Transformation Table, a local cross-cultural dinner series, will on Monday host an Afghan dinner pop-up to benefit Lutheran Services Carolinas, a group assisting Afghan refugees get settled in the Carolinas.
The dinner at Park & Grove downtown will be prepared by Afghanistan-native Fauzia Garner of Fauzia’s Kitchen, serving a variety of Afghan staples like bulanee (potato and scallions stuffed in dough), kabuli palau (boneless lamb shank with rice, caramelized carrots and raisins), and firnee (Afghan pudding made with milk and pistachios).
Plans for dinner began when Garner reached out to Transformation Table founder Tina Singleton after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August.
“Imagine leaving your family, friends, job, home, and country for good, not knowing whether or not you will ever be able to return,” said Singleton in a press release.
“You are a judge, a government worker, a student, a women’s rights activist, a small business owner or a stay-at-home mother. You are evacuated out of your country and find yourself in a country you do not know and have to begin your life all over again. You must navigate a system you are unfamiliar with and must find housing, a job and learn a new language. If you have children, you must find ways to occupy their time as you figure out how they will learn English and attend school.”
Lutheran Services Carolinas is currently helping a handful of Afghan refugees and their families start over in the Charleston area.
Bedrija Jazic, the group’s executive director for refugee resettlement, and his staff will be on hand at the dinner to discuss how the Charleston community can support some of our newest neighbors.
Tickets for the dinner are sold out, but for those who would still like to help the Afghan refugees can donate to Lutheran Services Carolinas at lscarolinas.com. Select the first option of “Refugee Emergency Assistance” and type “Charleston Afghans Fundraiser” in the comment section.
Stay cool. Support City Paper. City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.