Dallas Welcomes New Refugee Families With a Thanksgiving to Remember
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to celebrate a holiday you’ve never heard of before, that’s exactly the experience many refugee families in Dallas just had. And honestly, the way this city opened its arms to them feels like one of those moments that captures the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
At Saint Matthew’s Cathedral in Dallas, families from all over the world gathered for a Thanksgiving lunch hosted by Gateway of Grace, a nonprofit ministry that’s been doing this for more than 15 years. Many of the people stepping through those doors were experiencing their very first Thanksgiving, and you could almost feel the mixture of curiosity, gratitude, and relief in the air.
One of the people guiding them through it all was Yashgin Momeni, a refugee from Iran. This year marked only her second Thanksgiving in the U.S. After fleeing religious persecution, she spent eight long years waiting in Turkey before finally arriving in North Texas. Now, she says it means everything to her to help others who are just beginning their own journeys. As she put it, everyone deserves honor, respect, and attention—especially when they’re new and trying to rebuild their lives.
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Dennis Page, who co-founded Gateway of Grace with his wife Samira—also a refugee from Iran—has made it his mission to help newcomers find not just stability, but community. Their organization teaches English, helps families look for jobs, and introduces them to American customs. But Dennis says the Thanksgiving lunch stands out for a simple reason: it brings people together around food, tradition, and gratitude. There’s the turkey, of course, but also dishes brought from around the globe—little reminders of home mixed in with a uniquely American celebration.
Beyond the meal, Dennis loves introducing families to all the quirky hallmarks of the holiday: the Cowboys game, the turkey trot, the parades, the shopping. It’s a full cultural crash course wrapped in warmth and welcome.
But this year’s celebration also comes with a serious backdrop. Refugee resettlement agencies are bracing for reduced funding, and the cap on refugees entering the U.S. is set to drop sharply. That means organizations like Gateway of Grace may be taking on even more responsibility, helping families meet basic needs as federal support tightens.
Still, standing in that crowded Dallas church, sharing stories and passing plates, it was easy to see something deeper happening. These families—coming from different lands, speaking different languages—were finding a place where they felt safe, valued, and hopeful. For many, it was a reminder that despite all they’ve endured, they have a chance to start again.
And maybe that’s why this event felt so fitting. As Dennis said, it mirrors the essence of the very first Thanksgiving: two cultures coming together, not speaking the same language, but gathering in gratitude for having made it through another year.
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