University at Buffalo Apologizes for Daring to Mention Israeli Food
A multicultural festival at the University at Buffalo turned into a center of controversy after a menu labeled falafel as Israeli. The Student Association immediately deleted the post and issued an apology following complaints from activists.
Tthe University at Buffalo Student Association hosted a “multicultural festival,” then immediately folded when activists lost their minds over a single menu item labeled “Falafel (Israeli)”.
The offense? Acknowledging that falafel is a staple of Israeli cuisine. That two-word parenthetical note was enough to trigger a wave of complaints from pro-Palestinian students who claimed it was “hurtful,” culturally appropriative, and erased Palestinian identity.
The Student Association didn’t defend the menu, didn’t push back, and didn’t tell the complainers to grow up. Instead, they deleted the post and issued a groveling apology.
In an event supposedly celebrating multiple cultures, every other group could proudly claim their food. Only the Israeli one was treated like a radioactive slur. The mere existence of the word “Israeli” next to a popular dish became unacceptable.
Falafel has deep roots in the Levant and is eaten across the Middle East. Israelis, especially Mizrahi Jewish communities, embraced it, perfected it as street food, and helped make it world-famous alongside hummus and shawarma. In any sane multicultural setting, labeling it “Israeli falafel” is completely normal.
But on this campus, normal doesn’t apply when it comes to Israel.
This incident sends a crystal-clear message: your culture is optional, your national identity is offensive, and the administration will side with the mob every time.