World Refugee Day: Press Release
At World Refugee Day 2025, Voice of Refugees (VOR) celebrated the resilience and cultural diversity of our refugee neighbors in Orange County. The impactful evening began with the screening of “Zaatari: A Syrian Refugee Story”, filmed in the Middle East with a cast of actors from refugee camps in Amman, Jordan. Next was a poignant presentation by VOR Executive Director Chris Khoury, followed by a time of reflection and prayer guided by scripture, statistics, and stories. Over 70 guests attended the event, which culminated in a joyous celebration with food, music, dance, dress, and poetry offered by refugee neighbors from 12 different countries.
This year’s celebration held a unique opportunity for support. As our country installs many policy changes, refugees and new Americans are facing a new set of challenges. A sudden closing of the US refugee program and regional travel bans have left mothers, fathers, and their adult children separated, wondering when (or, if) they will see each other again. Funding cuts have meant newer families lack the usual resettlement resources for their initial phase of stabilization. Yet, as many attendees bore witness, the chance to intentionally commune and pray for our refugee neighbors became even all the more urgent, and significant. Most crucially, there was healing to be found in moments of being in community together, to celebrate the dignity of refugees who took great joy and pride in representing their cultures.
“It was an amazing opportunity for local churches to engage more deeply with our refugee neighbors. I loved how VOR was intentional in sharing meaningful information and opportunity for prayer, while also creating space to spend time with refugee families. What a fun mix of cultures, food, dancing - I hope to bring more people with me next year!” - Haley, Bridge Community Church
“I love the way the VOR team makes the refugees feel like they’re part of a family. The refugees were so happy to show off their culture through food and traditional clothing.” - Maha, The Cove
“It was such a joy to be a part of World Refugee Day. Genuinely felt so joyful to be in an environment so vibrant and full of life. I loved experiencing the beauty of the cultures, the food, and especially the people who were representing their nations. Among the families who represented, there was a sense of pride about sharing about their countries (also knowing that they can’t go home anytime soon). You could just see that it was bringing dignity to them, to see Americans attending the event enjoy a taste of their cultures.” - Eunice, YWAM
One of our VOR refugees, Fatima Maroufi was a Poet Laureate in Morocco before she and her husband relocated to the United States. A few years ago, after a Bible study on “Jesus, the Light of the World”, that traced the usage of “light” in scripture, Fatima was moved to respond with a poem, in Arabic. Below is an English translation from her reading before an attentive audience at World of Refugee Day.
The Message for Humanity by Fatima Maroufi
The light of truth is revealed in the expression,
and the light of knowledge is the presence of humanity in man.
Here lies the veil of evil, yet injustice and tyranny are lifted
from an unjust age that feeds on souls that breathe water and earth.
The universe lives, crying out
for the rain of mercy.
What is the use of hearts without light?
What is the use of minds without light?
What is the use of hearing without light?
What is the use of sight and wisdom without light?
What is the use of speech and action without light?
What is the use of the path without light?
What is the use of life as a whole without light?
This (light) is the extension of a subjective reality
bonded both contemplation and revelation,
in the solitude of spiritual peace,
an eternal Truth,
and a great hidden secret,
surrounding the breath (the spirit) of light,
moving the whole of the universe.
