A “minute” before the end of my term as the Bailli Délégué, I felt the need to hold a Chapitre to induct those members who joined in my last year (and were not already inducted abroad).

To make it a very special occasion, I was looking for a slightly different place that symbolizes to my belief, one of the foundations of our Chaîne association, besides good food and fine alcohol, the importance of fellowship and camaraderie.

Among the new members was Chef Adham Badreye from Daliat al Carmel, the largest Druze community in Israel. The town is located on Mount Carmel around 20 km southeast of Haifa.

Chef Adham and the Shafik Badreye Family opened their hearts and their “palace” according to their traditional, rich hospitality for which they are known. We conceived the Gala Dinner with a small twist in recognition of the special Druze kitchen.

The reception was accompanied by authentic music. Singing and playing of the Oud (Arabic). The sun set over the Mediterranean; a pleasant westerly wind blew. We indulged in soups served in small glasses and a salad tabbouleh.

Members and their guests moved to the hall for the Induction Ceremony which was presided over by Mohamed Hammam, Member of the Conseils d’Administration and Magistral. The highlight was the promotion of Idan Halperin to be the new Bailli Délégué. After my five years in the role, I wish him great success for his term.

After the Ceremony, we turned to the tables where we could celebrate with food based on traditional Druze culture. Chef Adham Badreye was the maestro conducting the performance.

Three wines (white, rosé and red) from Telem Winery accompanied the meal. Their vineyards are located on a rocky hill on the western slopes of Samaria. The area is known as a historic wine region and abounds in wine presses from the Roman-Byzantine period. Winery owner Ami Ariel visited every table and enthusiastically talked about his wines. The red was excellent by the way.

The evening ended with the songs of Farid Al-Atrash, the revered Egyptian-Druze singer who is considered one of the most prominent artists of Arab music in the 20th century.

Vive la Chaîne et Vive l’Ordre Mondial!

Adapted from a detailed report prepared by
Tami Lancut Leibovitz
Bailli Delegue Honoraire
Member of the Conseil Magistral