Others take a more lighthearted view with the suggestion that a suitable Arab response would be to ban pizza. Kashmir Observer
Kebab
Kebabs have been banned from the medieval walled town of Veneto in Northern Italy by anti-immigration local Mayor Massimo Botocci. A law was passed on Friday preventing licenses being sold to food vendors selling kebabs and other non traditional foods, including sandwiches. Claiming that kebabs are not part of the Italian tradition, Botocci also objected to their smell. AFP quoted the mayor saying such foods are “not suited to our historic centre (because of) the way in which the foods are eaten, the smell they give off.” He hasn’t called for a national ban though, as he allows that “If someone wants to eat a kebab, he can do it at home or outside of the historic centre.” He has cited food regulations regarding “dishes cooked and then left in the open for a long time” in order to implement the ban, according to the Gulf News. Kebabs are a popular dish that originated from the Middle East, comprising skewered meat. The ban has caused immediate controversy in some Arab countries, as well as with migrants in Italy, with the motivation behind the decision questioned. Mohammad Bu Jassoom believes “It is not about food. The problem is that there are some people in that town who want to hurt immigrants and Muslims. They are willing to use all means to achieve their goal,” the Gulf News reported. Others take a more lighthearted view with the suggestion that a suitable Arab response would be to ban pizza.