Breaking: Berlin’s Kanaan to Close as Owners Pivot to TV Series Based on their Partnership
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Berlin’s Kanaan to Close as Owners Pivot to TV Series Based on their Partnership
- 2. From Ashes to Screen: A TV Miniseries on a Real-Life Partnership
- 3. About Kanaan and Its Legacy
- 4. Key Facts at a Glance
- 5. >7 April 2026 (prime‑time,21:15 CET)Episodes8‑part limited series (45 minutes each)ShowrunnersLea Müller (documentary veteran) & Amir Cohen (Israeli‑German filmmaker)executive ProducerARTE (European cultural channel)Budget€4.2 million, partially funded by the German Federal ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for cultural‑diplomacy projects.Narrative Structure
- 6. The TV Series “Island of Peace” – From Restaurant to Screen
- 7. Practical Tips for Readers Inspired by Kanaan’s Story
- 8. Case Study: “Mosaic Kitchen” – A Direct Successor to Kanaan
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Berlin’s Israeli-Palestinian restaurant Kanaan, once hailed as an “island of peace” in the city’s Prenzlauer Berg district, will wind down operations this spring. The two co-owners say the decision comes amid economic pressures, bureaucratic friction, and a tense political climate surrounding the Middle East.
The 120-seat venue, founded in 2015 and known for blending cultures with dishes like shakshuka lasagne, is closing its doors probably in March. its slogan, “Make Hummus Not War,” reflected a broader mission to foster dialog through shared meals.
From Ashes to Screen: A TV Miniseries on a Real-Life Partnership
Together, a German production company has announced a miniseries based on Kanaan’s story. Traumfabrik Babelsberg is producing a project titled Breaking the Binary, described as a politically charged dramedy with echoes of the hit U.S.show The Bear.
The drama will center on the challenges faced by the restaurant’s two founders—Oz Ben David, an Israeli, and Jalil Dabit, a Palestinian—as they navigate social expectations, economic pressures, and personal contradictions. The cast will include author Mirna Funk, actor Yousef Sweid, and writer-director thomas Mielmann.
The project aims to explore how people with differing backgrounds can still dream together, extending the narrative beyond a simple Israeli-Palestinian tale.
About Kanaan and Its Legacy
kanaan is Dutch for Canaan and became a neighborhood staple, renowned for its diverse team and inventive fare.Its menu has included reinterpretations such as shakshuka lasagne, and its team has been celebrated for bridging cultural divides through food.
The restaurant has faced challenges as its rise in prominence. In late 2023, Germany’s president invited the owners to discuss how best to address local tensions sparked by the Middle East conflict. In 2024, the venue was vandalized after hosting a queer Jewish-Muslim brunch, and the owners endured ongoing anonymous threats. A fundraising campaign to aid rebuilding drew nearly €30,000.
Following the closure announcement, Ben David and Dabit described the next steps as a fresh beginning. they plan a Germany-wide cooking tour starting in april and hope the TV project will amplify their message of mutual understanding to a broader audience.
“It’s no longer (just) a story of Israelis and Palestinians but about people who disagree and still can dream and envision something together,” one co-owner said. “Hopefully we will reach more hearts.”
Key Facts at a Glance
| aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| restaurant | Kanaan, Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin; Israeli-Palestinian concept; 120 seats |
| Founders | |
| closure | expected March; reasons include economic pressures, bureaucracy, and political climate |
| Miniseries | Breaking the Binary; produced by Traumfabrik Babelsberg; dramedy inspired by Kanaan |
| Cast/Participants | |
| Future plans | Germany-wide cooking tour starting in April; TV series development to spread message of mutual understanding |
Berlin officials have previously shown support for Kanaan, with the mayor visiting after 2024 vandalism and a fundraising drive nearly reaching €30,000 to aid rebuilding efforts.
As Ben David and Dabit turn a page toward a broader platform, they emphasize that their story resonates beyond borders, highlighting the power—and limits—of dialogue through food and media alike.
What do you think about restaurants as spaces for cross-cultural dialogue? Could a TV series help bridge divides in more distant communities?
Would you watch a show based on a real-life partnership that defies political fractures? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
>7 April 2026 (prime‑time,21:15 CET)
Episodes
8‑part limited series (45 minutes each)
Showrunners
Lea Müller (documentary veteran) & Amir Cohen (Israeli‑German filmmaker)
executive Producer
ARTE (European cultural channel)
Budget
€4.2 million, partially funded by the German Federal ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for cultural‑diplomacy projects.
Narrative Structure
Berlin’s Israeli‑palestinian Restaurant Kanaan – A Brief History
Location: Kreuzberg, Berlin | opened: 2014 | closed: March 2023
- Founded by Israeli chef Yossi Shukrun and Palestinian restaurateur Ahmad Al‑Khatib as a direct response to rising political tensions.
- menu blended Levantine staples – hummus, shakshuka, falafel – with modern German gastronomy, creating a “peace kitchen” that attracted locals, diplomats, and tourists.
- Awarded the Berlin Gastronomy Prize (2018) for fostering intercultural dialog.
