World Refugee Day 2026: Press Release
An evening of cultural celebration and resilience painted a beautiful tapestry of community woven through unity.
Anaheim, CA — June 20, 2026 — Voices of Refugees (VOR) hosted its annual World Refugee Day celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at City Church Anaheim. Aligned with this year's theme, "Make Room," the event brought together community members, faith leaders, and advocates to honor the resilience and gifts of refugees from the SWANA region (Southwest Asia and North Africa) and Central and South Asia — and to create space for refugees not only to be received, but to give, share, and serve.
VOR extends its heartfelt gratitude to City Church Anaheim and Pastor Kyle for generously offering their campus free of charge, to Generation 81 for their volunteers who tirelessly served from setup through teardown, and to Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Leon for issuing certificates of recognition to remarkable individuals who represented their countries and stories through art, attire, cultural delicacies, and poetry.
The Global Refugee Crisis: Why World Refugee Day Matters
Behind this celebration is a sobering reality. According to UNHCR's Global Trends Report released June 2026, there were 41.6 million refugees worldwide by the end of 2025 — a figure that, while representing a three percent decrease from the previous year, remains staggeringly high. An additional 68.7 million people remain internally displaced within their own countries, bringing the total number of forcibly displaced people globally to 117.8 million — roughly 1 in every 70 people on Earth. In 2025 alone, 5.4 million people were forced to flee their homes. The vast majority — 71 percent — now live in low- and middle-income countries, often with little prospect of rebuilding their lives in the near future.
Behind every number is a story. World Refugee Day is a reminder that those stories deserve to be heard.
An Evening of Stories, Culture & Recognition
The evening opened with a presentation on the global refugee crisis and an overview of VOR's mission, followed by an intimate live panel discussion featuring the testimonies of two remarkable individuals:
A Journey of Faith Through Detention The first panelist, an Iranian man who came to the United States with his family after embracing the Christian faith — a decision that placed them in grave danger in their home country — shared one of the most moving stories of the evening. After arriving in the U.S. to seek asylum, he was detained for a period of time, separated from his wife and son. Rather than allowing that season to break him, he leaned deeper into his faith — and in doing so, began discipling a fellow Iranian detainee within the walls of the detention center. His story of encountering God's love in one of the darkest places imaginable, and his recent reunion with his family, left the room in tears. His wife had previously been welcomed as a guest speaker at VOR's Women's Day, and the couple's journey together stands as a testimony to resilience, love, and unshakable faith.
From Kabul to USC — A Dream That Refused to Die The second panelist, an Afghan woman who fled persecution under the Taliban alongside her husband, arrived in the United States with a dream: to become a dentist. The road was far from easy. But at many critical junctures, VOR showed up, not only offering rides to dental school interviews but eventually connecting her to a partner organization that awarded a grant for her to start her licensing program at University of Southern California. On the evening of World Refugee Day, she stood before the audience not just as a refugee — but as a USC graduate with her dental license. Her story of gratitude, perseverance, and hope moved attendees deeply and embodied what it truly means to "make room" for someone's future.
Global Village: 12 Countries, 21 Refugees, One Community
Following the panel, guests were invited into VOR's vibrant Global Village, where 21 refugees representing 12 countries across Southwest and Central Asia and North Africa opened their hearts— and tables — to share their heritage through food, arts, crafts, beauty, and poetry.
The refugee entrepreneurs and cultural ambassadors were honored by Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Leon who issued certificates of recognition as a public acknowledgment that these men and women are not just recipients of support, but contributors to the fabric of this community.
As a finishing note, all guests were invited to learn dabke, a joyful and spirited traditional group dance rooted in the SWANA region — a fitting symbol of the evening's spirit: joy, togetherness, and the beauty of cultures intertwined.
"Make Room" — A New Season for VOR
This year's theme reflects a defining shift in VOR's vision and mission.
"We are moving from serving people to empowering them," said Chris Khoury, Executive Director of Voices of Refugees."Our mission to help people stabilize and integrate is being ushered into a new season through advocating for the talents and gifts of refugees, in particular, equipping women to see their business ideas turn into reality. It was amazing to see the colorful tapestry of the nations coming together in community and unity to make room for the diversity and embrace the rich culture of the refugees."
All contributions raised at the event go directly toward programs that empower refugee women — helping them launch businesses, secure employment, and build the confidence to step fully into their new lives. Making room, VOR believes, is not charity — it is an act of dignity, community, and welcome.
Thank You to Our Partners
VOR wishes to extend a special thank you to:
City Church Anaheim & Pastor Kyle — for the generous gift of your campus and your heart for this community
Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Leon — for honoring our refugees with certificates of recognition and for standing with us in making room
Generation 81 — for your tireless volunteers who set up and tore down with joy and faithfulness
Ethno Harmony — for bringing the beautiful melody of Indian drums into our global village celebration
About Voice of Refugees (VOR)
Voice of Refugees is a nonprofit organization based in Southern California committed to walking alongside refugees and displaced individuals as they stabilize, integrate, and thrive in the United States. Through holistic programs spanning economic empowerment, education, mentorship, and community building, VOR serves individuals and families primarily from the SWANA region and Central and South Asia — honoring their dignity, amplifying their voices, and advocating for their gifts.
To learn more or to support VOR's work, please contact us on admin@vorservices.org
"Make Room" — welcome starts here
Women’s Day 2026: Press Release
“Beloved” — VOR’s Annual Women’s Day
April 2026 — Voice of Refugees (VOR) hosted this year’s Women’s Day at Mariners Church Anaheim and Corona Friends Church, welcoming more than 150 refugee women from across the SWANA region for a day centered on dignity, healing, and community.
