Hummus is NOT Israeli

You may be under the impression that Hummus is Israeli, but let’s be clear: it’s not. Just as pizza is Italian and sushi is Japanese, Hummus has its roots deep in the Fertile Crescent, particularly in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and other neighboring countries. If someone in England makes pizza, it doesn’t suddenly become English. The same goes for Hummus—just because it’s made in Israel, doesn’t make it Israeli.

For decades, Israel has been trying to claim Hummus as its own, but this is part of a much larger strategy to erase Palestinian culture, history, and identity. Hummus is not just a dish; it’s a symbol of our heritage, one that has been cherished and passed down through generations long before the modern state of Israel was established.

In fact, the earliest known mentions of Hummus date back to 13th-century Syria, where it was recorded in a cookbook by the Aleppine historian Ibn al-Adim. Similar recipes appeared in 13th-century Cairo, proving that Hummus is an ancient dish with roots that stretch back centuries, far beyond Israel’s creation.

When Israel claims Hummus as its own, it’s not just cultural theft; it’s an attempt to rewrite history and erase the deep connections that Palestinians, Syrians, Jordanians, and other Levantine peoples have to this dish. It’s part of a broader effort to deny the very existence of Palestinian culture and heritage.

"Free the Hummus" is more than just a call to reclaim a dish. It’s a defiant stand against the erasure of our identity. By standing up for the true origins of Hummus, you’re standing up for the recognition and survival of Palestinian culture.

Free the Hummus. Free Palestine.