symbol of dining across divides, even hosting Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in 2023. However, the restaurant faced vandalism and threats, including a break-in after a queer Jewish-Muslim brunch in 2024.
Ben David and Dabit will also embark on a Germany-wide cooking tour in April. Ben David said the closure is a new beginning, allowing their message of mutual understanding to reach a wider audience through the series and tour.
