With the aromas of dumplings and matzoh ball soup mixing fragrantly, students from the Asian American Association (AAA) and Harvard-Radcliffe Hillel mingled yesterday at a study break sponsored by both organizations.

The party, which approximately 60 students attended, was held in the recently-completed Hillel building. Students from both organizations prepared the food on-site.

The get-together was part of what leaders from both organizations called an ongoing effort to reach out to other ethnic organizations on campus.

Hillel has always strived to have a number of different activities with different ethnic groups on campus," said Elie G. Kaunfer '95, the chair of Hillel.

Last night's event was low-key and friendly. Holding paper plates, students carried on standard beginning-of-the-semester conversations about classes and getting settled.

Alex Cho '96, president of AAA, said he enjoyed the evening. But he noted that the busy lives of students and shoestring budgets of student groups often make such projects difficult.

"It's something that's been important but hard to do because organizations have to struggle financially and organizationally," Cho said. "It's hard enough to organize your own [inter-group] activities."

"I'm just very happy that Hillel, especially since it has its own building, is willing to share so fully with other groups," he said.

Cho said he feels the connections made at functions such as this are invaluable.

"I think in general knowing more student leaders, especially of ethnic organizations, makes it easier to deal [with controversy] should something come up," Cho said. "There's a lot of potential for cooperation."

Kaunfer, who is senior editor of The Crimson, said he believed that meeting people in such an informal setting might help the groups come together. "By eating dumplings and matzoh ball soup we hope to foster greater understanding." Kaunfer said.

Student participants agreed.

"I think it's a very good idea because people say there's a lot of self-segregation on campus," said Jesse Sage '98. "I don't see it as a race thing, just about getting together and meeting people you might not otherwise meet."

Getting different cultures to interact on campus is the key, another student said.

"An event like this is a great way for groups to share cultures," said Michael Pine '95. "Diversity is not just having different cultures on campus but having those cultures interact."

Sonan Moon '97 said the event was also a good opportunity for the AAA to increase awareness.

"We wanted to reach out to more of the Harvard community that might not be familiar with the Asian American Association," Moon said