January 7, 2010, Updated September 24, 2012

The finest chefs in the world were in Israel this week to both showcase their skills and enjoy a gourmet meal in honor of Israeli chef Shalom Kadosh.

The chefs and the rest of the 180 diners paid 1,800 shekels (about $470) for their meal, with the proceeds to be donated to disabled children in Israel. The meal was prepared by Israel’s leading chefs, many of whom started out as Kadosh’s students.

The foreign chefs also took on the challenge of preparing a six-course kosher gourmet meal.

In the course of his culinary career Kadosh has cooked for royalty, presidents and prime ministers, including Jordan’s King Hussein, Queen Beatrix of Holland, former US Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George Bush, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and many others dignitaries.

At 62 he is considered Israel’s foremost culinary ambassador, representing Israel at festivals, exhibitions and competitions worldwide.

The event was held at Jerusalem’s Leonardo Plaza Hotel from the Fattal chain, where Kadosh has been cooking for 35 years. The international chefs participating were chosen by Kadosh and include many from restaurants that have won two and three Michelin stars.

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