Flavors of the World
A Thanksgiving from Us to You
Join us for a fun family food festival featuring flavors from around the world!
December 4, 2022 (Sunday) | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel | 11 N Latah St, Boise, ID 83706
Free Admission | No registration required
As newly resettled refugees transition into their new environment, community advocates and organizations come together to welcome the new arrivals to their new community and the homes of community members providing support. Resettled refugee families have also opened their homes and kitchens to welcome friends, neighbors, coworkers, and in some cases – the community. Connecting the community through a fun food festival that fosters a community culture of giving, gratitude, and sharing meals is what it means to be Idahoan. Flavors of the World: A Thanksgiving from Us to You is an initiative of our Kitchen of Exotic Eats Program inspired by our Founder’s family resettlement journey.
Inspiring History
A Call to Serve: Our Story
Refugees from Laos during the mid 1970s, the Louangketh family resettled in Boise, Idaho in October 1981. As they resettled into this new environment during the fall and winter seasons of 1981, the generous hearts of the Boise community welcomed the Louangketh family into their homes for meals and holiday traditions and festivities. One particular couple, Donna and Chet Call, took on the responsibility of serving as the Louangketh family's sponsor. Their compassion, kindness, and support during a transitional time of uncertainty helped to lift the weight of the world on Phouthasinh Louangketh's shoulders. Phouthasinh is the mother of the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora's Founder, Palina Louangketh.
Experiencing the overwhelming kindness, warmth, and gift of service and friendship by Donna and Chet Call is a cherished memory deeply rooted in the Louangketh's approach to giving back service to the very community that welcomed them.
Our Partners
Community connected through cultures.
The Idaho Museum of International Diaspora's approach to model this special experience of the Louangketh family through a special thanks-giving food festival will connect families and communities across Ada and Canyon Counties to global cultures through this fun family food festival featuring flavors from around the world. Indeed, this will be A Thanksgiving from Us to You celebration for all to enjoy!
Mwangiz Inc. facilitates language and cultural understanding between clients with limited English proficiency and their service providers, supporting each as they seek to build bridges across cultures. Connect with Mwangiz Inc. here.
This year's venue host for Flavors of the World, Temple Beth Israel was built in 1895 by early German-Jewish immigrants. The Temple was originally located in downtown Boise, at State and 11th Streets. The architecture is a combination of the style of Rundbogenstil, a nineteenth century revival style commonly linked with German diaspora, and Moorish Revival. Moses Alexander, the nation's first practicing Jewish Governor, was a founder of Temple Beth Israel. Learn more here.
Creating welcoming communities that thrive together
The Idaho Office for Refugee is the designated organization to oversee refugee resettlement in the state of Idaho. We create connections and offer programs that promote well-being for New Americans and surrounding communities. Learn more here.
"A STORY OF GENERATIONAL AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MOTHER/DAUGHTER"
Endearing illustrations show Mahlee learning how differently Mommy did things as a child in Laos than she does in America. Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers has generously donated books as giveaway prizes for the Flavors of the World event on December 4, 2022. Learn more here.
Bronze Potato Sponsor
