Thanksgiving comes early for Iraqi refugees in Knoxville
The war in Iraq hits home for many people in Tennessee, especially during the holidays. For a group of Iraqis in Knoxville, the war ultimately forced them seek refuge in the United States where they now celebrate American holidays.
Sunday afternoon, several local families hosted a Thanksgiving party at Jubilee Farms in west Knoxville. The festivities resembled a typical gathering, complete with group photos, children playing football outside and lots of pumpkin pie. But the feast also featured biryani, a traditional Iraqi dish.
Ask any of the refugees about the events that led them to relocate to Tennessee, and you are bound to hear the response, “It is a long story.” For many, the story is far from over.
“Their stories are remarkable,” said Susie Isaac, one of the hosts of the Thanksgiving party. “I feel like I have opened a book and read some old story from some war, and I am realizing this is my friend and this happened two months ago.”
Refugee Salah Gazaa has many reasons to be thankful. Persecuted in his home city of Baghdad, Gazaa said a group of men brutally beat him to the brink of death.
“They were shooting at random and thought I was dead when they left,” said Gazaa.
Gazaa remained unconscious for more than 40 days. Once he recovered, he fled to Syria for two years with his family. The family now finds refuge in the United States.
“The future is not for me. It is for my daughters,” said Gazaa. “This Tennessee is very beautiful.”
Gazaa struggles with English, but is quick to embrace all of the local traditions. That includes Thanksgiving and American football.
“Yes, Tennessee football,” said Gazaa, wearing a bright orange Vols sweatshirt while giving a thumbs up gesture. “Yesterday [Saturday], good game!”
This was the first Thanksgiving for 22-year-old Iraqi refugee Sabrena Namrood. Namrood, a Catholic who fled Baghdad in 2006, arrived in the United States six months ago with her parents.
“I feel I am safe here,” said Namrood through an interpreter. “When we first came here we did not know anybody. Now we have met a lot of people who have helped us.”
Namrood said her brother fled Iraq and now lives in Turkey. She hopes he can either relocate to the United States or the family will be reunited in Iraq if the situation becomes safe to return.
Qusay Khaleey is celebrating his second Thanksgiving in America. The Basrah native practiced law and said he was forced to leave Iraq due to persecution.
“I was working for a human rights office, and people did not like my work,” said Khaleey. “There were a lot of threats.”
Khaleey does not know if the United States will remain his home in the long-term, but for now he eagerly embraces the local culture and Thanksgiving.
“The first time I asked about what happened and what did the holiday mean,” said Khaleey. “When I understand, I feel happy.”
“For the refugees, it’s difficult. Finding things to be thankful for helps sort of lift your spirits and helps you focus on the positive things,” said Isaac.
Source: WBIR.COM
By Jim Matheny
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