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It’s all about “yalla” — a Middle Eastern expression meaning to move forward — and it’s the inspiration behind a growing Passover tradition led by a young entrepreneur in Westchester.
Twelve-year-old Hudson Greenstein is the creator of “Yalla Matzah Pizza,” a creative take on a holiday-friendly favorite. What started as a simple idea has turned into a community staple in Armonk, now in its fourth year.
Greenstein says the idea came when he was craving pizza during Passover, when traditional dough isn’t allowed.
“I came up with the idea when I wanted pizza, but I couldn't have it because of the holiday Passover. So my dad had bought some matzah in his car. So I asked the pizza place owner if I could make a matzah pizza there and try it.”
Since then, he has served thousands of matzah pizzas — many of them for charity — helping turn the concept into a meaningful holiday tradition.
Now, the idea is getting an even bigger platform. Fortina will feature Yalla Matzah Pizza on the menu at all three of its locations — Armonk, Rye Brook and Stamford — throughout the Passover holiday.