In Berlin, a Russian restaurant rallies behind Ukrainians

The Russian Jewish restaurant Pasternak is part of several hospitality establishments employing some 150 staff members from a number of countries including Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Greece and Argentina, and has taken a strong anti-war position from the offset [Gouri Sharma/Al Jazeera]

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Berlin, Germany – It is approaching midday in Prenzlauer Berg, one of Berlin’s trendier districts in the east of the city, and the tables at Pasternak are starting to fill with locals looking for lunch. With a hint of spring in the mid-March air and the easing of pandemic restrictions, it doesn’t take long before the seats inside and outside this Russian Jewish restaurant are taken. It is a welcome sight for owner Ilja Kaplan, whose business has taken a hit since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.