JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida (LSSNEFL) brought local refugee experiences into the spotlight through a free screening of the film “Peace by Chocolate” on Saturday, September 14. The event, held at the University of North Florida Theatre, welcomed a crowd of around 700 guests for an engaging evening of film and dialogue centered on the challenges and contributions of refugees within the Jacksonville community.
For over forty years, LSSNEFL has helped resettle refugees admitted to the United States due to dangerous political climates or natural disasters in their own countries. The organization provided life-changing services to 2,542 individuals in 2023 alone. Yet, many Jacksonville locals never think about the struggles and successes of those who have journeyed here to make a new home. The film “Peace by Chocolate” provided a meaningful exploration of refugee life, raising awareness of these experiences.
In addition to the film screening, the evening featured a Q&A discussion with a local refugee, the film’s writer/director Jonathan Keijser, and its star, Ayham Abou Ammar, himself a refugee from Syria. This gave attendees insight into the lives of those who have resettled.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to share such an important film with our community,” said Bill Brim, LSSNEFL President and CEO. “The screening was a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of refugees and the vital role organizations like Lutheran Social Services play in their resettlement process.”
The film “Peace by Chocolate” is based on the true story of a Syrian family. In late 2012, Isam Hadhad’s chocolate factory had been destroyed by a bomb in Damascus, Syria, and the family had lost everything. After three years in a refugee camp in Lebanon, the family ended up in Antigonish, a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada. Thanks to chocolate, connections, and community help, they opened their chocolate shop, eventually branded Peace by Chocolate, in 2016.
Thanks to the generous support of donors and sponsors, the general admission cost of this unique event was entirely free to the public. For more information or to join LSSNEFL in its mission to support the underserved communities in Jacksonville, please visit LSSJax.org.
About Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida
Motivated and guided by the compassion of Christ, Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida is dedicated to providing support and assistance to individuals and families in need, including refugees. Through various programs and services, LSSNEFL works to empower and integrate refugees into the community, helping them rebuild their lives and contribute to society. In addition to refugee services, programs funded by LSSNEFL include HIV care and education, hunger relief, representative payee services, and financial coaching/career development services. Learn more at LSSJax.org.
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