The JCA’s First Annual Jewish-Asian Friendship Dinner was a resounding success! On August 21, a sold-out crowd of 150 people representing both the Jewish and Asian communities gathered at the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine.

We began the night by blessing a “red onion curry challah” specially created by John Rudoy from Exile Bakery for the event. We then recognized all the organizations present: the Maine Jewish Museum, Chinese-American Friendship Association of Maine, Watt Samaki Buddhist Temple, Khmer Maine, the Maine Asian-American Community Center, and the Filipino-American Samahan of Maine.

Presentations were made by a number of individuals. Our CEO Leslie Kirby first greeted all attendees. YuJi Smith, the youngest Board Member of CAFAM, delivered an inspiring videotaped message. We then heard a brief “History of the Jews” presentation from event organizer and JCRC Director Zach Schwartz, and learned about growing up “Jewpanese” from Abbie Yamamoto. We watched an entrancing performance from Khmer Maine’s dance youth group. Dawn LaRochelle from the Maine Jewish Museum lit up the room with an entertaining presentation about “The Jewish Love of Chinese Food." We heard about the exciting Maine Asian-American Community Center project from our friends Marpheen Chann and Sarah Boothby (which our Jewish community is eager to help build—you can donate here), before ending the night with poems from Anna Wrobel and closing remarks from Tam Huynh.

“From my point of view, the Asian and Jewish communities have much in common. Both are time-honored cultures with the shared values of respect, education, compassion, and belonging. These shared values are why it is important that our communities come together in support of each other, especially in these times.” —YuJi Smith, Board Member of the Chinese-American Friendship Association of Maine (watch below)

Every non-Jewish attendee who filled out our post-event survey agreed that they left the dinner with a “deeper understanding of Jewish history and culture,” that they saw “new connections between Asian and Jewish experiences”, and that they “gained awareness of both modern antisemitism and ways our communities can stand against hate.” You can read some of their statements, and see photos from the night, below:

Other Testimonials From the Night

• "I saw many energetic Jewish and Asian young people coming together to celebrate our similarities, with a genuine interest of doing good to benefit both communities. I hope there will be more events like this in the future that unite our minority groups." — Community member from China
• "Even though I'm Jewish, I thought Zach did an excellent job at his brief history of the Jews. I especially liked the way he showed that Jews did not colonize Israel…[it made an impact on me] to see non-Jews nodding in agreement to mentions of Jewish trauma and the Holocaust." — Jewish community member
• "[It made me feel hopeful] that that there is an effort in uniting various minority groups, coming together to celebrate our similarities and differences. I saw many energetic, young people with expertise in various areas, talking about issues facing the nation, sharing good food, with a genuine interest in doing good to benefit both communities." — Community Member from Hong Kong
• "This is one of the best events I have ever attended. I am still carrying a warm vibe in my heart and soul—very impactful! Can’t wait for next year." — Community member in Portland