Video Transcript: International Thanksgiving Offers Brief Space of Connection
Genae Horst: Here on the campus of Syracuse University, the Micron Victory Court remains empty on the day to day. But not tonight.
Horst: The university is hosting their 41st International Thanksgiving celebration, giving students and community members alike the chance to find comfort far from home.
Horst: Patricia Diaz, originally from Yucatan, who won’t go home till Christmas says having events like these makes her feel welcome in America.
Patricia Diaz: Thanksgiving is not a celebration that I celebrate with my family, so just being able to come here feeling welcome, being introduced to all the different dishes, of course, we don’t do in Mexico because this is a different celebration, just makes us feel welcome and gives a voice to international students at Syracuse University.
Horst: And while today’s celebration centers on food and cultural exchange, it’s also happening at a time when conversations about immigration and US policy, including enforcement by ICE, continue to shape their lives.
Horst: For them Thanksgiving is not just a new holiday–but a brief space celebrating community and connection.
Horst: Diaz says events like these are important because they give a voice to those who need it most.
Diaz: If Syracuse didn’t have celebrations such as this or opportunities for international students to find a community and meet other international students, like I wouldn’t be able to not only meet more people and meet more friends but indulge in other cultures and learn more about different places, which I think is so important.
Horst: Thanksgiving has always been a holiday focusing on support and time with your loved ones–but for those without, the uncertainty can be daunting. Gatherings like this help to build a sense of stability that is not always found on paper. Reporting for NCC news, I’m Genae Horst.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — For many Syracuse University students and members of the community, Thanksgiving this year brought more than just turkey and pumpkin pie—it offered a much-needed sense of belonging.
The university hosted its 41st International Thanksgiving celebration on November 20th at the Micron Victory Court, transforming the usually quiet campus spot into a vibrant gathering place. The event provided international students and community members a comforting taste amid ongoing concerns about immigration and status safety.
Patricia Diaz, a student from Yucatan who won’t return home until Christmas, said the event helped her feel welcome in America.
“Thanksgiving is not a celebration that I celebrate with my family, so just being able to come here, feeling welcome, being introduced to all the different dishes…just makes us feel welcome and gives a voice to international students at Syracuse University,” Diaz said.
While the celebration centered on food and cultural exchange, it also took place as conversations about immigration and U.S. policy, including enforcement by ICE, continue to shape the lives of many in the community. Organizers and participants alike emphasized how important it is for international students to find connection and comfort during uncertain times.
“If Syracuse didn’t have celebrations such as this or opportunities for international students to find a community and meet other international students, like, I wouldn’t be able to not only meet more people and meet more friends but indulge in other cultures and learn more about different places, which I think is so important,” Diaz said.
For some, Thanksgiving is a holiday focused on support and time with loved ones. For others separated from family, events like this offer stability and a sense of home that can’t always be found on paper.
