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UAE's first kosher restaurant reflects growing Israeli-Arab ties

Just days after Israel and the United Arab Emirates normalized relations, a kosher restaurant has opened up in Dubai.
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DUBAI — On a recent evening — in an obscure corner of the world's tallest building, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa —men in kippahs tucked in plates full of hummus. A woman snapped photos of a beautifully presented salmon fillet. An Emirati bigwig in a white thobe and matching headdress engaged in earnest conversation with an Orthodox Jew. "Is there carryout service for the Shabbat?" a customer asked. "There is," a waiter responded.

“Welcome to Kaf,” said a large, avuncular man. He introduced himself as Bension Duchman, the mashgiach — or dietary supervisor — of the United Arab Emirate’s first kosher restaurant. “I hope you enjoy your meal,” he said.

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