Food festival raises funds for the displaced Assyrians of Iraq

 By: Robert Ewan 

Hundreds of people attended the second Assyrian Food Festival, held on Saturday at the Assyrian House, south Ealing. The event raised £6,200 and a generous collection of clothing for the displaced Assyrians of Iraq.

Crowds gathered to enjoy the Assyrian heart-warming hospitality and the array of delicious Assyrian cuisine, which dates back to 700 BC. A scrumptious aroma settled over Assyrian house and it was as if several restaurants had opened under the same roof.

The local community was given the opportunity to experience Assyrian food such as “Harissa” (Chicken & Barley Soup) and "Dolma" (rice and tomato sauce stuffed in grape leaves, cabbage, various peppers, and zucchini). A wide array of deserts was also served. There were several stalls selling, CDs, books, beauty and household products

 Wilson Jaso, president of the Assyrian society of the United Kingdom, said:” The festival is an opportunity to showcase Assyrian food but this year we want to show solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters in Iraq who were expelled from their homes. He added: “The Assyrian society has donated $50,000 to the needy Assyrians of Iraq and a further $50,000 will be sent to them shortly”. He thanked the organising committee for planning of this event and for their dedication and hard work that made the festival a success.