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Escaping coronavirus stress, Israelis buy chocolate

Young Israeli chocolatiers are battling the coronavirus-induced economic crisis to keep the local chocolate industry afloat.
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The Ika Chocolate sales team has been working hard these past few days. Many Tel Avivians bought chocolate and praline boxes for the Sept. 18 Jewish New Year. The shop was busy with customers up until the very last minute before closing for the holiday.

Chocolate shops in Jerusalem were equally busy this week. The newly opened Gustel Chocolate Boutique, located in downtown Jerusalem in the Mahne Yehuda market area and crammed between a grocery store and a tailor shop, has captured the attention of many. Named after a great-grandmother, Gustel offers connoisseurs Jerusalem-made fine chocolates, inspired by Parisian artisans. Not deterred by the coronavirus pandemic, Yaacov Elbert and his wife opened their high-end chocolate shop a month ago. The current nationwide lockdown has not been positive news for them, but they are hoping their business will survive.

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