IDF soldiers and civilians undergoing rehabilitation at the Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran took part in a special cooking competition signaling the end of months of cooking classes within the framework of ADIโs occupational therapy rehabilitation program.
Oren Asido, star of Israelโs โHaAch HaGadolโ television reality show and seasonal champion of TVโs Chef Game competition program joined the competition as emcee and judge. โI know just how much cooking can help in rehabilitation, both physically and mentally, but Iโve never seen anything that comes close to what goes on here,โ said Asido.
Rehabilitation patients, including IDF soldiers wounded in the Iron Swords war and civilian patients undergoing rehabilitation for various disabilities were divided into four groups. Each group chose recipes from the โShavuot of Longingโ cookbook, a unique collection of 75 recipes favored by Hamas-held hostages. Released by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum to raise awareness to the hostagesโ plight, the cookbook was printed at Beโeri Printers at kibbutz Beโeri in the Gaza Envelope region.
Among the recipes chosen for preparation by ADIโs rehabilitation patients: Asian Cabbage Salad, a favorite of Alexander Lubnov; Fish Stew with Rice and Vegetables, a favorite of Bar Kuperstein; Ricotta and Cherry Filled Rolls, a favorite of Avinatan Or; Challah, a favorite of Tamir Adar; Fish Patties in Spicy Sauce, a favorite of Eli Sharabi; Cinnamon Buns, a favorite of Alon Ahel; and Tomato-Sauce Pasta, a favorite of Elya Cohen.
Prior to the onset of the competition, participants and guests were served Date Maโamoul, a favorite recipe of the Bibas family, as a special gesture to Ofri, former ADI employee and sister of hostage Yarden Bibas.
Chef Oren Asido opened the competition, served on the judging panel and, after thanking all participants, announced the winner.
โIt is very moving to see what goes on here. I recently served in reserve duty in the army for many months not far from here. To be here now, with wounded soldiers and recovering citizens who use the kitchen as part of their rehabilitation process is nothing less than amazing. I wish everyone a successful rehabilitation and I join the cry for the return of all hostages, with heartfelt hope that next time we will prepare the hostagesโ favorite meals together with them”
