2 families who fled Syria celebrate 1st Thanksgiving in SoCal

CLAREMONT, Calif. (KABC) -- Mamoud Tarifi and his family have extra place settings and guests at their table for Thanksgiving. They invited two families who fled Syria and are adjusting to life in America.

"Their house has been destroyed. They lost everything. They walked out of Syria, both families, with the clothes on their back," Tarifi said.

This is the first time Mastafa Kanjou and Fouad Wawieh and their families have had a traditional turkey feast, with stuffing, yams mashed potatoes and more.

"All the food is delicious. God bless the cook," Kanjou said.

The families have been in the United States for three months now.

Eyewitness News first spoke to the Wawiehs in October when the family of eight arrived in the U.S. after fleeing to Lebanon and then Egypt.

As refugees in America, the families hope for better lives. So far, they have not experienced any discrimination -- only kindness.

"They have seen nothing but positive energy from the community," Tarifi said.

They are thankful for the help they've received, and the new tradition they've embraced.