Jerusalem, February 26 Reena Pushkarna, arguably the most well-known Indian face in Israel, a celebrity chef, restaurateur, and businesswoman, was mentioned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a joint press statement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, for having played a key role in his personal life.
"I think our first or second date was at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv. It was Reena Pushkarna. And I have to tell you, the food was unbelievable," the Israeli prime minister said as his wife Sara nodded in agreement.
"Sara had her first experience with it, so it was a great first date. Not only because of the food, the date itself was excellent. So, obviously, I am grateful to you, as are my children," he said.
Netanyahu was then a rising figure in Israeli politics.
The couple, who still enjoy Indian food, reportedly struck up a rapport with Reena then, and their friendship has endured for many years.
In 2017, during Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Israel, the Israeli premier also recounted the story and even asked Reena to prepare the meal at his residence for a "date with Modi".
Humbled and overwhelmed by the recognition, Reena, while speaking to
