GPO recommendations

May 26, 2010 - 10:22 PM by Jessica

You don’t usually get Israel’s Government Press Office recommending restaurants in the Gaza Strip, as they were with this extremely ironic press release:

“In anticipation of foreign correspondents traveling to Gaza to cover reports of alleged humanitarian difficulties in the Hamas run territory, and as part of efforts to facilitate the work of journalists in the region, the Government Press Office is pleased to bring to your attention the attached menu and information for the Roots Club and Restaurant in Gaza.

We have been told the beef stroganoff and cream of spinach soup are highly recommended. You may wish to enquire of a possible discount upon presentation of a valid press card.

There is also the possibility of an enjoyable evening on the Greens Terrace Garden Cafe, which serves “eclectic food and fresh cocktails”.

A video of the club’s luxurious facilities may be viewed here.

Booking in advance is advisable, and as the website states, the Roots Club is fully equipped for hospitality and corporate events.

Correspondents may also wish to enjoy a swim at the new Olympic size swimming pool as reported in the Palestinian media to have been opened last week.”

It’s pretty funny to hear the GPO taking such an unusually sarcastic tone with their recipients, the local and foreign press based in Israel. Of course, they were attempting to show that Gaza doesn’t need the humanitarian aid coming in over the next week or two. Not sure they succeeded, but their tone surely had an effect, as more than one wire service and newspaper reported on the press release and the related issues.

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