Inaugural Hummus Festival a celebration of diversity

From left to right Jay Katz: Executive director Windsor Jewish Community. Middle: Remy Bowbul, Windsor Islamic Association,. Right. Danielle Desjardins- Koloff Principal, CCM. (Photo by Yasmina Elasfar)

By Yasmina Elasfar

The first Hummus festival in Windsor and Essex County brought three religions together in celebration.

”It’s an amazing festival. The girls have been excited all morning to come, and the music is wonderful, and to see many people here is great,” said Karal Stainly.

“I think it is the best idea ever, together all three religions, it shows the multicultural way that Windsor is.”

Festival co-founder Jon Liedtke came up with the concept two years ago while eating Hummus with co-founder Remy Boulbol. They wanted to bring together different cultural communities and celebrate food and chose Hummus as the vehicle of unity.

About 500 people attended the Sept. 23 event at Catholic Central High School. They enjoyed Hummus, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, along with a band that played Muslim, Christian and Jewish spiritual music.

Organizers are keen to stage another festival next year and plan on adding even more restaurants and people.

”Bringing together communities in a very decisive political time is important,” said Jon Liedtke, festival co-founder. “It’s necessary to bridge gaps.”