Dallas, November 28, 2025
Approximately 350 refugees from 15 countries gathered in Dallas for a Thanksgiving celebration hosted by Gateway of Grace Ministries. This event aimed to foster community and support among refugees, marking an important occasion for many experiencing their first American Thanksgiving. With traditional Persian music and a festive feast, attendees reflected on gratitude and shared their stories while accessing crucial services aimed at easing their resettlement journey in the United States.
Dallas, Texas
Refugees Celebrate Thanksgiving Together in Dallas
On November 27, 2025, approximately 350 refugees from 15 countries gathered in Dallas to celebrate Thanksgiving, fostering a sense of community and support.
Event Details
The 15th annual Thanksgiving celebration was organized by Gateway of Grace Ministries, a Dallas-based nonprofit led by Samira Page, an Iranian refugee who founded the organization 35 years ago. The event featured traditional Persian music and a Thanksgiving feast, marking a significant occasion for many attendees experiencing their first American Thanksgiving. The gathering aimed to provide a welcoming environment for refugees to connect and share in the holiday’s spirit of gratitude and community.
Support and Services
Gateway of Grace Ministries offers various services to assist refugees in their resettlement process, including English language classes, job assistance, housing support, and community fellowship. The Thanksgiving event serves as a cornerstone of these efforts, helping families adjust to life in the United States and build supportive networks within the community.
Personal Stories
Ali Hannarej, who arrived in Texas from Iran 16 months ago, expressed his appreciation for the event, highlighting the positive changes he has experienced since relocating. He emphasized the importance of such gatherings in providing a sense of belonging and hope for a new beginning.
Context and Significance
The Thanksgiving celebration took place amid recent policy changes affecting refugee admissions in the United States. The number of refugees admitted has decreased significantly, leading to increased anxiety among refugee families. Events like this gathering are crucial in alleviating some of that anxiety and reinforcing the themes of generosity, compassion, and community that are central to the holiday.
Broader Community Efforts
Beyond the Thanksgiving celebration, Dallas hosts several initiatives aimed at supporting refugees and fostering community integration. For instance, the annual Dallas World Refugee Day, organized by the Dallas World Refugee Day organization, celebrates the resilience and diversity of refugees in the area. Additionally, organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Dallas provide resources and support to help refugees rebuild their lives in North Texas.
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving celebration in Dallas exemplifies the city’s commitment to supporting refugees and promoting inclusivity. By providing a platform for refugees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate together, the event underscores the importance of community and support in the resettlement process.
FAQs
What is Gateway of Grace Ministries?
Gateway of Grace Ministries is a Dallas-based nonprofit organization founded by Samira Page, an Iranian refugee, 35 years ago. The organization offers services such as English language classes, job assistance, housing support, and community fellowship to help refugees resettle and integrate into the community.
How many refugees attended the Thanksgiving celebration in Dallas?
Approximately 350 refugees from 15 countries attended the 15th annual Thanksgiving celebration organized by Gateway of Grace Ministries in Dallas on November 27, 2025.
What services does Gateway of Grace Ministries provide to refugees?
Gateway of Grace Ministries offers various services to assist refugees, including English language classes, job assistance, housing support, and community fellowship, to help them adjust to life in the United States.
What is the significance of the Thanksgiving celebration for refugees in Dallas?
The Thanksgiving celebration provides refugees with a sense of community and support, offering a platform to connect, share experiences, and celebrate together, which is especially important amid recent policy changes affecting refugee admissions in the United States.
What other initiatives support refugees in Dallas?
Dallas hosts several initiatives aimed at supporting refugees, such as the annual Dallas World Refugee Day, organized by the Dallas World Refugee Day organization, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Dallas, which provides resources and support to help refugees rebuild their lives in North Texas.
Key Features of the Thanksgiving Celebration in Dallas
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Organizer | Gateway of Grace Ministries |
| Founder | Samira Page, an Iranian refugee |
| Number of Attendees | Approximately 350 refugees from 15 countries |
| Services Provided | English language classes, job assistance, housing support, community fellowship |
| Significance | Provides a sense of community and support for refugees, especially amid recent policy changes affecting refugee admissions in the United States |
| Related Initiatives | Dallas World Refugee Day, International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Dallas |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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