Ahmed Ali Mazen, a 58-year-old Palestinian immigrant, has been serving authentic Palestinian dishes at his restaurant, Old Jerusalem, in the Mission District of San Francisco since 2005.
A Lifetime of Tradition
Mazen grew up in a small village in Ramallah, Palestine, where his family raised cows, sheep, and goats, and grew their own produce. He fondly remembers the annual olive harvest and competitive soccer matches from his childhood.
Mazen’s journey to the United States began when he was 19, during the first intifada in 1987. He worked various odd jobs in San Francisco before opening his own restaurant, which has become a staple in the community.
Preserving Heritage
Old Jerusalem Restaurant offers traditional Palestinian dishes, such as pistachio-crusted lamb chops and Nablusi kunefe, a dessert made with crispy phyllo and melted cheese. Mazen takes pride in serving the food he ate growing up, with no compromises.
Despite his success, Mazen longs for the life he left behind in Palestine. He visits his mother once a year and cherishes the memories of his childhood, including the call to prayer from the mosque.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
