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    Revitalizing Northern Israel: GCI’s Culinary Education Mission

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    What It’s About

    Chef Lior Lev Sercarz discusses the Galilee Culinary Institute’s (GCI) mission to provide opportunities and revitalize northern Israel through culinary education, amid the region’s ongoing conflicts.

    Why It Matters

    The GCI aims to transform the culturally rich yet conflict-plagued Upper Galilee area of northern Israel by leveraging the power of food and culinary education to rebuild communities and foster hope.

    Driving the News

    Chef Lior Lev Sercarz, co-founder of GCI and founder of La Boîte spice company, spoke with journalist Mike Starr to underline the significance of the institute’s mission. Despite challenges posed by Hezbollah’s attacks, GCI is fervently expanding to offer new programs and opportunities for locals.

    The Big Picture

    • GCI’s Foundation: The initiative emerged from a shared vision to elevate Israel’s food scene and improve local livelihoods.
    • Resilience Amid Conflict: While Hezbollah’s attacks have depopulated many villages, GCI stands firm, planning for the better days ahead.
    • Economic Revitalization: GCI is not just about culinary education—it’s also about job creation and helping farmers return to their fields.

    What They’re Saying

    “Instead of saying stop, we said go. We’re planning for the day after, and hopefully, that day will come soon,” declared Sercarz, emphasizing determination and future planning.

    Your Community Impact

    GCI strives to be a unifying force, bridging cultures within northern Israel through food. Chef Sercarz highlights that at the end of the day, regardless of one’s background, “the food we eat, the land we share—it’s all connected.”

    The Bottom Line

    Ultimately, projects like GCI symbolize resilience and the enduring spirit of Israel. As Sercarz aptly puts it, “We’re not going anywhere. On the contrary, we’re here to stay and make it even bigger than what we planned before.”

    Looking Ahead

    Chef Lior Lev Sercarz will be speaking at the Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel in Dallas, Texas, from November 14-17, 2024, underlining the ongoing support and the broader vision for Israel’s future.

    This story was first published on jpost.com.

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