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Syrian Ethnic Dinner: celebrates community and culture

Community and culture came alive at the Fort St. James Secondary School gym on March 19.
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Various ethnic dishes were enjoyed by all who attended the dinner on March 19.

Barbara Latkowski

Caledonia Courier

Community and culture came alive at the Fort St. James Secondary School gym on March 19.

The Fort St. James Syrian Refugee Group held their first fundraiser in hopes of sponsoring two families and the community came to show their support.

It was a family night full of fun, games, dancing, drumming, face painting, belly dancing and yes, food.

Many dishes from several cultures were prepared and enjoyed by all who attended.

The first fundraiser invited anyone to donate a toonie gift basket and to bring their favorite ethnic dish to the event that filled the high school gym.

“We should be truly proud,” Fatima Hatamleh, a member of the Syrian Refugee Group said.

“We are all here because of one goal and our goal is truly united tonight as we help our Syrian brothers and sisters.”

Over 8 million Syrians have been displaced and 4 million have fled conflict and poverty in hope of finding a better future and a new opportunity elsewhere.

About 25, 00 refugees are set to arrive in Canada in 2016.

One of those families has already arrived in Canada and is now residing in Prince George.

The Tohme Family came to the ethnic dinner in Fort St. James to share their emotional experience and celebrate with the community.

“We like many refugees were afraid, full of fear and scared of being rejected. But now, that feeling of rejection is gone. Thank you Canada.”

The family shared a musical performance and the night ended with a Syrian dance where everyone joined hands in celebration.