Refugee Solidarity Community Event
On Saturday, May 18th, around 70 people gathered at the Crescent Community Center in Virginia Beach to show solidarity with refugees. The event featured personal stories from refugees, insights from community leaders, and information on how attendees can help the refugee families resettling in Hampton Roads. Here is a recap of the event.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the president of the Crescent Community Center, Mushtaq Sahaf. Then, Alejandro, founder of RISC, expressed gratitude for everyone’s presence, explained the purpose of the event, and introduced the speakers.
Rick Platt, a member of the Grace Bible Church in Virginia Beach, shared the story of a Syrian family his church is sponsoring. The church helps them with housing, school enrollment, driver’s licenses, job applications, and overall adjustment to life in the U.S. Rick highlighted that for Christians, helping others, including those different from oneself, is a biblical command.
The imam of the Crescent Community Center, Abdul Hanan Ghani, welcomed everyone and shared a personal story about his grandmother, the first Afghan to arrive in a community in Jacksonville, Florida many years ago. His story highlighted the tradition of welcoming refugees and the personal connections that make such efforts meaningful.
An Afghan refugee and Commonwealth Catholic Charities volunteer named Younis spoke about the cultural shock and difficulties he faced upon arriving in the U.S. Many newcomers expect easier transitions but find reality more challenging, requiring community support. Younis, now working with the Commonwealth Catholic Charities in their refugee resettlement program, emphasized positivity, kindness, and the importance of being welcoming to our refugee neighbors.
Olena, a Ukrainian refugee, recounted the immensely difficult experience of fleeing her home in Ukraine under the relentless bombing campaign. Her journey was full of uncertainty, but with help from people she met online, she eventually reached the U.S. Olena stressed the importance of staying positive and hopeful despite difficulties. She also emphasized the crucial role of community support for refugees, and having compassion for other people. She is still seeking a job and establishing a new life. She is affiliated with the Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association, which provides support and a sense of community for Ukrainians fleeing the war.
Ahmad, an Afghan refugee, shared his escape from Afghanistan after the government’s downfall and the U.S. forces’ withdrawal. He highlighted his fortune in being able to leave due to his government work and English proficiency, which eased his adjustment to life in the U.S. After spending five months in a military camp, learning useful skills to navigate a new life in this country, Ahmad and his wife were resettled in Virginia, where they had acquaintances. He found employment with the HRBT tunnel construction, demonstrating resilience despite the challenges.
Aisha, a member of the refugee committee of the Crescent Community Center, talked about their work in sponsoring refugee families. One major challenge is finding housing, as landlords often require credit scores and work histories. The committee assists refugees with job placement, English classes, and providing a welcoming community to help refugees with various needs. Aisha told the heartbreaking story of an Afghan girl who was prohibited from receiving schooling in her home country. When she resettled in the U.S., she was told that she had passed the maximum age limit to attend school, and she was devastated. The committee eventually found an adult learning center, and she then was able to receive her G.E.D.
Floortje Rawee, a resettlement program manager at the Commonwealth Catholic Charities, outlined their extensive role in refugee resettlement. They have a contract with the U.S. government to provide initial support for new arrivals, including housing, furniture, school enrollment, job training, and legal assistance for. They also offer limited extended assistance for up to five years, catering to specific needs like those of trafficking victims or individuals with temporary protected status. Floortje explained the refugee resettlement system in general and how individuals and organizations can help without duplicating efforts to support refugees. Learn more about the important work of the Commonwealth Catholic Charities at cccofva.org/migrantsandrefugees.
Zaina Muhammad, executive director of Hampton Roads Refugee Relief (HR3), described the services it offers as a small nonprofit based in Newport News. They assist refugee families and asylum seekers who are not covered by government-funded refugee resettlement programs like those done by the Commonwealth Catholic Charities. Their services include help with housing, employment, tutoring, household items, and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Operating on a limited budget, HR3 relies heavily on fundraising within the community to continue supporting refugees. Learn more about HR3’s work and how you can get involved at hr3va.org.
Sabrina Wooten, a Virginia Beach Councilwoman and mayoral candidate, shared her experiences interacting with various communities in Virginia Beach. Speaking about her experience as an ordained minister, she emphasized the importance of community involvement and support, highlighting the positive impact of such engagement on both refugees and the local community. She emphasized the importance of diversity and hearing different people’s stories and perspectives to make sure that everyone is welcome in an inclusive environment.
The event concluded with a deeper understanding and commitment among attendees. Participants left with a greater appreciation of the refugee experience, knowledge of the resettlement process, and awareness of how to contribute locally. After the last speaker, attendees enjoyed Syrian cookies and tea, acknowledging the fact that many of the refugees in the area are from Syrian. RISC encouraged everyone to stay engaged and look forward to more events and opportunities to support refugees.
Stay Tuned for More Events!
RISC, along with its partner organizations, will continue to host events and initiatives to support refugees. Stay connected to learn more about how to get involved and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those seeking new beginnings.
By coming together as a community, we can significantly impact the lives of refugees, offering them the support and hope they need to build a better future. This event demonstrated the power of bringing different cultures and refugee groups together, hearing their diverse perspectives, and spotlighting their stories and voices. Through these shared experiences, we can foster understanding, compassion, and solidarity. Let’s continue to show that our community stands in solidarity with those who are seeking new lives in Hampton Roads.