Hundreds of students attended IU Chabad’s Israeli Food Fest this past September right before the Jewish high holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Students ate native Israeli dishes such as Shawarma, Falafel and a variety of Israeli snacks while also participating in the many different activity booths they had like bracelet and bag making, a photo booth and many others.
“Within the stations themselves that aren’t food related, it’s kind of going to be like the Shuk. The main idea is to make it look and feel like Israel,” said IU Chabad president Carly Bernard.
Students also danced and sang their hearts out to a DJ playing festive Israeli music.
IU Chabad Executive Director Levi Cunin explaining Israeli Food Fest’s significance.
IU Chabad executive director Levi Cunin emphasized the importance of hosting events like this to maintain high spirits like this among the broader Jewish community even in times of such conflict and uncertainty.
Chabad’s Israeli Food Fest took place in the end of September nearing exactly one year since the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel.
During the closing months of the Spring 2024 semester, universities nationwide including IU experienced high amounts of antisemitism. Acts of which included violent protests, encampments on college campuses as well as multiple arrests.
According to the United States Anti Defamation League, Antisemitism had risen 360% between the initial attacks on October 7th and the beginning of 2024.
Chabad President Carly Bernard detailing aspects of Israeli Food Fest.
During the Jewish holidays throughout the year, IU Chabad is typically seen at its busiest.
More information on upcoming events for the rest of the year can be found on the Chabad IU website.
