Issue date: 2/21/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Neka Thomas Penn Israel Coalition and Black Student League students host their third-annual Kosher Soul Food Dinner in Houston Hall of Flags. [Click to enlarge]

Over baked and breaded fish, collared cabbage, hushpuppies, and mac 'n' cheese with a kosher twist, Penn students contemplated how issues within their own communities have the ability to transcend borders.

In honor of Black History Month, the Penn Israel Coalition and the Black Student League held its third-annual Kosher Soul Food Dinner yesterday in Houston Hall.

The title for the evening's festivities was "Exploring the Black-Jewish Relationship in the City of Brotherly Love and the Promised Land."

When asked what the source of inspiration was for the event, College junior and Black Student League Vice President, Uchenna Okoji remarked that the theme "was a collaborative decision."

"We wanted to create an event in which Black and Jewish students would be able to come together, note the similarities that exist between both groups and enjoy some good food," Okoji said.

Several 2007 Philadelphia mayoral candidates were invited to speak about the issue in question.

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (D-Pa.) said that improving safety within Philadelphia is of topmost priority to him, adding that he plans to do so by increasing police forces as well as utilizing faith-based initiatives like reaching out to parishes.

U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.), was unable to make it to the event due to schedule conflicts, but campaign spokesman Solomon Jones spoke on his behalf.

Fattah's vision for the city of Philadelphia, Jones said, is one that puts the city's people in the forefront.

Fellow candidate and businessmanTom Knox, who was also invited, was unable to attend and had no one to speak on his behalf.

Mark Suvall, a representative from the United Jewish Appeal, an international outreach organization, discussed the future of Israel, specifically regarding assisting newly arrived Ethiopian Jewish sects within that region.

Suvall noted that the UJA is working to improve the economic status of this group of immigrants, as well as getting their children better educational opportunities to help foster their progress in their new home.

Wharton junior Max Schapiro, president of the Penn Israel Coalition, said the speakers complimented each other well.

"The mayoral candidates spoke about the issues facing Philadelphia, while Mark Suvall … served as a perfect compliment in that he spoke about the issues facing Ethiopian Jews in Israel and initiatives that are currently in place in order to ensure a more cohesive and equal society," Schapiro said.

College sophomore Danny Cohen echoed these sentiments.

"It was great to see two different Penn communities that do not often get a chance to interact on campus, come together in order to discuss issues that are of paramount importance to both groups," he said.

The kosher dinner was provided by Hillel Dining.

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