Haifa is the largest city in Northern Israel and is home to people of multiple religions and ethnicities, at this time of year, Christmas and Hanukkah are in proximity and Haifa is one of the few cities which mark the occasion with Christmas decorations and markets. Muslim holidays, having shifting Gregorian dates, also occur at this month on some years, and it is termed "the holiday of holidays" (well, at least by marketing people 😅).
Many snacks on sale - chestnuts and mulled wine, sure; but also knafeh; Saj flat breads (aka Druze pita) with labneh, or seemingly more popular, chocolate spread; warm ful (fava beans), lupin beans (turmus) and corn; a walking vendor selling plum juice, also french crepes, popcorn, hotdogs and very full resturants and cafes.
Note the Bahai gardens up the mountain.
Knafeh was selling fast!
Ful and lupins can be topped with cumin, spicy pepper, parsley and garlic-lemon juicy.
I don't enjoy talking politics, but the political state in Israel this last month is quite worrying (more than usual, and that says much). I take this holiday scene as a reminder that we can set aside our differences and coexist in harmony. Diversity enriches our lives and should be celebrated. Happy Christmas, happy holidays