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. <\/p>\n
The event celebrated the World Cup, America\u2019s 250th anniversary and the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
With Houston serving as one of FIFA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s historic milestone and the relationship between Israel and the United States.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Shoshan added that the partnership between the two countries extends beyond government and diplomacy and into everyday interactions among people.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event itself is compiled by Israelis and Americans and that\u2019s a perfect example of the camaraderie and the partnership and collaboration between the two nations,\u201d said Shoshan.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shoshan noted that Hamsa was an easy choice for the watch party because of owner Itai Ben Eli\u2019s longstanding support of Houston\u2019s Israeli community.<\/p>\n
Hosting the event perfectly aligns with the mission Ben Eli envisioned when he opened Hamsa \u2013 \u201cintroducing Houstonians to modern Israeli cuisine while creating a welcoming and gathering place for the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI had the idea of opening a modern Israeli cuisine restaurant,\u201d he said. \u201cPeople 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Behind one of the televisions broadcasting the match was the restaurant\u2019s 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\u2019s collective atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Throughout the evening, guests cheered for Team USA while enjoying the restaurant\u2019s ambiance and connecting with new friends and acquaintances over dinner. The combination of sports, food and fellowship created an atmosphere that reflected the event\u2019s purpose of bringing people together.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s about community and about coming together,\u201d Ben Eli said. \u201cThe World Cup is happening here in Houston, so it\u2019s great. We love the atmosphere. Everybody\u2019s excited for the U.S. to win and hopefully we go all the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
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
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