Syrian refugee family ready to start new life in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A Syrian family took their first steps off a plane and into their new lives in Los Angeles Thursday night.

It was the culmination of a long journey home from halfway around the world. The Fatrgi family took two years to come to the U.S. under the refugee program. Until they could come to the state, they sought refuge in Jordan.

When they landed at the Los Angeles International Airport, they were greeted by other family members who are also refugees and had been living in Pomona for about six months.

Thanks to the International Institute of Los Angeles, the family will be spending two weeks in Glendale at a hotel. The Islamic Center of Claremont is also helping them find an apartment and found one member, Rami Fatrgi, a job.

The family is among 10,000 refugees being allowed into the U.S. since late 2015.

"I'm so excited. I really cannot express myself. It's unbelievable that I am here with my family," Rami said.

He said he would like to take his family to Disneyland and is excited to explore California after hearing what a beautiful state it is.