Since Hezbollah began raining daily fire in northern Israel, life close to the border has become a waking nightmare. Two restaurateurs have reacted very differently to the deadly situation in which they have found themselves in since October 7. Gal and Itai have had to relocate their family business Itai and Gal met 12 years ago at the newly opened 300gram restaurant (Instagram: ) in the moshav of Betzet in the Western Galilee.
Itai, owner and head chef, was looking to hire his first waitress, and Gal needed a job. “After three years, we got married, and after six years, our first child Benaya was born. Two years later our second child, Alma, was born” says Gal.
In 12 years, the restaurant, located just two kilometres from the border with Lebanon, grew into a roaring success, thanks to its family-orientated charm and hearty, 300-gram portions. Chef Itai’s smoked steak and veal became famous in the region, and the firm favourite with tourists craving a kosher pitstop during a hike to Rosh HaNikra. But Hamas’ deadly attack on October 7 changed everything for communities like Betzet and restaurants like 300gram — perilously close Israel’s northern border.
A day after the invasion, Hezbollah — Iran’s terrorist proxy in Lebanon — joined the onslaught showering Israel’s north with rockets, missiles and drones. Betzet — within five kilometres (3 miles) of the border — was one of 28 northern communities evacuated by the Israeli government in October. Once shad.
