"It does not contribute much in understanding the political issues, but the festival is lots of fun, with the food, music, and all the people enjoying themselves."

Peter Oppenheimer, Princeton

"I think it's fantastic because you get to meet people from throughout the Middle East, as well as the U.S. You get to talk about lots of things without being at loggerheads with each other, and it helps to understand the region from a different perspective."

Muhammad Jehangir, Princeton University

"I am from the subcontinent, and it is very close to the Middle Eastern culture, so I am really enjoying this festival a lot."

Asima Arslan (with Merriam), Princeton

"It reminds me of the variety of Middle Eastern cultures and the beauty that can be found there. This festival is a celebration of life and joy with people wanting to share their gifts from their part of the world."

The Rev. Fred Eorsch, Dean of the PU Chapel (with friend Nancy Miller)

"I lived in Israel for seven years and it's nice to see cooperation among the groups that make up the Middle East. It's good to have a program where people can come together and celebrate."

Rizky Roth, Center for Jewish Life, Princeton University