 "Photo: Matt Lasek")
Drawn by the smell of falafel, hundreds of Boston University students experienced Israeli culture firsthand at the Israel Fair on Marsh Plaza Monday afternoon.
Participants also witnessed a microcosm of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as local supporters of the two sides of the age-old conflict protested peacefully against each other on the plaza.
Holding Palestinian flags, signs and a "Free Palestine" banner, supporters of Palestine questioned the students' celebration of the country's culture.
Some fair participants said they were frustrated by the presence of the protesters at the fair.
"It's very disrespectful for them to come disturb us," shopkeeper Shuki Benisrael said. "We leave them alone, they should leave us alone."
Others, like CAS sophomore Jennifer Topol, said they were confused of the protesters' presence.
"I didn't expect there to be protesters at Israel Day," she said.
The fair began the festivities of Israeli Culture Week, hosted by BU Students for Israel. Celebrating 58 years of Israeli independence, BUSI planned a variety of events for the week to showcase all aspects of Israeli culture.
"I think anyone who knows a little about Israel knows it's more than conflict," Hamagshimim group member Lihi Zabari said. "We don't mind [the protesters], they can say what they want."
Students were drawn to the fair by activities such as henna tattooing and Dead Sea mud masks but stayed to learn more about Israel.
"I was on the T and the big 'free henna' sign caught my eye," College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Emory Burks. "I looked around a bit and took home an informational CD."
The $1 falafel was the most popular table, selling out before the fair ended.
"I was just walking past when I smelled food," CAS senior Harbir Singh said. "I thought I would see what was going on."
The fair also included Israeli goods and beaded necklaces with students' names in Hebrew. Students entered raffles to win money toward a trip to Israel and other Israeli prizes.
By allowing students to experience the cultural aspects of Israel, BUSI members said they hope to break down stereotypes many people hold about Israel.
"Israel is about diversity," BUSI Senior Advisor and CAS senior Chloe Markowitz said. "That's what we want to show in this week. The goal is to have students realize Israel is not just about being Jewish."
BUSI Public Relations Vice President Dena Lewittes said Israel offers many cultural options to all kinds of people.
"Israel has a very distinct culture," the College of Communication freshman said. "We want to spread that around."
Hillel Program Associate Seth Kroll said BUSI aims to showcase a lighter side of Israel than what appears in the news.
"A lot of times in the media, Israel is portrayed in a political context, not a cultural context," he said.
BUSI members said they hope students will not only take away the culture of Israel from this week but also become more educated about the country.
"To have a positive association with Israel is what's really important," USD and Hagshama group member Nina Robinson said.
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