Audrey Songan

Palestinian culinary tradition is under threat. Ongoing attacks and blockades have put Gaza’s food security at risk, evolving culinary tradition irrevocably. The effects of these events manifest themselves in places and spaces for cooking, which in turn become the vessels for cultural change through conflict.

Bread is considered a food staple in Palestine. In spite of any hardship, bread continues to be a steady constant in the diet and lives of Gazans. ‘Staff of Life’ is a communal bread oven located in Al Nada on the Gaza strip, a typology which has long been established throughout the Middle East. It is a shared resource within the Al Nada community, with spaces for cooking, eating, gathering and sharing.

The communal oven endeavours to be a symbol for Gazan resilience by ensuring food security for the community and therefore, self-determination for the Gazan people. A place to nourish, gather and share by literally making and breaking bread.