Thanksgiving.

Growing up as a Muslim Syrian American, Thanksgiving was one of those national holidays that was, for lack of a better word, “normal” to engage with as a family. The holiday advertised as a day dedicated to giving thanks — a key value in Islam, mentioned at least 143 times in the Quran.

Quran Chapter 27 Verse 19: So Solomon smiled in amusement at her words, and prayed, “My Lord! Inspire me to ‘always’ be thankful for Your favours which You have blessed me and my parents with, and to do good deeds that please you. Admit me, by Your mercy, into ‘the company of Your righteous servants.”

While my family is scattered throughout the world, exiled by the Assad regime from Syria over the decades, and only a small portion of us being here in various states across the country, Thanksgiving has been that one time of the year where we could take a break from work, come together, and spend quality time with one another. It became a family tradition we looked forward to…while turning a blind eye to the origins of this holiday and genocide of the Native American community; which certainly does not match our values as Muslims, as a family, nor the solidarity we feel as Syrians.

I think it’s time for us as a collective to stop whitewashing history in our books and media, and set national holidays that correctly represent this country’s true values and the first people of this land, our indigenous brothers and sisters, whether by celebration of their rich and vibrant culture, or by remembering the genocide of their people.

If we can’t recognize the mistakes of our past and present, how will we ever build a better future for all?

-Nada, Director of Programs at Karam