Building Bridges Through Food: “Our Harvard” Connects Students Over Meaningful Conversations
In a world often divided by differences, the unifying power of food and conversation shines through. This month, a group of students gathered not just for a casual meal but for a profound discussion that addressed the pressing issues of our time at Harvard University.
The Genesis of "Our Harvard"
Initiated by Nim Ravid ’25, a passionate economics concentrator from Israel, this initiative was born from necessity. The ongoing Gaza conflict prompted Ravid to seek out ways to foster connection and understanding among students at Harvard. In the summer of 2023, he co-founded “Our Harvard” along with five peers, launching a series of coffee chats designed to bridge the gaps between diverse identities and perspectives.
An Evening of Dialogue: Food For Thought
On April 1, the group hosted an inspiring event titled “Food For Thought: Our Harvard College” at the Smith Campus Center. The gathering offered students a unique platform to express their perspectives while sharing a meal provided by Harvard University Dining Services.
Students engaging in meaningful conversations at the Smith Campus Center. (Harvard University)
Honest Conversations Matter
Ravid was heartened by the evening’s outcome. He remarked, “It was the most vulnerable and honest I’ve ever heard Harvard students communicate. Creating an environment where students assume best intentions and express their true thoughts is so crucial.”
Renowned professor Michael Sandel, who moderated the discussion, highlighted a key aspect of such gatherings. He cautioned against merely celebrating diversity without confronting the uncomfortable topics that often accompany it. “Real learning and genuine dialogue arise from wrestling with difficult questions,” he emphasized.
Personal Stories: Sharing Vulnerability
Throughout the evening, voices rang out with personal stories of feeling ostracized due to their backgrounds. Frederico Araujo ’25, a co-founder of Our Harvard from Portugal, opened up about his own experiences. Despite the shared language and cultural ties with Brazilian students, he often felt a cold reception. “I wasn’t aware that our historical connections wouldn’t be enough to build friendships,” he shared candidly.
The conversation naturally flowed toward the Israel-Palestine conflict. Ravid articulated the fears many share when discussing personal experiences tied to such sensitive subjects, revealing the discomfort felt by those caught between differing ideologies.
Another founding member, Angie Gabeau ’25, who initially felt hesitant discussing Middle Eastern issues, found the engagement liberating. “If you can tackle the hottest topics, discussing others will feel much less daunting,” she said, encouraging an atmosphere of vulnerability and open dialogue.
Angie Gabeau ’25 sharing her thoughts during the event. (Harvard University)
The Importance of Community
Gabeau also highlighted how building relationships across differences is fundamental to her journey. She expressed gratitude for the supportive communities she found at Harvard, including the Black Students Association and the Kuumba Singers. Yet, she underscored the notion that bridging cultural divides is equally important. “It’s about sharing our values and ideas while fostering a sense of safety,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Harvard College Dean of Students Tom Dunne remarked on the significance of having a core group of seniors organize such impactful discussions during their final weeks on campus.
A Hope for Future Dialogues
Ravid expressed hope that “Food for Thought” would ignite similar movements across campus, encouraging students to connect based on their personalities, not identities. “It’s key for everyone to get to know each other beyond surface-level judgments,” he noted.
Both Ravid and Gabeau acknowledged that while they aspire for positive change, they understand the road won’t always be smooth. “We’re not trying to create a utopia but pushing people to seize growth opportunities in different parts of campus life,” Gabeau concluded.
By bringing people together through food and conversation, “Our Harvard” seeks to transform the Campus culture, making way for deeper connections that bridge the gaps in understanding and empathy.
For more on engaging in constructive dialogue and fostering inclusive communities, check out Harvard’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging for resources and programs dedicated to these efforts.
