When you mix opportunity, perseverance, and a dream, the result is always sweet. At Chimes Israel, we believe employment is the key to integration, empowerment, and a life filled with meaning. With this vision in mind, we launched the “Café Cooking Program,” the first of its kind, in partnership with the Ministry of Welfare, the Municipality of Tira, and the local Culinary College.
Stirring New Skills in the Kitchen
The program trains individuals with disabilities from the Arab community in the fields of cooking and pastry-making. For three months, participants gathered three times a week in the college kitchens, guided by Chef Walid Mahajneh and the dedicated teaching staff. Alongside the practical training, Nada Haj Yahya from Chimes Israel provided theoretical classes, personal guidance, and a supportive presence that made every student feel capable and valued.
From Dough to Delight
Croissant or donut? Each class was filled with the aromas of cinnamon and cheese croissants, frosted donuts, fresh soups, and pasta doughs. Students kneaded, baked, decorated, and plated their creations, building not only delicious dishes but also a sense of pride and accomplishment. The program emphasized more than culinary skills; it strengthened teamwork, communication, and friendships, proving that the most important tools in any kitchen are trust and collaboration.
A Graduation to Remember
The program concluded with a moving graduation ceremony in Tira. Proud parents watched with shining eyes as their children stepped forward to receive certificates. Among the speakers were Chimes Israel CEO Jorge Zimmermann and Acting Mayor of Tira, Mohammad Daas, who pledged to help integrate graduates into workplaces across the city. “This is not only a social commitment, it is a human commitment,” he declared.
Beyond the Kitchen: Building Careers and Self-Worth in Tira
This program is about far more than learning how to cook. It is a bridge to employment, a space for equal social interaction, and a source of self-worth. We are proud of every graduate and can’t wait to see them continue creating, cooking, and turning their dreams into reality.
