Correspondent photo / Susan Wojnar Sherri Clayman of Liberty, left, and friend Ronna Marlin, also of Liberty, share a light moment in the food line at a Lunch for Unity Monday afternoon at the Jewish Community Center in Youngstown. The cultural exchange was cohosted by the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana (OCCHA).

YOUNGSTOWN — The universal languages of food, music and dance took center stage Monday as community members gathered at the Jewish Community Center for a special cultural exchange event called Lunch for Unity.

Hosted by the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and OCCHA (Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana), the afternoon brought together members of OCCHA’s senior group, the Jewish Community Relations Council and JCC members for a celebration of Israeli and Hispanic cultures.

The event featured an authentic Israeli lunch prepared by an Israeli chef, traditional Hispanic desserts made by OCCHA seniors, presentations on both cultures and lessons in traditional folk dances.

Melissa Bateman, Director of Community Engagement for the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, said the program was created to foster understanding and connection between different communities.

“Lunch for Unity was inspired by a desire to bring people together through culture, conversation and shared experiences,” Bateman said. “We wanted to create an opportunity for the Jewish-Israeli and Latino communities to learn from one another in a welcoming and enjoyable environment.”

Bateman noted that partnering with OCCHA was a natural fit because both organizations share a commitment to strengthening community relationships and celebrating cultural heritage.

“Both communities place a strong emphasis on family, traditions, hospitality and supporting one another,” she said. “There is also a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and passing traditions on to future generations.”

The centerpiece of the event was a Middle Eastern-inspired lunch prepared by Chef Yuval Rub, who immigrated from Israel 22 years ago and has worked as a chef for 16 years. Rub owns and operates Chef Yuval Catering in Beachwood (a wealthy suburb of Cleveland) and specializes in Mediterranean, French and Italian cuisine.

Guests enjoyed a menu highlighting the diverse culinary traditions of Israel and the Middle East.

Among the featured dishes was Rice Tanzine, a fragrant Middle Eastern rice pilaf sweetened with dried fruits and spices. Also served was Chicken Schnitzel, a popular Israeli comfort food that offers a Middle Eastern take on chicken fingers and is especially popular among children and young adults.

Another favorite was Chicken Shawarma, one of Israel’s most beloved street foods. Traditionally prepared on a vertical rotisserie, the richly spiced and marinated chicken has become a staple throughout the region.

The meal also included roasted potato wedges seasoned with sumac, a vibrant ruby-colored spice made from dried berries that adds a distinctive tart, fruity and lemon-like flavor.

Guests sampled Fattoush, a refreshing Lebanese salad featuring mixed greens and vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes and bell peppers. Another staple was Israeli Salad, a simple but flavorful combination of finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers and onions tossed with olive oil and lemon juice.

Additional offerings included Chef Rub’s signature hummus, beet tahini and challah, the traditional braided bread commonly served during Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

While the YAJF provided the main meal, members of OCCHA’s senior group, known as Jovenes del Pasado (“Youth of the Past”), prepared a selection of traditional Hispanic desserts.

The homemade desserts included flan, a rich custard made with milk, eggs and condensed milk; budin, a Puerto Rican-style bread pudding; and arroz con dulce, a sweet rice pudding dessert enjoyed throughout many Hispanic cultures.

Angelica Diaz, Executive Director of OCCHA, said the collaboration provided an opportunity for seniors to share their culture while learning about another.

“OCCHA is always looking for different ways to partner with other agencies to provide educational, cultural and meaningful opportunities for the community we serve,” Diaz said. “Bringing our seniors together was a great way of sharing culture, learning and having fun while doing it.”

In addition to the food, participants learned traditional dances from both cultures. Guests were introduced to Israeli folk dances, which play an important role in Israeli celebrations and community gatherings.

Members of OCCHA’s senior group demonstrated and taught salsa and merengue, two traditional Latin dances that reflect the vibrant music, history and heritage of Hispanic cultures.

Both organizers emphasized that cultural exchange events can help build understanding and challenge stereotypes.

“Food, music and dance are universal languages that bring people together regardless of background,” Bateman said. “They create opportunities for people to connect, ask questions and learn about one another in a fun and positive way.”

Diaz agreed.

“Having the opportunity to experience the authenticity of other food, music and dance is truly one of the ways of tearing down any stereotype,” she said.

Lunch for Unity was part of a larger Israel engagement initiative supported by KKL-JNF (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund) and ZOA. Throughout the year, the initiative has included Israeli cooking workshops, Krav Maga classes, a young adult Spirit Night, an Israeli Independence Day celebration and an upcoming hummus tasting event.

For organizers, however, the greatest measure of success was the opportunity to create new relationships.

“I hope people leave with a greater appreciation for another culture and perhaps a few new friendships,” Bateman said. “If people leave feeling more connected to one another, then the event has been a success.”