They came from all over the world, and for most it was their first taste of an American Thanksgiving.
HIAS Pennsylvania held its annual gathering called “Thankful Together” on Nov. 24 at the Old Pine Community Center at 401 Lombard St., straddled on the border of Society Hill and Queen Village.
HIAS, which stands for Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, started the Thanksgiving event about 15 years ago, welcoming new citizens and refugees to the City of Brotherly Love.
“A lot of people that we represent are living in the shadows,” said Cathryn Miller-Wilson, executive director of HIAS Pennsylvania. “I don’t know what they think of Thanksgiving or if they even notice it. It’s been a great thing to sort of teach about Thanksgiving.”
In its early stages, the event, previously called “Refugee Thanksgiving,” was geared toward refugees who had settled in Philadelphia in the prior year. But during President Donald Trump’s first term, the number of refugees arriving in Philadelphia had dwindled and HIAS started filling seats with its legal team and other helpers, sparking the new name of “Thankful Together.”
Following President-elect Trump’s victory in the November election, HIAS was unsure of the turnout it would receive.
“This year, as you can imagine, our clients are pretty terrified,” Miller-Wilson said. “We actually had about one second of ‘should we not have the event?’ An then we said. ‘No.’ We have to have it. We were there for them the first time, we’re going to be here the second time.”
The spacious Old Pine Community Center was lined with food offerings of not only the traditional American Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potatoes, but a wide variety foods from each corner of the world. Visitors could try stuffing and cranberry sauce, or stick to what is more familiar to them. The type of food ingested didn’t matter in the end. It was a chance to meet new friends and neighbors while sharing a meal.
“It’s really heartwarming to see many new Philadelphians here in this space and to be able to welcome them and break bread with them,” said Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. “I think it’s really important to do that at this time, so I really wanted to be here today.”
Local, state and federal officials walked around to tables and chatted with newly arrived immigrants. There were expected language barriers, but smiles and handshakes can be universal.
“When I think about Thanksgiving I think about the gratitude and there’s so much here to be grateful for,” said Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. “The federal, state and local officials who understand how important it is that we remain a welcoming country and we welcome everyone to our shores and that we help you settle and acclimate, and then celebrate together. Our national holidays. We’re going to be working to make sure this remains a welcoming country and pushing back against the reforms of hatred and exclusion.”
Hoa Pham, Deputy Secretary for the Office of Income Maintenance at the state Department of Human Services, shared a story with guests about her own family’s immigration.
“I was exactly in your position 30-something years ago.,” said Pham, who now lives in Point Breeze. “My family came to this country almost 40 years ago. I know exactly the feelings that you have in your hearts and your minds and I want to say to all of you that you have found community here and it is an honor to welcome you here today.”
HIAS Pennsylvania supports low-income immigrants of all backgrounds as they build new lives in local communities. Through immigration legal services and an array of social services, it works to address their needs, defend their rights and advocate for their equitable inclusion in American society.
The Thankful Together event gives a chance for both sides to meet face to face and enjoy a meal together.
“I think it’s important that our clients hear that they are still welcome and we are grateful to them for what they bring us and that we enjoy food together,” Miller-Wilson said.
