On June 25, 130 young professionals and community members gathered at Hamsa restaurant for a FIFA World Cup watch party, hosted by the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest.
The event celebrated the World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary and the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel.
As sports enthusiasts and community members watched the match between the U.S. and Turkey, they enjoyed a buffet of rich and modern Israeli cuisine.
With Houston serving as one of FIFA’s host cities, many came in patriotic gear cheering for the U.S. They also shared ambitions and future goals with one another in the warm atmosphere, making it feel like everyone was on the same team.
Elad Shoshan, consul and deputy chief of mission for the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest, said the watch party was curated to celebrate both America’s historic milestone and the relationship between Israel and the United States.
“To celebrate 250 years of America, our greatest friend, through something as unique as a sporting event taking place in the USA, specifically in Houston, is very meaningful,” he said.
Shoshan added that the partnership between the two countries extends beyond government and diplomacy and into everyday interactions among people.
“The event itself is compiled by Israelis and Americans and that’s a perfect example of the camaraderie and the partnership and collaboration between the two nations,” said Shoshan.
“The partnership takes place in politics, economics, academia, culture, defense, but also in sports. It allows us to interact, learn about one another and continue moving forward as two nations that have become such good friends and allies.”
Shoshan noted that Hamsa was an easy choice for the watch party because of owner Itai Ben Eli’s longstanding support of Houston’s Israeli community.
Hosting the event perfectly aligns with the mission Ben Eli envisioned when he opened Hamsa – “introducing Houstonians to modern Israeli cuisine while creating a welcoming and gathering place for the community.”
“I had the idea of opening a modern Israeli cuisine restaurant,” he said. “People love the food and the venue looks like a piece of modern Israel. So when the consulate reached out, it was a no-brainer for me. I knew we were going to do our part to make this happen and make this the best possible event.”
Behind one of the televisions broadcasting the match was the restaurant’s open-brick oven, which remained in full view as staff baked fresh pita bread. The open kitchen remained a focal point throughout the evening, complementing the restaurant’s collective atmosphere.
Throughout the evening, guests cheered for Team USA while enjoying the restaurant’s ambiance and connecting with new friends and acquaintances over dinner. The combination of sports, food and fellowship created an atmosphere that reflected the event’s purpose of bringing people together.
“I think it’s about community and about coming together,” Ben Eli said. “The World Cup is happening here in Houston, so it’s great. We love the atmosphere. Everybody’s excited for the U.S. to win and hopefully we go all the way.”
As the evening came to a close, the watch party had scored big, reaffirming the enduring friendship between the United States and Israel through a shared experience centered on sports, hospitality and
community.