Abu Tariq's Koshary Rocket Sparks Controversy Amid Iran-Israel War!

Egyptian and Arab audiences have been inundated with interest after the popular Abu Tarek Koshary restaurant in Cairo launched a new advertisement, sparking widespread controversy on social media. The advertisement revealed a new koshary dish designed in the shape of a missile, a clear symbolic reference to the Iranian missiles recently targeting Israel amid the ongoing war between the two countries, which has escalated and is now casting a shadow over the Arab world.

Event details: Rocket-shaped Koshary The incident began when Abu Tariq's official account posted a photo of a new rocket-shaped koshary dish, along with the short caption, "Coming soon to market...", sparking a huge response from social media users in Egypt and the Arab world.

Israeli and Arab reactions Israeli media quickly picked up on the incident. Israeli journalist Roi Kais, a specialist in Arab affairs, tweeted that the famous Egyptian restaurant had become a focal point of the crisis between Israel and Iran, describing the move as a sarcastic expression of popular solidarity with the unfolding events in the region.

Reactions escalated to include official Israeli media outlets, with the Israeli Broadcasting Authority attacking the post and deeming it "an interference by the Egyptian restaurant in the ongoing debate over the war," especially given the heightened tensions in the region. A number of Israeli officials and politicians also responded to the journalist's post. A former Israeli ambassador to Egypt emphasized the restaurant's popularity and the Egyptians' love for it, in an attempt to calm the negative reaction and absorb the anger of the Israeli public. On the other hand, Egyptian and Arab reactions were mixed. Some viewed the move as an embodiment of Egyptian humor in the face of crises, while others considered it a symbolic message of solidarity with the Palestinian people in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression, particularly with the large number of civilian casualties in Gaza, the increasing waves of displacement from Tehran, and fears that the conflict could expand to include other regional parties.

The war between Iran and Israel This incident comes amid an unprecedented military escalation between Israel and Iran that began in mid-June 2025. Israel launched air and missile attacks targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, and Tehran responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones targeting major Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa, resulting in deaths and injuries on both sides. These confrontations are the most extensive between the two sides in years, raising fears of a full-scale regional war whose effects could extend to neighboring countries.

The impact of war on the Egyptian and Arab streets These developments sparked widespread concern in the Arab world, with sentiments of solidarity with the Palestinian people on the rise, and popular expressions of political stances emerging even in the details of daily life, as was the case with Abu Tariq's koshary. This event reflects how the repercussions of war have begun to cast a shadow over popular culture, transforming into satirical symbols or indirect political messages.

Analysis and implications Observers believe the restaurant's actions were not merely a passing joke, but rather a reflection of the merging of politics and daily life in Egypt and the region, where Egyptians use sarcasm and humor to express their stances on grave events. The event also highlights how politics, economics, and culture intertwine, and how a major political event can even impact the restaurant and food industry. This significant interaction also reflects how symbolic or promotional campaigns have rapidly spread across social media platforms, leveraging modern platforms that connect brands with influencers, celebrities, and the public simultaneously. Here, the Special app stands out as a comprehensive platform that combines social media and marketing. Its role is not limited to connecting celebrities with companies, but rather enables direct interaction with the public and the launch of creative campaigns that keep pace with events and capitalize on public engagement, far from traditional mediation. The platform reflects the intertwining of politics, culture, and marketing in the daily lives of Egyptian and Arab society.