Mostafa Kanjou escaped from Homs, Syria with his wife and two young daughters. They received asylum to come to the United States in September 2015. Now in Pomona, California, the Kanjous are building a new life. But they still miss the family that they had to leave behind.
An estimated 1.2 million Syrians have fled to the neighboring country of Jordan, where they are looking to rebuild their lives. Most of these Syrians live outside of the refugee camps that have dominated the media, in cities and villages across Jordan. Although the Jordanian government has done a great deal to accommodate the needs of the refugees, they are not allowed to work without permits, which are awarded sparingly. Many refugees living in Jordan cite the inability to work as one of their greatest challenges.
The violence in Syria has left waves of sick and injured on the doorsteps of bordering countries. The Jordanian government is struggling to keep up with the massive demand for healthcare services. One organization has found a way to help.
How one Syrian refugee is using his Southern California restaurant to build a community.