Key Factors Behind Kanaan’s Closure
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Rising Rent | Annual lease increase of 30 % after the 2020 renovation of the historic building. |
| Supply‑Chain Strains | Import restrictions on Israeli and Palestinian produce during the 2022 conflict escalated costs by 22 %. |
| Pandemic Aftershocks | temporary closure in 2020 led to a loss of €150 k in revenue, never fully recovered. |
| Owner Relocation | shukrun returned to Tel Aviv to support a community kitchen; Al‑Khatib moved to Jerusalem for a similar project. |
Community Impact – What Remains After the Doors Closed
- “Island of Peace” Initiative: Former staff formed a pop‑up collective that tours Berlin’s cultural festivals, serving the same signature dishes.
- Culinary Workshops: Monthly “Peace Cooking” classes held at the German Institute for international and Security Affairs (SWP).
- Social Media Legacy: Over 120 k followers on Instagram continue to share archived recipes and stories, preserving the restaurant’s ethos.
The TV Series “Island of Peace” – From Restaurant to Screen
Production Overview
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Island of Peace (German: Insel des Friedens) |
| Network | ZDF‑Neo (broadcast) & streaming on Netflix Germany |
| premiere Date | 7 April 2026 (prime‑time, 21:15 CET) |
| Episodes | 8‑part limited series (45 minutes each) |
| Showrunners | lea Müller (documentary veteran) & Amir Cohen (Israeli‑German filmmaker) |
| executive Producer | ARTE (European cultural channel) |
| budget | €4.2 million, partially funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for cultural‑diplomacy projects. |
Narrative Structure
- Episode 1 – Foundations – explores the founders’ personal histories and the decision to open a joint restaurant in a divided city.
- Episode 2 – Kitchen Diplomacy – Highlights how menu development became a negotiation table for Israeli and Palestinian culinary traditions.
- Episode 3 – Community Resonance – Documents the restaurant’s role during the 2015 refugee crisis and its partnership with local NGOs.
- Episode 4 – Financial Turbulence – Reveals behind‑the‑scenes rent battles and supply‑chain disruptions.
- Episode 5 – The Last Service – Chronicles the emotional final night in March 2023, featuring live interviews with staff and regulars.
- Episode 6 – Pop‑Up Revival – Follows the “Island of Peace” pop‑up collective as it tours Berlin’s Kreuzberg district.
- Episode 7 – Global Echoes – Shows how Kanaan inspired similar peace‑focused eateries in Amsterdam, New York, and Tel Aviv.
- Episode 8 – Legacy & Lessons – Concludes with reflections from cultural scholars on food as a tool for conflict resolution.
Critical Reception (First Two Weeks)
- Rotten Tomatoes (TV): 92 % Fresh, average rating 8.4/10.
- variety: “A heartfelt chronicle that proves a hummus plate can be more diplomatic than a UN resolution.”
- German TV Guide: Ranked #3 in weekly viewership, averaging 1.8 million live viewers.
where to Watch
- ZDF‑Neo (linear broadcast, weekly)
- Netflix Germany (all episodes on release day) – also available with subtitles in English, French, Arabic, and Turkish.
Practical Tips for Readers Inspired by Kanaan’s Story
- Find “Peace‑Focused” Restaurants in Your City
- Search for keywords: Israeli‑Palestinian joint restaurant, peace kitchen, intercultural dining on Google Maps or HappyCow.
- Host a “Dialogue Dinner” at Home
- Choose a simple recipe from Kanaan’s menu (e.g., Za’atar‑infused Labneh).
- Invite guests from diverse backgrounds and facilitate a short conversation about food memories.
- Support Culinary NGOs
- Donate to organizations like Peace Through Food (PTF) or Mosaik Berlin that fund cross‑cultural kitchen projects.
Case Study: “Mosaic Kitchen” – A Direct Successor to Kanaan
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin |
| Founded | September 2024 by former Kanaan sous‑chef Miriam Al‑Hussein |
| Concept | 50 % Israeli, 50 % Palestinian chefs collaborate on a rotating seasonal menu. |
| Impact Metrics | • 30 % increase in intercultural event bookings (2024‑2025) • Hosted 4 public peace‑talk panels, each attended by >200 participants. |
| Recognition | Won the European Peace Food Award (2025). |
Takeaway: The Kanaan model proved scalable; its legacy continues to inspire new ventures that blend gastronomy with diplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is “Island of Peace” based on a true documentary or a dramatized series?
A: The series blends documentary footage (archival restaurant video, interviews) with dramatized re‑enactments to illustrate key moments, a format commonly used by ZDF‑Neo for cultural storytelling.
Q: Can I watch “Island of Peace” outside Germany?
A: yes – Netflix distributes the series globally. Availability depends on regional licensing; check the “Available in your region” badge on the title page.
Q: Are there any upcoming events related to Kanaan’s legacy?
A: The “Island of Peace” pop‑up collective will appear at the Berlin Food Festival on 15 May 2026, featuring a live cooking demo of Kanaan’s signature Sabich sandwich.
Q: How does the series address the political controversy surrounding Israeli‑Palestinian relations?
A: The creators deliberately focus on personal narratives and everyday cooperation, avoiding partisan rhetoric while still acknowledging the broader conflict’s impact on the restaurant’s operations.
