By Myrna Martinez
After two years of arduous work, the Pan Valley Institute of AFSC is glad to share that on September 14 we released PVI’s latest community book publication, Syrian Recipes from Home, by Nour Al Mshantaf. The book release event took place at the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno.
“The book launch was very beautiful and heartwarming as a weekend event should be,” said Vickie Fouts, a member of PVI’s Program Committee.
At the book release, Nour read a segment of her story followed by Myrna Martinez N, PVI Program Director, who shared the story behind the making of the book. Despite the challenges, this work was instrumental for Nour and her family to ease the recollection of their memories from home and their disrupting journey while becoming refugees, a status they gained as consequences of the war in Syria.
We at the Pan Valley Institute felt it was important to give Nour the opportunity to tell her story because, while it is unique to her, it’s similar to those of countless refugees. Nour’s story is one of resilience, a trait that is at the heart of many refugee stories. Like so many who fled Syria, she is determined to make a better life for herself and her family.
photo: Tudor Stanley
All recipes in the book were handwritten in Arabic by Nour, an exhausting exercise since it was the first time she had to measure ingredients. The story was done using the oral history approach that consisted of interviewing Nour through an Arabic interpreter, transcribing, translating and meticulously editing to ensure the veracity of Nour’s voice.
The Pan Valley Institute supported this project because we want to help people get past their biases by putting a human face on the Syrian refugees who are struggling to make their way in the U.S.
Accomplishing this project was only possible by the impeccable work of a team of people that included editing, graphic design, photography, interpreting, transcribing and translating.
Books can be requested by e-mailing mmendoza@afsc.org or by calling (559) 222-7678.
photo: Tudor Stanley