This past Saturday, September 14th, LSS presented a free community film screening of Peace By Chocolate at the University of North Florida’s Robinson Theater. The event was made even more special with the appearance of the film’s director, producer, and writer, Jonathan Keijser, along with the lead actor, Ayham Abou Ammar. The two participated in a lively Q&A session moderated by Jacksonville’s own Staci Spanos Gibson.
Peace By Chocolate is based on the inspiring true story of the Hadhad family, who were forced to flee Syria after their chocolate factory was destroyed in the war. Resettling in Nova Scotia, Canada, the family rebuilt their business through a journey that symbolized resilience and hope. This film beautifully highlights the refugee experience, a story we felt was important to share with our community. Visit the Peace By Chocolate website to learn more about their story and purchase some delicious chocolate!
We were thrilled to see nearly a full house at the screening, with an engaged audience captivated by both the film and the heartfelt Q&A session that followed. Jonathan and Ayham provided deep insights into the making of the film, the challenges of portraying such an emotional story, and the importance of representation in media.
Zakria Ganji, a former LSS client, took to the stage before the Q&A began to talk to the audience about her experience in the resettlement journey. “As someone who has walked a similar path, this story deeply resonates with me, reminding us all of the power of hope, compassion, and the incredible impact we have when we can come together to support one another.” Zakira has spent the past five years working closely with refugee communities, focusing on empowering women and youth through sustainable development and education.
Zakira and her family resettled in the United States in March earlier this year; LSS has provided supportive services geared toward achieving self-sufficiency. the Ganji family since their arrival. In 2023, LSS served over 2,500 refugees in Jacksonville, FL; the Ganji family is just one of the many families that have received these empowering services.
“Lutheran Social Services has been a beacon of hope for so many, including myself. They have assisted us since the moment we arrived, helping us navigate the complex systems of housing, healthcare, and education, ensuring that we had the essentials to start our new life,” Zakira shared, describing how LSS welcomed her and other families with open arms and provided them with tools to rebuild their lives and dignity. “Their work goes beyond mere assistance; it’s about restoring the sense of humanity that is often stripped away in times of conflict.”
Zakira’s passion for community service has only grown stronger through her own experience, and she is determined to continue making a difference in the lives of those who are still in the process of their resettlement journey and uplifting refugee communities in Jacksonville, FL. “My story is just one of many, but it is a story that I hope inspires you to see the resilience, strength, and potential that exists within every refugee.” You can help Zakira make a positive impact in refugee communities that enrich our culture in Jacksonville by getting involved with LSS today.
Learn about how to be a part of change in the community by volunteering with LSS
“My years working with refugees at Lutheran Social Services have been among the most fulfilling and impactful of my life,” said Bill Brim, President & CEO of LSS. “I wish everyone in Jacksonville knew what I know—that refugees make it a better place for ALL of us to call home."
"The stories of the Hadhad Family and the Ganji family are just two; there are thousands of others that have not been told yet. Their stories- the stories of our refugee neighbors- are testaments to the power of hope, perseverance, and the transformative impact of community support.”
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community for joining us for the evening and for the warm, welcoming spirit that made this event such a success. Your support and enthusiasm for this important story truly made the night memorable.
A special thanks goes out to our event sponsors, such as Crown Products and Radiant Learning Co., whose support helped make this evening possible. A special thanks also goes out to Hala’s Cafe and Biscottis, whose delectable dishes and desserts helped make the VIP reception a delightful experience. Without their support and that of our other sponsors, the full fruition of this event would not have been possible.
Finally, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the LSS staff and volunteers, whose dedication and hard work in the days leading up to and on the day of the event ensured everything ran smoothly. Their efforts were essential in bringing this powerful story to life for our community.
Check out the photos from this event below!
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