“This documentary…makes a mouthwatering case for dinner table diplomacy.” – LA Times

BREAKING BREAD explores the A-Sham Festival, a groundbreaking food festival where Arab and Jewish chefs work in tandem to create mouthwatering dishes in order to foster social change. Founded by microbiologist Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, the first Muslim Israeli to win Israel’s television cooking competition, MasterChef, the action unfolds in the city of Haifa, a model of multicultural coexistence. The chefs put personal spins on traditional recipes handed down over generations - including kishek (a Syrian yogurt soup) and qatayef (a dessert served during Ramadan), transforming flavors while political and religious differences melt away.

A treat for the senses, this delectable showcase of culinary heritage gives hope to the idea that collaboration in the kitchen could be a bridge to mutual understanding and, perhaps, a first step toward a lasting peace.

Sponsored by the EBIJFF, in partnership with CCJCC, Cong. B’nai Shalom, Cong. B'nai Tikvah and Diablo Valley Hadassah.

Underwritten by the Goodman Family Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund and Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest.