Falafel suffers from Arab-Israel history of conflict that has now expanded to a fight over its 'ownership'. The delicious yet humble falafel finds itself in the midst of controversy between Arab and Israel, both claiming to be owners of this spicy fried rissole made of chickpea mash or beans mash. Falafel suffers since it a staple diet of both Jews and Arabs. While anti-Israel activists claim that Israel stole their falafel, history confirms that Middle Eastern Jews have always eaten falafel.

• History of Falafel in the Middle East

Falafel is believed to have its origin in Egypt from where it came to Middle East where it is currently a favorite street food. Falafel balls are eaten during month of Ramadan as part of iftar and also during the Lent fasting days. Falafel popularity soared to such heights that McDonald's serves McFalafel in many countries. Debates of origin of falafel continues to this day. Falafel and Arab-Israel conflict is interwoven. Even though falafel is not completely a Jewish dish, it was adopted by early Jewish migrants to Palestine. Since falafel is made of only plant and vegetable products, under Jewish dietary laws it is parve. Hence, Jews took to falafel and consumed it with dairy and meat meals.

Falafel reached Israel through ancient communities from Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Libya and Yemen when the new State of Israel was founded and Middle Eastern Jews sought sanctuary here. Israel began the custom of stuffing pita with salads and falafel balls. Falafel is now an integral part of Israeli cuisine and is even referred to as its national dish. Falafel is enjoyed by everybody in Israel irrespective of ethnic and religious bounds. Falafel with hummus in pita bread is the highlight of a stroll during warm Mediterranean evenings. They are cheap and delicious.

• Falafel and Arab-Israel Conflict

Israeli entrepreneurs have helped in spreading the love of falafel to the west too. European and American palates too have taken a strong liking to this delicious Middle Eastern dish. Arabs were not much for the acceptance of falafel in the west as they claimed that Israel had stolen it from them. Falafel suffers at the hands of these people leading to many a comic instance. 2010 saw 300 Lebanese chefs prepare world's largest amount of falafel totaling 5,173 kg. This was challenged and topped by an Israeli chef who produced the largest single falafel that weighed 10.9 kg.

Though most Israelis' cannot deny that falafel heritage is shared between all Middle East, the Arab-Israel falafel conflict continues.

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