Salon Jaffa, located in the Jaffa flea market within the historic port city of Jaffa, a part of greater Tel Aviv, is a beauty salon owned by Inbal Blech, a 48-year-old Israeli Jew. The establishment offers services such as manicures and waxing, and also functions as a social gathering point for a diverse clientele, including Palestinian and Jewish women. The salon has maintained its role as a venue for cross-community interaction, particularly following events on October 7, 2023, which led to increased tensions in the region.
Location and Ownership
Salon Jaffa is situated within the Jaffa flea market, located in the historic port city of Jaffa. Jaffa is integrated into greater Tel Aviv, Israel, and is characterized by a mixed population of Israeli Jewish and Palestinian residents. The salon is owned and operated by Inbal Blech, a 48-year-old Israeli Jew.
Services and Social Function
The establishment provides beauty services, including manicures and waxing. Beyond these services, Salon Jaffa serves as a social gathering point. Individuals, predominantly women, frequently convene on a bench outside the salon. These gatherings often involve engaging in conversations, consuming coffee, and smoking cigarettes, with a consistent flow of visitors engaging in social interaction. Ms. Blech is frequently observed engaging with clients and visitors.
Diverse Community Engagement
Salon Jaffa functions as a point of interaction for both Palestinian and Jewish women. These individuals frequent the establishment to exchange stories, share experiences, and engage in discussions. A reporter observed interactions involving owner Inbal Blech and nail technician Mayan Shany during assignments in Israel.
Sociopolitical Context
The salon's role as a cross-community space has continued in a regional context where tensions between Palestinians and Israeli Jews have been noted. Specifically, following events on October 7, 2023, which resulted in elevated tensions between these communities, Salon Jaffa has maintained its function as a space for diverse individuals to interact and engage in social exchange.