Workshop for Arabic-speaking Women
From morning to late afternoon, Mariners Anaheim became a space of welcome for 113 women and 68 children, served by over 100 volunteers from 47 churches (Yes, all 47 of them and many of them serving refugees for the very first time.)
The day was intentionally designed to reflect a deeper message: that every woman is seen, valued, and loved by God. Rooted in the Bible Verse from Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love”
Like every year, we included a culturally sensitive sessions for Afghan and Arab women, with messages of hope shared in Farsi and Arabic. Our guest speakers, themselves refugees, brought a Spirit-led encouragement to each group.
Dr. Hadil Malo, a Syrian speaker, addressed the Arab women, while Mrs. M.T., an Iranian speaker, shared with the Afghan women. Both are women whom VOR served when they first arrived in the United States. It was heartwarming to see them now thriving and sharing about God’s love in the midst of their own resettlement and rebuilding of life.
They emphasized the everlasting love that God has for every woman—a love with no expiration. Their message was not only a teaching, but also a testimony drawn from their own personal experience.
Throughout the day, women participated in:
A flower arrangement experience fostering creativity and art
Beauty and self-care stations including manicure, henna, hair styling, and facials
A guided Bible reflection workshop with our guest speakers
A seated lunch lovingly prepared by our volunteers, creating space for fellowship and connection
Gift distributions, including Chick-fil-A gift cards and curated gift bags by Church by the Sea
Following the beautiful impact of our Anaheim gathering, Voice of Refugees hosted its second Women’s Day celebration in Corona at Friends Church, continuing our mission to empower refugee and immigrant women through encouragement, care, and community.
This second Women’s Day in Corona marked a milestone in the lives of women who have been displaced by war and often left longing for true community and belonging. With around 60 women coming together to deepen relationships and be inspired to rise above the challenges of life, no one left the same. Their gratitude, feedback, and joyful expressions said it all.
Many of the women who attended have experienced isolation, trauma, and the emotional weight of rebuilding life far from home. For many, simple moments of connection, conversation, and genuine care are rare and deeply needed.
The responses of our guests were heart-warming and precious:
“Do you know that you are so loved from the God of heaven? Do you know how valuable you are?” — Syrian Muslim participant, reflecting on the workshop message in a conversation with one of our volunteers.
“This event is not to be missed. I would have deeply regretted missing this. We had an amazing time today” — Iraqi Muslim participant as she was walking to a VOR car for a ride.
“I want to come here every day. This was an exceptional experience and you need to have events every month” — Palestinian Christian participant
Beyond the program itself, Women’s Day represented a powerful expression of unity across the broader Church. Volunteers from dozens of congregations came together to serve not as superior human being, but as broken people serving broken people. We shared in the common commision to welcoming and loving our refugee neighbors.
“The impact I see in the lives of women we serve is immense,” said VOR leadership. “Walking alongside refugees year after year, we have witnessed a growing openness to hope. We are bringing hope to our global neighbors in practical ways—and with every touchpoint, they draw closer to flourishing in their new home.”
The event also welcomed engagement from the K-Wave Radio Community Outreach Team, who supported event operations, and representatives from the Arab American Business Chamber, who expressed interest in future partnership after engaging with the community firsthand.
What we are witnessing in Corona and Anaheim is a real thirst for community among refugee women. Women are longing for friendship, support, and spiritual encouragement. Through every event, we received requests for prayer and support — many women are looking for jobs, needing furniture, seeking help for their children.
It is truly a blessing to be a blessing and stand beside these women, serve them with dignity, and remind them of God’s faithful love during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.
A Call to Continue the Impact
While Women’s Day marks a meaningful milestone, it also highlights the ongoing need. Many registered women were unable to attend due to life circumstances, and the need for continued follow-up and support remains significant.
VOR invites partners and supporters to:
Give — Every contribution helps extend care beyond the event through follow-up programs, relational support, and integration efforts
Pray — For the women and families served, and for continued impact within refugee communities
Women’s Day is not the end—it is the beginning of deeper connection, continued help and support, and long-term transformation.
Women’s Day was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of many partners:
Host Venue for Anaheim: Mariners Church Anaheim, with special thanks to Lead Pastor Munyoki Mulwa and the Outreach Team
Host Venue for Corona: Corona Friends Church, with special thanks to Pastor Matt and the Church Elders
Program Sponsors & Leads:
The Cove Church (flower arrangement experience led by Julie Warner)
Calvary Chapel Saving Grace (beauty stations, led by Debbie Douglas)
Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (decor, hospitality, photography)
Gift & Resource Contributors:
Church by the Sea - Laguna Beach (200 gifts)
Chick-fil-A (Courtesy of Jami Roth): gift cards for all women
Hourik Kazarian (lobby decor)
Sarah Hanna (gift bags)
Serving Church Teams: Branches Church, Sarang Church, Mariners Church, Renew Church La Mirada, EV Free Diamond Bar, St. Mary Syriac Orthodox Church, Christian Arabic Church, Sandals Church Palm Avenue, and many others.
Additionally, VOR Founder and Board Chair Nazareth Rizkallah and his family served throughout the entire day alongside volunteers.
So thankful for the gift donations from Church by the Sea, Chick-fil-A , and Miss S. Hanna
About Voice of Refugees (VOR)
Voice of Refugees is a nonprofit organization committed to serving refugee families through holistic programs that address practical needs, build community, and support long-term integration. Through partnerships with churches and volunteers, VOR works to create pathways toward stability, belonging, and hope.
World Refugee Day 2025: 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.