Oryosss
Oryosss
Oryosss, a chain of cafes nestled in the Gaza Envelope, has become a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Founded by Or Shukrun, these cafes are located in Kibbutz Erez, just 300 meters from the Gaza border, and in the city of Sderot. Despite facing significant challenges, Oryosss has managed to bring people together through quality cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Or Shukrun, a 34-year-old single mother of two, is the powerhouse behind Oryosss. Living in Kibbutz Erez, she served for 13 years in the Israeli army as a major before pursuing her dream of establishing a cafe that would bring quality cuisine to the residents of the Gaza Strip. Or founded the first Oryosss cafe in Kibbutz Erez. Against the odds, the cafe flourished, drawing patrons from across the country and beyond, especially after Or reached the finals of the Israeli reality show “The Perfect Dessert.”
Oryosss is renowned for its gourmet pastries, cakes, and mousses. Signature creations like the pistachio mousse "avocado" and vanilla mousse "mushroom" have earned a loyal following. Or, who meticulously designed the cafe's decor and menu, continues to impress with her culinary prowess, honed through night classes during her military service.
The Oryosss cafe in Sderot, the second location, opened in August 2023, quickly becoming a local favorite. After a forced closure due to the events of October 7th and the subsequent evacuation, the cafe reopened on May 1. Or, who had been serving in the IDF reserves, returned just a day before the reopening. The resilience of the community is evident in the bustling atmosphere of the cafe, despite the lingering shadows of recent hardships.
The Sderot location owes much to Kobi Paryante, who encouraged Or to expand her business. Paryante, a regular at the Kibbutz Erez cafe, offered his building in Sderot for the new cafe. Tragically, he lost his life during a morning run on October 7th. His legacy lives on in the dark green building of the Sderot cafe, matching the Oryosss logo.
Or has designed the whole cafe on her own, from the menu to the walls and the pieces of decor. She has cleverly placed a large print of McDonald’s fries in the back room, a wink to her first job in the food service. Another wall is covered with antique household items, inspired by a similar installation from a hotel in the US she once visited. Additionally there is a family photo on a wall, a reminder that the cafe was once a residential home back in the 1950’s.
The impact of the conflict has been profound for Or, both personally and professionally. She has faced the loss of friends and regular customers, some of whom were affected by the October 7 events. Despite the emotional toll, the reopening of Oryosss has brought a semblance of normalcy and hope to the community.