Legendary Falafel Stand in Kiryat Shmona Reopens Amid Ongoing Recovery

Falafel Omar, a renowned falafel stand in Kiryat Shmona, has been a culinary and political landmark for nearly 70 years. Known as a must-visit spot for Israeli politicians during campaigns, it has become a symbol of the city's resilience after years of conflict. Following the recent war, most residents evacuated, leaving the city nearly deserted. However, Shimon Omar, who runs the stand, returned just three weeks after relocating to Tel Aviv with his family, reopening the falafel stand despite the lack of civilian customers and ongoing security threats.

Shimon Omar, 65, was born in Kiryat Shmona to Moroccan immigrant parents and took over the family business after his military service, despite initially wanting to leave the city. Since 1983, he has worked behind the falafel counter, cherishing the city and its community. During the war, with most residents gone, Omar served soldiers stationed in the area, providing a rare sense of normalcy. After months without a bomb shelter, the Home Front Command installed one outside the stand due to the steady flow of soldiers.

Though the city is far from its pre-war population of over 25,000, with only about 9,000 residents having returned, Omar remains hopeful. His children have moved away, but the falafel stand now employs workers again and sees customers returning. Omar expresses gratitude for visitors from across Israel who come to support the business and calls for efforts to restore Kiryat Shmona to its former vitality.

"This war was harder than any before," Omar said. "I just want Kiryat Shmona to be saved and to become the city it once was."