“We wanted to showcase not just the Jewish aspect but also the other backgrounds,” said political science and pre-law senior Robert Goldman, president of Jewish Student Union.

Team Israel Programming Committee, or TIP-C, held the event with MSU Hillel and Jewish Student Union assisting in the planning process. ASMSU sponsored the event.

President of TIP-C and biological systems engineering sophomore Danielle Brickner said the event is a way to break stereotypes about Israel.

“I think (the fest) is important because not everyone knows what Israel is about,” Brickner said. “People think Israel is all about war, but it’s not. It’s about peace.”

Those at the event had the opportunity to get free T-shirts, Dead Sea products and participate in a raffle for prizes, such as gift cards and electronics.

Nutritional science senior Dan Bator wanted to come out to Israel Fest to enjoy the festivities.

“I like the music and the festivities, and I’m really psyched about the food,” Bator said. “It’s falafel — awesome.”

Nutritional science senior Shaireen Maredia came to the event to mingle with others interested in Israeli culture. Ellen Rothfeld, a Hebrew lecturer at MSU, took to the dance floor to teach Israeli folk dancing to some of the attendees.

“I’m always up for exploring different cultures,” Maredia said. “I’m happy MSU has something that brings different cultures together.”

East Lansing resident Shannon Delap came out to Israel Fest to learn more about the Israeli culture and enjoyed the opportunity to see the Israeli folk dances.

“It’s interesting to see how other cultures dance,” Delap said. “It helps other students on campus get to know different cultures.”