Berlin's Israeli-Palestinian restaurant Kanaan, called an “island of peace,” will close in spring due to economic and political pressures. Owned by Israeli Oz Ben David and Palestinian Jalil Dabit, the restaurant stood for “unity over hate” since 2015. It gained global attention after the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Gaza war began. Traumfabrik Babelsberg, a German production company, is making a TV miniseries called Breaking the Binary based on Kanaan's story. Described as a politically charged "dramedy," it explores the struggles of the two founders amid social and economic challenges. Key contributors include author Mirna Funk and actor Yousef Sweid. Kanaan, named after the biblical Canaan, was famous for dishes like shakshuka lasagne and bore the slogan: “Make Hummus Not War.” The 120-seat restaurant became a local symbol of peace across religious and political lines. Germany's president Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed its owners in 2023 to discuss Middle East tensions locally. However, the restaurant faced hardships. Its premises were attacked after hosting a queer Jewish-Muslim brunch, and the owners received threats. Berlin's mayor Kai Wegner showed support by visiting during a drag brunch. A fundraiser raised nearly €30,000 for repairs. The owners said customers faced a “political overdose” and preferred quiet dining spots without tension. “People say: ‘Unless we have a good reason to go out from the house and to spend some money, we want to do it in some quiet Italian place,’” Ben David said. Dabit from Ramla described the closing as “bittersweet” but feels hopeful about the TV show. “It’s like if you have a child and release him to the world – it’s a good thing,” he said. They hope their story of cooperation will now reach wider audiences. A Germany-wide cooking tour starts in April. “It’s no longer (just) a story of Israelis and Palestinians but about people who disagree and still can dream and envision something together,” Ben David said. “Hopefully we will reach more hearts.”