PITTSBURGH — World Refugee Day is recognized in Pittsburgh with a celebration that honors new beginnings and welcomes immigrants.
And Monday’s event at Schenley Plaza was nothing short of a cultural melting pot.
Music, food, art and fun: World Refugee Day brought out the young, old and everyone in between. Organizer Allie Reefer with the Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) said the event is special because it is an opportunity to celebrate immigrants, their culture and the unique beauty in all our differences.
“We want to have a space for them to showcase their talents, their food, their skills, and to help them feel like they belong in Pittsburgh,” said Reefer.
Reefer shared that the city has seen an influx of immigrants in recent years.
“I mean, it is a great opportunity for Pittsburghers to kind of see like, ‘Oh, ... there (are) a lot of immigrants here,’” said Reefer.
According to the U.S. census from 2010 to 2016, Pittsburgh gained more than 22,000 residents from international migration. As a result, groups like the JFCS have worked to help immigrants call the city home.
“The U.S. embassy recommended me to leave the country as soon as possible,” shared Fazly.
In 2016, Fazly, a former Afghan government employee, moved his family to Pittsburgh seeking refuge after his home in Afghanistan became unsafe.
“The experience I remember, I cannot forget. (It) was not easy to adjust quickly,” said Noorulhaq Fazly.
Fazly said after a few months in the city, things began to change.
“Expanding our network, making friends, (the American) community ... came and helped us. They showed us the way,” said Fazly.
Now, he can’t imagine leaving Pittsburgh, the city he calls home.
“I love Pittsburgh,” said Fazly.
Organizers said today’s event is a huge step in the direction of inclusion.
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